$BTC Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s first cryptocurrency, was launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous developer Satoshi Nakamoto. Born out of the 2008 financial crisis, Bitcoin was designed as a decentralized alternative to traditional banking, aiming to restore financial control to individuals. Its core innovation, blockchain technology, allows peer-to-peer transactions without a central authority, ensuring transparency and security.

The first-ever Bitcoin transaction occurred when Nakamoto sent BTC to developer Hal Finney. In 2010, Bitcoin's first commercial use was recorded when 10,000 BTC were exchanged for two pizzas—an event now celebrated as “Bitcoin Pizza Day.” As adoption grew, so did its value and recognition.

Bitcoin reached $1,000 in 2013, faced regulatory scrutiny, and endured multiple market cycles. By 2021, it hit an all-time high above $60,000, attracting institutional investors. Despite volatility, Bitcoin continues to be a symbol of financial freedom and innovation, laying the foundation for the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.