#btc #eth #wsm The purpose of this article is to explore the economic essence of Bitcoin and its value for the economy and society. The relevance of this study is confirmed by the growth of non-cash payment methods around the world, the acceptance of Bitcoin as a means of payment at the level of large companies and entire countries. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the main difference between Bitcoin and other payment systems is expressed in the transparency of its transactions, security, anonymity and lack of censorship, since its work is supported by information technology, and not by the government or central bank. It was also revealed that behind the creation of Bitcoin there are a large number of scientists and enthusiasts who created the prerequisites for its appearance in 2008 for 40 years.