$BTC

**Bitcoin ($BTC)**, the first decentralized cryptocurrency, remains the dominant digital asset by market cap. Launched in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, it operates on a proof-of-work blockchain, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Bitcoin is often called "digital gold" due to its finite supply (21 million coins) and store-of-value properties. Its price is highly volatile, influenced by adoption, regulation, and macroeconomic trends. Institutional interest has grown with ETFs and corporate investments, while debates over scalability and energy use persist. Despite competition from altcoins, Bitcoin remains the flagship crypto, shaping the future of decentralized finance and global payments.