Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most valuable cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates as a decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator, allowing peer-to-peer transactions on the Bitcoin network without intermediaries.

Bitcoin is often referred to as "digital gold" due to its limited supply (21 million BTC maximum) and store-of-value properties. It has become the most recognized and widely adopted cryptocurrency globally, with a market capitalization often exceeding $500 billion.

Key Characteristics of Bitcoin

  • Fixed Supply: Only 21 million Bitcoin will ever exist, creating scarcity
  • First Cryptocurrency: Launched in 2009, pioneering blockchain technology
  • Proof of Work: Uses mining to secure the network and validate transactions
  • Halving Events: Bitcoin issuance is cut in half approximately every 4 years
  • Global Acceptance: Accepted by thousands of merchants and institutional investors

Real-World Example

If you bought 1 Bitcoin in 2010 for less than $1, it would be worth over $40,000 today (as of 2026). Many investors view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a long-term store of value, similar to gold.

Understanding Bitcoin is easier when you're familiar with these related concepts:

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