Frequently Asked Questions About Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, often referred to as a cryptocurrency, that was created in 2009 by an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It is built on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed and tamper-resistant public ledger that records all Bitcoin transactions.

Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for a central authority or intermediary. This means that transactions can be conducted directly between users without the involvement of banks or financial institutions. The underlying technology and cryptography ensure the security and integrity of the network.

Bitcoins are “mined” through a process that involves solving complex mathematical problems using powerful computers. This process not only creates new bitcoins but also validates and adds new transactions to the blockchain. There is a finite supply of bitcoins, capped at 21 million, which contributes to its scarcity and potential value.

Bitcoin has gained attention for its potential as a store of value, a medium of exchange, and a hedge against traditional financial systems. Its value can be quite volatile, with significant price fluctuations over short periods. Bitcoin has also inspired the creation of thousands of other cryptocurrencies, collectively known as altcoins, and has sparked discussions about the future of money, financial systems, and the role of technology in reshaping the global economy.

How Many Total Bitcoins Exist?

A maximum of 21 million bitcoins can ever exist. At present, 19,447,581.25 bitcoins are circulating the market. With every new block mined, the number changes. Every new block adds 6.25 bitcoins into circulation. 

How Many Bitcoins are Left in 2023?

As of 2023, there are only 1,552,418.8 bitcoins left to be mined. If you want to buy bitcoins, you can always get them from the existing exchanges and owners. 

How Many Bitcoins are Lost?

According to research, as of 2022 4 billion bitcoins worth $140 billion (based on current price) are irreversibly lost. 

Also Read: Top Spot Cryptocurrency Exchanges

What Happens when 21 Million Bitcoins are Mined?

For their contribution to the mining procedure, the miners are rewarded with newly minted bitcoins. Since the maximum number of bitcoins is limited, once it maxes out, the miners will no longer be rewarded. In that case, the primary source of income for miners will entirely rely on the transaction fees.

How Many Bitcoin Miners are There?

There are about 200,000 miners in the Slushpool which consists of 12% network hashrate. There are probably more than one million distinct individuals mining bitcoins, assuming that all pools have comparable numbers. 

Although they originate from various parts of the globe, the United States appears to be the most significant contributor. Assessments of the quantity of Bitcoin in circulation from each nation rely on global electricity and energy prices to some extent.

How Many Bitcoins are Mined a Day?

With 1,552,418.8 Bitcoins left, every day around 900 new bitcoins are left to be mined. Every ten minutes, the total number of bitcoins left to be mined changes. 

What if I Lose my Bitcoin Private Key?

If you lose the Bitcoin private key, you will no longer be able to withdraw, transfer, or spend coins. Therefore, it is crucial to save the private key in a secure location. 

If Satoshi Nakamoto is Pseudonymous, who is the Owner of Bitcoin.org?

Satoshi Nakamoto is a fake name used by the people who made the first Bitcoin software. They wrote a paper about cryptocurrency in 2008. Nakamoto worked on Bitcoin and the blockchain until 2010 but hasn’t been heard from since. Bitcoin.org was owned by Nakamoto and Martti Malmi, who were the first developers of Bitcoin.

What do Satoshi Nakamato & Martti Malmi do Now?

Satoshi Nakamoto is a name used by the person or group of people who played a vital role in creating the first Bitcoin software and introducing the concept of cryptocurrency to the world in 2008. Nakamoto remained involved in the development of Bitcoin and the blockchain until around 2010 but has not been heard from since. 

Martti Malmi, another significant contributor to the Bitcoin community, gradually distanced himself from the project after Nakamoto disappeared and Gavin Andresen took over. Malmi explained his decision to leave, stating that the atmosphere had become less inspiring and exciting compared to the early days. Nonetheless, he continued to support the decentralization of cryptocurrencies from an external position.

In 2013, he introduced the Identifi project, a decentralized digital identity and reputation system. Recently, they added a decentralized communication system called Iris, which has point-to-point encryption and works on multiple platforms.

Can We Trust Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a risky investment compared to other traditional investment options, such as stocks and bonds. Moreover, if you are storing your bitcoins in an unsecured exchange that fails, you are going to lose all your bitcoins. However, in the case of traditional banks, your funds are safe with insurance of up to $250,000 for every depositor by FDIC. 

Is It Possible that You can not Convert BTC into Fiat in the Future?

Yes! You can convert bitcoins into fiat. However, if the exchange collapses, you might end p losing all your bitcoins. 

What will Happen to My Bitcoin if All Crypto Exchanges Get Shut Down?

If the exchanges shut down, you will lose all your money. Although, the exchanges might face severe charges, yet, there is no guarantee that your funds will return. Take, for example, FTX, and FTX.US, who filed for major bankruptcy in November 2022. While the users might request a refund, however, the process might take years. Moreover, the payout might be too small. Mt Gox filed for bankruptcy in 2014, and it’s been 8 years the affected users are still waiting to get the refund.