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Coin

Bitcoin

Bitcoin (BTC) is the first cryptocurrency. Launched in 2009, it runs on a peer-to-peer network with no central operator, uses Proof of Work consensus, and has a fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins. Edited by Sead Fadilpašić.

What is Bitcoin?How Bitcoin worksSupply, halvings, and issuance
$82,784
-0.04%
sparkline — 30d
Mkt cap$1.66T
Vol 24h$36.29B
Docs43
TickerBTC
section lead photo — 4:3
The big story

What is the Lightning Network? Bitcoin's payments layer explained

The Lightning Network is a Layer 2 payment network on top of Bitcoin. Sub-cent fees, near-instant settlement. Here's how it works and where it fits.

Eric Nkando · 1 min · Updated 15 Sep
Start here
4 pieces that explain how this works.
01
What is the Lightning Network? Bitcoin's payments layer explained
02
Bitcoin mining explained: how it works and why it matters
03
What is Bitcoin? A 2026 guide to the original cryptocurrency
04
How to buy Bitcoin in 2026: a practical step-by-step guide
From the editor
“Every fact on this page is dated. Every source is cited. If it doesn't have a last-verified line, don't act on it.”
Sead Fadilpašić, Editor-in-Chief
Bitcoin, in numbers
TickerBTC
Coverage43 pieces
Live price$82,784
Latest in Bitcoin
43 articles
Newest first
News

Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin Holds Steady as Attention Shifts Toward XRP

Today’s crypto market feels quiet, but it’s not asleep. Bitcoin is holding just under the psychological $90,000 level, moving sideways as traders wait for a

Eric Nkando · 2 min · 8 Oct
Analysis

What is the Lightning Network? Bitcoin's payments layer explained

The Lightning Network is a Layer 2 payment network on top of Bitcoin. Sub-cent fees, near-instant settlement. Here's how it works and where it fits.

Eric Nkando · 1 min · 15 Sep
Predictions & price analysis
Bitcoin Price Prediction 2026, 2027 & 2030: Will BTC Hit $100K Again?

BTC at $73K. CoinsCipher's bear case $60K to $80K, base $95K to $120K, bull $150K to $200K for 2026, plus 2030 outlook.

Reviews
Coinbase Review 2026: Product Structure, Fees, Custody, and Regulatory Posture

Factual review of Coinbase in 2026 — publicly-traded US exchange, product tiers, custody model, Base L2, staking availab

Related topics
What is Bitcoin? · How Bitcoin works · Supply, halvings, and issuance

Frequently asked questions

How many bitcoins are there?
Bitcoin's protocol hard-codes a maximum supply of 21,000,000 BTC. As of 2026 approximately 19.7 million have been mined.
Who created Bitcoin?
Bitcoin was created by an anonymous developer or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Their identity has never been verified.
Is Bitcoin decentralized?
Bitcoin's consensus rules are enforced by tens of thousands of independent nodes worldwide. No single entity can change Bitcoin's monetary rules unilaterally.