$BTC is the ticker symbol for Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency. Created by an anonymous person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin was introduced in 2009 as a decentralized digital currency. It operates on a peer-to-peer network and relies on blockchain technology to ensure security and transparency. Bitcoin's limited supply, with a maximum of 21 million coins, has contributed to its value appreciation over time. It is used for various purposes, including online purchases, as a store of value, and as an investment asset. Bitcoin continues to be a major player in the cryptocurrency market.