Satoshi Nakamoto officially launched Bitcoin this day 16 years ago as he mined the first BTC block.
On January 3, 2009, an important moment in financial history happened when Satoshi Nakamoto mined the first block of Bitcoin BTC $83 743 24h volatility: 1.3% Market cap: $1.66 T Vol. 24h: $27.00 B , called the Genesis Block or Block 0. This event marked the official launch of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency. Likewise, the event started a financial and technological change that continues to impact today’s financial world.
Bitcoin Has Become a Global Phenomenon
The Genesis Block came with a unique set of features, including a reward of 50 BTC. This reward cannot, and it comes with a Satoshi message in the block that says,
“The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on the brink of second bailout for banks.” This message, which references a headline from The Times, emphasizes Bitcoin’s main goal: to offer a decentralized alternative to traditional banks, especially during financial crises.
Although Satoshi Nakamoto released the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008, many consider January 3, 2009, Bitcoin’s birthday. On this date, Bitcoin became an actual, working system. It allowed users to send digital money without the need for banks or other centralized authorities.
Happy Birthday, #Bitcoin! 🎂🎈
The first-ever Bitcoin Blockchain Block, called as "Genesis Block" mined on 03/Jan/2009.
It's a Mathematical Miracle, Kudos to Satoshi Nakamoto🎉
We are all Satoshi's 🫡 pic.twitter.com/XbDLoGzLJz
— vaijanath.eth (@vaijanath_eth) January 3, 2025
Recall that Bitcoin had few users and little real-world value when it launched. However, over the last 16 years, it has become a global phenomenon.
Bitcoin is now seen as a store of value, often called “digital gold”, and a way to protect against inflation. Its market value has grown up to $1.9 trillion. Today, institutional investors and governments worldwide recognize Bitcoin as a legitimate asset.
Bitcoin is trading at $96,648 after setting a record high of $108,268 on December 17. Its market capitalization is around $1.91 trillion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $39.52 billion.
Furthermore, the Bitcoin network has led to the creation of many other cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. It has also established a foundation for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
Who Is Satoshi Nakamoto?
Meanwhile, the broader cryptocurrency industry is still waiting for Satoshi Nakamoto’s unveiling. This mystery has troubled the ecosystem for many years. Recently, an undisclosed R agency claimed to know his true identity and made a failed attempt to reveal it at a press conference last year.
In a press release, the supposed Satoshi Nakamoto said, “The time has come for me to officially reveal my identity. I am facing significant legal challenges, and I believe the world deserves the truth.”
Meanwhile, some months ago, Home Box Office (HBO), an American pay television network, tried to reveal Satoshi’s identity but failed to do so.
In the HBO documentary series, Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, HBO filmmaker Cullen Hoback pinned legendary Bitcoin core developer Peter Todd as the original creator of the flagship coin.
However, Todd vehemently denied HBO’s allegations that he is the original creator of Bitcoin. Fingers are now crossed as the crypto community waits for future clues to unravel the Satoshi Nakamoto identity.
next