Bitcoin revolutionized the financial world as the first decentralized cryptocurrency, but many people still wonder about its origins. Understanding when Bitcoin was launched and its initial priceBitcoin revolutionized the financial world as the first decentralized cryptocurrency, but many people still wonder about its origins. Understanding when Bitcoin was launched and its initial price

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When Was Bitcoin Launched and at What Price?

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Jan 28, 2026

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Bitcoin revolutionized the financial world as the first decentralized cryptocurrency, but many people still wonder about its origins.

Understanding when Bitcoin was launched and its initial price helps investors and enthusiasts grasp the incredible journey of this digital asset.

This article explores Bitcoin's genesis, early pricing history, and evolution into a trillion-dollar asset class that continues reshaping global finance.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin launched on January 3, 2009, with its first block mined by creator Satoshi Nakamoto.
The first recorded Bitcoin price appeared in late 2009 at approximately $0.001 per bitcoin.
Bitcoin reached $1 in February 2011, $1,000 in November 2013, and surpassed $100,000 in December 2024.
The genesis block contained the message "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks," referencing the 2008 financial crisis.
Bitcoin's price has experienced extreme volatility throughout its history, with multiple 50-80% corrections followed by new all-time highs.
The approval of 11 Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC in January 2024 marked a major milestone for institutional cryptocurrency adoption.

When Was Bitcoin Launched and Created?

Bitcoin was officially launched on January 3, 2009, when its creator Satoshi Nakamoto mined the genesis block.

However, the journey began earlier when Nakamoto published the Bitcoin whitepaper on October 31, 2008, titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System."

The genesis block contained an embedded message referencing a Times newspaper headline: "Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks."

This timestamp has been interpreted as symbolizing Bitcoin's purpose as an alternative to traditional banking during the 2008 financial crisis.

Nine days after launch, on January 12, 2009, the first Bitcoin transaction occurred when Nakamoto sent 10 bitcoins to developer Hal Finney.

This marked the beginning of Bitcoin's network testing phase and demonstrated that the peer-to-peer electronic cash system could actually work in practice.

What Did Bitcoin Start At? Bitcoin's Initial Price

When Bitcoin was launched in January 2009, it had essentially no monetary value because no exchanges existed yet.

The first recorded Bitcoin price appeared in late 2009, when users on the BitcoinTalk forum traded 5,050 bitcoins for $5.02 via PayPal, establishing a rate of approximately $0.001 per Bitcoin.

This established Bitcoin's first market price at approximately $0.001 per bitcoin.

The famous Bitcoin Pizza Day on May 22, 2010, created the first real-world pricing benchmark.

Programmer Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two Papa John's pizzas in Jacksonville, Florida. The 10,000 bitcoins were worth approximately $40 at the time.

Throughout 2010, Bitcoin's price never exceeded $0.40 despite growing interest from cryptography enthusiasts and early adopters.

By February 2011, Bitcoin reached $1.00 for the first time, achieving parity with the US dollar.

The momentum continued, and by June 2011, Bitcoin spiked to approximately $30 before experiencing its first major correction back to around $2 by year's end.

When Bitcoin Started: Evolution and Price History

1. Early Adoption and Infrastructure Development (2009-2013)

During Bitcoin's first years, mining occurred on regular personal computers as enthusiasts experimented with the technology.

Mt. Gox became the first major Bitcoin exchange in July 2010, handling over 70% of all Bitcoin trading by 2013.

The Bitcoin Foundation was established in September 2012 to promote Bitcoin development and adoption worldwide.

By March 2013, Bitcoin's market capitalization surpassed $1 billion for the first time as mainstream media coverage increased dramatically.

2. Major Price Milestones and Market Maturation (2013-2021)

Bitcoin crossed the $100 threshold on March 31, 2013, marking its first major psychological barrier after trading at single and double-digit values.

The price reached $1,000 for the first time in November 2013 as merchant adoption grew and media attention intensified.

Bitcoin surged past $10,000 in November 2017 during a massive bull run, though it later experienced significant volatility during the crypto winter of 2018.

The 2020-2021 period saw institutional investment accelerate as companies like MicroStrategy invested $250 million in Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset.

Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $68,789 on November 10, 2021, driven by institutional adoption and Federal Reserve liquidity policies.

3. Institutional Recognition and Regulatory Milestones (2021-2025)

El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021, though this decision faced international criticism.

The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs in January 2024 marked a watershed moment, with 11 funds launching simultaneously in the United States.

Bitcoin crossed $100,000 for the first time in December 2024 following the election of crypto-friendly political leadership in the US.

Major platforms like PayPal and Microsoft have integrated Bitcoin services, making cryptocurrency accessible to millions of users globally.

Bitcoin's global adoption expanded throughout the 2010s as exchange infrastructure developed in various regions worldwide.

Why Bitcoin's Launch Price Still Matters

Understanding Bitcoin's humble beginnings provides crucial perspective on its extraordinary growth trajectory over sixteen years.

An investment of just $100 at Bitcoin's first recorded price of $0.00099 would have purchased approximately 101,010 bitcoins.

At today's prices exceeding $100,000 per bitcoin, that theoretical $100 investment would be worth over $10 billion, representing a return impossible in traditional markets.

Bitcoin's launch during the 2008 financial crisis wasn't coincidental but represented a philosophical statement about monetary sovereignty and decentralization.

The genesis block's embedded newspaper headline serves as a permanent reminder of Bitcoin's purpose as an alternative to traditional banking systems.

Bitcoin's price history demonstrates extreme volatility, with multiple instances of 50-80% drawdowns followed by new all-time highs in subsequent years.

The halving events occurring approximately every four years reduce Bitcoin's supply inflation, creating scarcity that has historically preceded major price rallies.

For traders and investors on platforms like MEXC, understanding Bitcoin's historical price patterns helps inform risk management and investment strategies in cryptocurrency markets.

FAQ

When was Bitcoin launched?

Bitcoin was launched on January 3, 2009, when Satoshi Nakamoto mined the genesis block.

What did Bitcoin start at in terms of price?

Bitcoin started with no monetary value, and the first recorded price in October 2009 was approximately $0.00099 per bitcoin.

How much was Bitcoin when it first started trading?

When Bitcoin first gained a tradable price in late 2009, it was worth less than one cent per coin.

When was Bitcoin created and by whom?

Bitcoin was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, who published the whitepaper on October 31, 2008.

What was Bitcoin's price in 2010?

Throughout 2010, Bitcoin's price ranged from less than $0.01 to approximately $0.40 at its peak.

When did Bitcoin reach $1?

Bitcoin reached $1 for the first time in February 2011, about two years after its launch.

How much was 1 Bitcoin when it started?

One Bitcoin was worth approximately $0.00099 when the first exchange rate was established in October 2009.

Conclusion

Bitcoin was launched on January 3, 2009, with essentially zero value at inception.

The first recorded price of approximately $0.00099 emerged in October 2009, establishing Bitcoin's initial market valuation.

From these humble beginnings, Bitcoin has evolved into a trillion-dollar asset class that continues reshaping global finance and monetary systems.

Understanding this history helps cryptocurrency enthusiasts appreciate the revolutionary journey from an experimental technology to a mainstream financial instrument traded on platforms worldwide.

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