$BTC

**Bitcoin ($BTC)** is the pioneering cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. As a decentralized digital currency, it operates on a peer-to-peer network secured by blockchain technology, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks. With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often dubbed "digital gold" due to its scarcity and store-of-value properties. Its price is highly volatile, driven by adoption, regulation, and macroeconomic trends. Institutional interest and ETF approvals have boosted its legitimacy, while debates over energy usage persist. Whether as an investment or a hedge against inflation, Bitcoin remains the dominant force in crypto.