Bitcoin (BTC) circulating supply history up to April 9, 2024
How many Bitcoins are in circulation? Since its inception in late 2009, figures for this cryptocurrency kept on increasing gradually. At first glance, the number of Bitcoins currently existing has not been dramatically influenced by price surges in 2017 and 2020.
Currency or asset?
Bitcoin’s use in making transactions is a minor factor in what motivates consumers to invest in Bitcoin. More are interested in the technology behind the currency or see it as an investment. As such, many pay more attention to indicators such as market capitalization, trying to use Bitcoin’s volatility to profit. This volatility makes Bitcoin an attractive albeit risky investment, but it may be a major factor in merchants’ reluctance to use it for transactions.
The cryptocurrency market
Bitcoin is no longer the only virtual currency in circulation. Other leading virtual currencies include Tether, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Users “mine” these currencies by leasing computing power, which is used in processing transactions in exchange for a portion of the currency. Despite growing competition, Bitcoin is still the dominant player for now.