$BTC

**\$BTC**, or **Bitcoin**, is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous figure known as **Satoshi Nakamoto**. It introduced the concept of decentralized digital money using **blockchain technology**, where transactions are recorded on a public ledger verified by a global network of computers (nodes). Bitcoin is limited to **21 million coins**, making it deflationary and often referred to as "digital gold." It's widely used for **peer-to-peer payments**, **store of value**, and as a hedge against inflation. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin operates without central banks or intermediaries, relying instead on **miners** to secure the network through a process called **proof-of-work**. Its price is highly volatile, influenced by supply-demand dynamics, global economic events, regulatory news, and institutional adoption. Bitcoin paved the way for thousands of other cryptocurrencies and remains a central pillar in the world of digital finance and blockchain innovation.