#btc 🔍 How Many Bitcoins Are Lost? 💸

It is estimated that a significant portion of existing bitcoins has been lost irreversibly due to various circumstances.

🔢 Estimates of Lost Bitcoins:

• Between 2.78 and 3.79 million BTC: According to a Chainalysis study, approximately between 13% and 19% of the total bitcoin supply has been lost. 

• Up to 4 million BTC: The BBC reported that around 4 million bitcoins could be lost forever, representing nearly 20% of the total supply. 

🔑 Common Causes of Loss:

• Loss of private keys: Without the private key, it is impossible to access the funds in a bitcoin wallet.

• Failures in storage devices: Damaged or lost hard drives that contained bitcoins.

• Death without access transfer: Owners who pass away without sharing their wallet credentials.

📉 Impact on the Market:

The loss of a significant amount of bitcoins reduces the circulating supply, which could increase scarcity and potentially influence the value of the cryptocurrency.

🛡️ Preventive Measures:

• Backup of private keys: Store backups in secure locations.

• Use of hardware wallets: Physical devices that offer greater security.

• Digital inheritance plans: Ensure that loved ones have access to cryptocurrencies in the event of death.

🔗 Sources:

• Xataka

• Cryptomus

• Cointelegraph

Note: The figures mentioned are estimates and may vary according to the methodology used in each study.