$BTC $BTC, or Bitcoin, is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer network using blockchain technology, enabling secure and transparent transactions without intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin is often referred to as "digital gold" due to its limited supply of 21 million coins and its use as a store of value. It has sparked the creation of thousands of other cryptocurrencies and is a cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem. Bitcoin is highly volatile but remains a symbol of financial independence and innovation in the digital age.