Bitcoin BTC
Digital money. A shared public network.
Bitcoin lets people send digital money without a central bank running the network.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin (BTC) is decentralized digital money. Launched in 2009, it lets people send and receive value across borders without a central bank running the network. Its supply is limited by the network’s rules to about 21 million bitcoin. Transactions are recorded in a shared public history called the blockchain.
Bitcoin’s price can change sharply, and keeping it secure requires care.
Why people pay attention
Direct digital payments
People can send value without a central payment operator.
A limited supply
New bitcoin is issued according to the network’s rules.
Open software and public records
The software and transaction history can be inspected.
Origins & development
Bitcoin was proposed in 2008 under the name Satoshi Nakamoto. The network began operating in 2009. Its creator’s identity remains unknown, and development continues through open-source contributions.
Explore more
Culture & historyBitcoin beyond the technologyVisit the existing Bitcoin page for the Satoshi statue story.Sources & further reading
Draft — editorial review pending