$BTC
**Bitcoin** is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym *Satoshi Nakamoto*. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks. Transactions are verified through a secure process called blockchain, a distributed ledger that ensures transparency and immutability.
Bitcoin is limited to 21 million coins, giving it a scarcity similar to gold, which has earned it the nickname "digital gold." It can be used for payments, as an investment, or as a hedge against inflation.
The cryptocurrency's price is highly volatile, influenced by market demand, regulatory news, and macroeconomic factors. Bitcoin has revolutionized the financial world, sparking the development of thousands of other cryptocurrencies and promoting the adoption of blockchain technology.