2026-01-03 21:30:00

Today marks 17 years since Satoshi Nakamoto mined Bitcoin's genesis block on January 3rd, 2009. What started as a niche experiment—derided for pizza transactions and infamous darknet associations—has transformed into a multi-trillion-dollar asset class. The journey wasn't straightforward. Bitcoin's 21 million coin cap became the foundation for predictable supply, sparking successive bull cycles that reshaped investor perspectives. The 2024 US spot ETF approvals represented a watershed moment, unlocking institutional capital and mainstream legitimacy. From fringe curiosity to institutional staple, Bitcoin's trajectory mirrors crypto's broader evolution. Today's milestone isn't just about age—it's about validation.

BTC-1,78%

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

19 Likes

Reward
19
8
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

FlashLoanLord

· 12h ago

It's been 17 years, huh? From being criticized to now reaching tens of trillions, it's really unbelievable haha

View OriginalReply0

DEXRobinHood

· 17h ago

From pizza to ETFs, this comeback journey is truly amazing. The critics who mocked back then are now eating dirt.

View OriginalReply0

Fren_Not_Food

· 01-04 12:58

It's been 17 years, and some people still haven't gotten on board—it's really outrageous.

View OriginalReply0

LongTermDreamer

· 01-03 22:00

Seventeen years, from pizza to trillions, this is history... Who would have thought three years ago it would be like this, haha

View OriginalReply0

GasFeeCryBaby

· 01-03 21:59

This is the reason we are still here today. What was mocked back then is now incredibly successful.

View OriginalReply0

potentially_notable

· 01-03 21:59

17 years ago, do you remember who dared to hold coins back then? --- From pizza to institutions, this contrast is incredible. --- NGLL hard cap of 21 million is truly a stroke of genius. --- The moment the spot ETF was approved, it was a huge win. --- The once cult-like coin is now being bought by institutions. The cycle of the era changes so quickly. --- Verification? It was verified a long time ago. Now it's just a matter of who didn't get on the train. --- From being mocked to reaching trillions, this is the real comeback story. --- Back then, no one could have imagined Bitcoin would come this far. --- The 21 million cap really locked out all later entrants. --- Wait, is this celebration? Or reflection?

View OriginalReply0

PebbleHander

· 01-03 21:47

Remember the days when we were criticized, now it's those critics who are regretful haha Pizza Guy, the eternal god, bought a takeout order with 20,000 coins These 17 years have truly changed many people's life trajectories From geek toys to trillion-dollar assets, Satoshi Nakamoto, you won The moment the spot ETF appeared, I knew the game rules had been completely rewritten The scarcity of 21 million is the key, time will prove everything Where should those who once mocked us be now? Everything is validating Bitcoin's original vision, it's incredible From being banned to being celebrated, this reversal is so satisfying

View OriginalReply0

TokenVelocity

· 01-03 21:47

It's been 17 years, from PizzaCoin to institutional darling, this reversal is incredible. Remember the years of being criticized, now it's their turn to FOMO. The magic of 21 million coins has changed the entire world. A batch of ETFs, institutions flocking in, it can never go back to being niche. What is being validated is not age, but those who persisted have profited.

View OriginalReply0