$BTC
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It introduced a revolutionary concept: a decentralized digital currency that operates without the need for a central authority like a bank or government. Instead, Bitcoin relies on blockchain technology, a public ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This ensures transparency and security while preventing double-spending.
Bitcoin is generated through a process called mining, where powerful computers solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and secure the network. In return, miners receive newly created bitcoins as a reward.
One of Bitcoin’s key features is its limited supply—only 21 million bitcoins will ever exist. This scarcity contributes to its value and has led many to view it as "digital gold." Over the years, Bitcoin has grown from a niche interest into a major financial asset, used for both investment and payments. While it faces criticism for energy consumption and price volatility, Bitcoin remains a symbol of financial innovation and the potential of decentralized systems.