In the world of finance and technology, Bitcoin (BTC) has long been a symbol of revolution. Having started its journey in 2009 with zero cost and an ambitious goal of becoming a decentralized currency, today it is conquering new heights, attracting the attention of not only cryptocurrency enthusiasts but also large institutional investors. At the moment, according to the information presented in the image, there are 19,741,655 Bitcoins in circulation, which is 94% of the maximum possible supply of 21 million coins. But what will happen next when all the Bitcoins are mined?
Historic Moment: 94% of Bitcoin Has Already Been Mined
For Bitcoin, like any other currency, supply and demand play a key role in determining its value. What makes BTC unique is its limited supply — only 21 million coins will ever be created. This mechanism is embedded in the source code written by Satoshi Nakamoto, making Bitcoin a deflationary asset. There are currently only 1,258,128 Bitcoins left to be mined, which is just over 6% of the total supply.
Halving and its impact on the market
In the spring of 2024, the next Bitcoin halving took place, one of the most important events in the world of cryptocurrencies. During this event, the reward for mining a new block in the Bitcoin blockchain decreased from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. This was the fourth halving since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009.
The 2024 halving has generated significant interest among investors and analysts because it significantly reduces the rate at which new bitcoins are created, potentially impacting the supply and, therefore, the price of the cryptocurrency. Historically, previous halvings have led to long-term increases in the price of Bitcoin, as the reduced supply increases the asset’s scarcity.
Lost Bitcoins: Reduced Available Supply
It is important to note that not all mined bitcoins are in circulation. Some are lost forever due to lost private keys, forgotten passwords, or other factors. As of today, according to the information provided, approximately 219.51 BTC are marked as "unspendable" - they are permanently withdrawn from circulation. Such cases only increase the shortage and highlight the value of the remaining coins.
The Future of Bitcoin: What to Expect?
When the last Bitcoin is mined, around 2140, the reward system for miners will change — they will only receive rewards for processing transactions, highlighting the importance of developing and maintaining the network. At this time, Bitcoin may become rarer and therefore more valuable, especially if demand continues to grow.
Investors and analysts expect the value of each Bitcoin to increase as supply steadily declines and demand increases as the last Bitcoin is mined. Bitcoin could become the "digital gold" of the future, a store of value that is resistant to inflation and global economic shocks.
Bitcoin has already come a long way from an idea to one of the most significant assets on the global stage. With 94% of coins mined, its future seems predictable: the scarcity will increase, and with it the value. The question is not whether Bitcoin will go up in price, but how fast and how high it can fly. As the world continues to adapt to a new financial reality, Bitcoin remains in the spotlight, a symbol of the transition to a decentralized and digital future.
