$BTC #btc16 facts about the main cryptocurrency.
16 facts about Bitcoin.
Genesis block. Source: Bitcointalk
Genesis Block mining remains significant
#BitcoinTurns16 much of Bitcoin's history, often referenced in discussions of its origins and purpose. Its creation laid the foundation for 16 years of continuous work and growth, turning Bitcoin into a global movement.
2. The first Bitcoin transaction was intended for Hal Finney
On January 12, 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto conducted the first recorded Bitcoin transaction, sending 10 BTC to renowned cryptographer Hal Finney.
Finney, one of the first BTC advocates, downloaded the software on its release day and tweeted the historic message 'Running bitcoin' on January 11, 2009.
3. The identity of Bitcoin's creator remains unknown
The identity of Bitcoin's creator remains one of the greatest mysteries in the cryptocurrency world. In October 2008, Satoshi published the Bitcoin whitepaper titled Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, describing the structure of a decentralized digital currency.
Afterward, he communicated with the first developers and Bitcoin enthusiasts through forums and email, helping to refine the network until he disappeared in April 2011. Some theories suggest that Satoshi is one person, while others believe that the pseudonym concealed an entire group of developers.
Satoshi's disappearance left the project in the hands of the community, reinforcing the decentralized spirit it embodies today. Regardless of who Nakamoto was, his vision created a technology that transformed the world's financial system.
4. The Bitcoin whitepaper is embedded in the blockchain
In 2013, an anonymous user took a unique step to preserve the origins of Bitcoin by embedding the entire 'white paper' directly into the blockchain. By adding it to the blockchain, he linked the original ideas of Bitcoin with the technology itself, showcasing a deep connection between the creation of the cryptocurrency and its decentralized system.
5. The first transaction in a new BTC block is called a Coinbase transaction
The first transaction in each new Bitcoin block is called a coinbase transaction. Unlike regular transactions, it has no inputs as it generates new BTC as a reward for miners. This transaction includes the block reward—after the 2024 halving, it is 6.25 BTC—and any transaction fees from the block.
Interestingly, the popular cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase got its name from this term, paying homage to Bitcoin's mechanism for creating new coins. Although the term is specific to Bitcoin's technical design, the exchange's name reflects its connection to the core blockchain process.
6. About 4 million BTC are lost forever
By 2025, about 20% of all Bitcoins—approximately 4 million BTC—will be inaccessible due to forgotten keys, lost wallets, or lost access to accounts. Much of this occurred in the early years of Bitcoin when its value was low and holders did not care about reliable storage methods.
The story of James Howell, who accidentally threw away a hard drive with 8,000 BTC in 2013, has become one of the most famous cases. Howell is still funding extensive searches at the landfill to recover the lost treasure.
7. 10,000 Bitcoins were spent on two pizzas
On May 22, 2010, Bitcoin was first used for a real-world purchase. A programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas that cost about $40 at the time. Crypto enthusiasts celebrate this day annually, highlighting its significance in Bitcoin's history.
The transaction occurred through a Bitcoin forum, where Laszlo offered coins in exchange for pizza. Another user accepted the offer and ordered him two pizzas from Papa John’s.
8. Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoins remain untouched
By 2025, 1.1 million BTC mined by the anonymous creator of Bitcoin remain untouched. At the time of writing, the value of these assets is approximately $100 billion. This fortune symbolizes Bitcoin's unique status as a truly trustless financial system.
9. The world's first statue of Satoshi is located in Budapest
The world's first statue honoring Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, is located in Graphisoft Park in Budapest, Hungary. Installed on September 16, 2021, the bronze sculpture depicts a hooded figure with a reflective, faceless visage. This symbolizes Nakamoto's anonymity and allows viewers to see themselves, embodying the idea that 'we are all Satoshi.'
In October 2024, a 'disappearing' statue of Satoshi Nakamoto was installed in Lugano, Switzerland. This unique piece of art, located in front of the Chiani Villa, depicts a faceless figure behind a laptop. The design creates a transparency effect when viewed from the front or back, symbolizing Nakamoto's elusive identity.
10. Bitcoin has appeared multiple times in popular films
Bitcoin has become a popular topic in media, appearing in films such as Dope (2015), where characters use BTC for online business, and in TV shows like Billions and Mr. Robot, exploring its financial and revolutionary aspects.
Documentaries such as Banking on Bitcoin (2016) and The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014) explore the origins and impact of Bitcoin, while Cryptopia (2020) investigates its place in the blockchain ecosystem.
Bitcoin has also made its mark in pop culture: The Simpsons humorously predicted its future, and South Park depicted BTC as the primary currency. These portrayals highlight Bitcoin's journey from a technical curiosity to a cultural phenomenon.
11. BTC transaction successfully sent from the stratosphere
In August 2016, Genesis Mining conducted an experiment by sending the first Bitcoin transaction from space. Using a weather balloon with a Bitcoin wallet and a 3D model of Bitcoin, the payload reached an altitude of 34 kilometers in the stratosphere.
During the flight, the team successfully transmitted a Bitcoin transaction to a wallet located on board the weather balloon. This achievement demonstrated Bitcoin's resilience and its ability to operate independently of traditional infrastructure even in extreme conditions.
The experiment symbolized the limitless potential of decentralized technologies, demonstrating how Bitcoin can transcend geographical boundaries and connect users around the world—and possibly beyond.
12. 60% of mining is powered by renewable energy
Bitcoin mining, often criticized for its impact on nature, became more environmentally friendly in 2024. According to reports, renewable energy now accounts for about 60% of global Bitcoin mining operations. Miners are increasingly locating their facilities near hydroelectric plants, solar farms, and wind energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint and take advantage of lower costs. They are also exploring new energy solutions, such as using stranded natural gas or excess grid energy that would otherwise be wasted.
13. Over 95% of Bitcoins have already been mined
The Bitcoin protocol limits its supply to 21 million coins. This helps prevent inflation and makes BTC a deflationary asset. By 2025, more than 19.9 million BTC will have been mined, meaning miners will have less than 1.1 million coins left to create.
14. Institutional Bitcoin holdings surpassed Satoshi Nakamoto's balance
By the end of 2024, institutional investments in Bitcoin via spot ETFs exceeded 1.1 million BTC, surpassing the estimated reserves of Bitcoin's creator. This highlights the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class.
15. The proposal for a Bitcoin reserve is gaining popularity worldwide
Discussions on integrating Bitcoin into national reserves are gaining momentum. In the U.S., lawmakers and financial experts have proposed allocating part of federal reserves to BTC, noting its limited supply and independence from centralized control as key advantages. Proponents of this idea argue that this move will protect against the decline of dollar dominance and help diversify reserves alongside traditional assets like gold.
Emerging markets are also taking concrete steps toward adopting Bitcoin in reserves. Political figures have called on the Swiss National Bank to diversify its reserves by including BTC. In Germany, discussions are underway on whether the European Central Bank could use Bitcoin for digital reserves.
16. The Bitcoin network has operated for over 16 years without failures
In 2025, Bitcoin reached an important milestone: over 16 years of operation without failures. This underscores the reliability of the decentralized infrastructure supported by thousands of nodes and miners worldwide.
Unlike centralized financial systems that can fail and be subject to cyberattacks, the Bitcoin network is resilient to threats. It has withstood major hacks, regulatory restrictions, and technical issues. Even during periods of high load, such as at the end of 2024 when BTC surpassed $100,000, the network continued to process transactions securely and efficiently.
