Strictly speaking the USD is not money because of the lack of intrinsic value. FIAT money in general is nothing but a big scam. However, FIAT money is also a big exception because governments force you to take their money, at least in their countries. Therefore such FIAT currencies are at least backed by a country's productivity because you can buy goods and services with them in the issuing country. Old cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin don't enjoy such a privilege. They are truly collector's items.