Most of them don't have any real utility. The primary benefit is that they are not fiat monetary in which governments continually debase the value of. But any real asset can serve in that same role.
Are you touting gold? I could see platinum but gold? Oh well, it least it has some utility value. Tektronix used gold on their valuable plug-ins because they used these gold leaf springs that wiped gold contacts which wiped off any corrosion and made for very reliable electronic contacts. Copper is actually a better conductor than gold. If I recall right, silver made the best conductor which is why their silver solder was so highly valued. Surface corrosion on solder hurts nothing since all the electrical conduction occurs below the surface down where there's no corrosion.
If you are truly interested in knowing i suggest you read this. Probably the most comprehensive look into what cryptocurrencies do and could become. It's broken down so even a simpleton like me can understand it.
