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Suppose the only good in the world is apples, and the only currency is bitcoins. There are 21 million bitcoins in existence.

In 2013, we produce 21 million apples, so we could say that each bitcoin is worth 1 apple. In 2014, we produce 42 million apples, which is 100% annual GDP growth. Each bitcoin is worth 2 apples, which is a 100% appreciation in the value of the currency, aka. deflation.

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Just to explain why growth => inflation, frequently:

Grow the (effective) money supply with lending and deposit accounts, and apples / dollar falls. When things are growing, people know there is money to be made, and so expect they are more likely to be paid back, and so lend more freely.

Thanks. That was counter-intuitive for me, now I get it.

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