Abstract: Cryptocurrency started with the creation of Bitcoin, the first decentralized cryptocurrency, by an individual or group of individuals using the name Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. They outlined Bitcoin's mechanism in a white paper, and the Bitcoin network came into existence in 2009.
The first modern cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was launched in January 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto.
While concepts of digital currencies existed earlier (eCash in the 1980s, Bit Gold in 1998), Bitcoin popularized the idea of decentralized, blockchain-based digital currency.
In early 2009, 1 Bitcoin was worth less than a fraction of a US cent.
The first recorded Bitcoin transaction in October 2009 saw 10,000 Bitcoins used to purchase two pizzas, valuing each Bitcoin at roughly $0.10.
While not truly cryptocurrencies in the modern sense, concepts, and proposals for digital currencies existed before Bitcoin. These include:
- eCash (1983) by David Chaum, I considered an early precursor to digital cash.
- Bit Gold (1998) by Nick Szabo, a conceptual digital currency with features similar to Bitcoin.
Cryptocurrency has experienced several boom periods throughout its history:
- 2011: Bitcoin price reached $32 for the first time, sparking early interest.
- 2013: Price surged to $260, followed by a crash but solidifying public awareness.
- 2017: Price skyrocketed to nearly $20,000, marking a significant mainstream adoption phase.
- 2021: Price reached an all-time high of nearly $70,000, fueled by institutional investment and hype.
The cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, with new projects and developments emerging regularly.