What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the first and largest cryptocurrency. Created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, it runs on a decentralized global network and has a fixed supply capped at 21 million coins, which is the source of its “digital gold” reputation.

The price above is live and refreshes automatically. Prices move fast and can fall as well as rise, so treat any number here as a snapshot, not a prediction. To put a purchase in context, our Time Machine shows what an earlier investment would be worth today, and Coin Compare stacks any two coins side by side.

Thinking about buying? Start with our buying guide, and read how to store it safely before you hold a meaningful amount.