$BTC Bitcoin ($BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, introduced in 2009 by the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a decentralized peer-to-peer network, Bitcoin allows users to send and receive value without the need for intermediaries like banks. It uses blockchain technology to ensure transparency, security, and immutability of transactions. Bitcoin has a capped supply of 21 million coins, making it a deflationary asset. It's often seen as "digital gold" and a hedge against inflation. $BTC is widely traded on global exchanges and accepted by various merchants. Volatile yet influential, Bitcoin continues to shape the broader crypto ecosystem and is a central topic in discussions about the future of finance.