Bitcoin passes the $1,000 mark for first time: Digital currency QUADRUPLES its value in less than three weeks

Virtual currency Bitcoin has passed the $1,000 (£613) mark for the first time since it was introduced in 2009.
According to the currency's main exchange, Mt.Gox, the price for a single Bitcoin has almost quadrupled since its previous record high of $267 (£165) less than three weeks ago
Analysts claim the demand for Bitcoin follows increased awareness about benefits of the currency and a drive to move it into the mainstream.

Bitcoins can be bought with near anonymity, which supporters say lowers fraud risk and increases privacy.
The current rises follow the launch of the world’s first Bitcoin ATM, dubbed Robocoin, in a Vancouver coffee shop.
The blue and silver ATM machine, which is operated by Vancouver-based Bitcoiniacs and Nevada-based Robocoin, changes bitcoins to Canadian dollars and vice versa.
Users scan their hand to confirm identity, and then funds move to or from a virtual wallet on their smartphone.