$BTC Bitcoin, launched in January 2009, was the first digital asset to be introduced. It was designed as a digital currency that operates independently of any central authority. Bitcoin is sometimes referred to as digital gold due to its perceived scarcity and durability. It primarily serves as a store of value and a medium of exchange, facilitating transactions without the need for a central authority. Bitcoin transactions are mainly monetary, with blocks added to the blockchain approximately every 10 minutes. Bitcoin uses a consensus algorithm called "Proof-of-Work" (PoW) to broadcast, store, and confirm transactions.