$BTC When Bitcoin launched in 2009, mining was simple. Satoshi Nakamoto and early adopters used basic computers to solve cryptographic puzzles, validating transactions and earning Bitcoin rewards. Unlike today’s high-powered mining rigs, early setups were modest, running on home PCs. This process secured the blockchain and introduced new Bitcoins into circulation. Early miners, including Hal Finney, played a crucial role in stabilizing the network. Back then, Bitcoin had minimal value, and mining was more about experimentation than profit. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for today’s competitive mining industry, which powers Bitcoin’s security and decentralization. The simplicity of early mining reflects Bitcoin’s grassroots origins, growing from a niche project to a global financial force.