$BTC (Bitcoin)
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**$BTC: The Pioneer of Cryptocurrency**
Bitcoin ($BTC), created in 2009 by the pseudonymous **Satoshi Nakamoto**, is the world’s first decentralized digital currency. Operating on a **proof-of-work (PoW)** blockchain, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks.
### **Key Features:**
- **Limited Supply:** Capped at **21 million coins**, making it inherently deflationary.
- **Decentralization:** Secured by a global network of miners, resistant to censorship.
- **Store of Value:** Often called "digital gold" due to its scarcity and adoption as a hedge against inflation.
### **Market Influence**
As the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, Bitcoin sets trends in the crypto market. Its price movements often impact altcoins, and institutional adoption (e.g., ETFs) continues to grow.
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