A milestone has been reached in Bitcoin’s supply schedule—94% of the total Bitcoin supply has now been issued through mining. Out of a hard-capped total of 21 million BTC, over 19.74 million have been mined so far, leaving just 1.26 million BTC remaining.
How Bitcoin’s Supply Is Issued
Bitcoin’s supply is issued through mining, a process where computers validate transactions and receive Bitcoin as a reward. Key aspects include:
- Initial Block Reward: 50 BTC per block
- Halving Events: The reward halves every 210,000 blocks (approx. every 4 years)
- Current Reward: 6.25 BTC per block (after three halvings)
👉 Why Bitcoin halving matters for investors
The Impact of Halvings
Bitcoin’s controlled supply ensures scarcity:
- First Halving (2012): Reward dropped from 50 → 25 BTC
- Second Halving (2016): 25 → 12.5 BTC
- Third Halving (2020): 12.5 → 6.25 BTC
With each halving, fewer new BTC enter circulation, slowing inflation. Experts predict 99.9% of all Bitcoin will be mined by 2140, after which miners will rely primarily on transaction fees.
Why Scarcity Matters
Bitcoin’s fixed supply contrasts sharply with fiat currencies, which face debasement due to unlimited printing. This scarcity:
- Drives long-term value
- Appeals to investors seeking inflation-resistant assets
👉 Bitcoin’s economic model explained
FAQs
1. How many Bitcoin are left to mine?
Only ~1.26 million BTC remain (6% of total supply).
2. When will the last Bitcoin be mined?
Around 2140, per current projections.
3. What happens after all Bitcoin are mined?
Miners will earn fees from transactions instead of block rewards.
4. Why does Bitcoin have a 21 million cap?
To enforce digital scarcity and prevent inflation.
Conclusion
With 94% of Bitcoin mined, its scarcity-driven design continues to attract investors. The next halving (expected 2024) will further reduce new supply, reinforcing Bitcoin’s value proposition as "digital gold."
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