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Bitcoin turns 17: from birth to a $90 k asset

๐ŸŽ‰ Bitcoin Hits 17 | From Niche Experiment to Major Financial Player

By

Daniel Kim

Jan 5, 2026, 07:58 AM

Edited By

Sophia Patel

Updated

Jan 5, 2026, 11:39 PM

2 minutes reading time

A festive graphic showing Bitcoin's logo with balloons and confetti, highlighting its rise in value to $90,000.

Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, celebrates its 17th birthday as it trades around $90,000, solidifying its position as one of the worldโ€™s eight largest assets. Initially mined on January 3, 2009, the genesis block carried a pointed message from creator Satoshi Nakamoto: "Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks." This landmark event emerged from the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

Remarkable Growth and Public View

Since its inception, Bitcoin has transformed from a mere experiment to a mainstream financial powerhouse. Commenters on various forums express awe at its meteoric rise. "He has grown incredibly," one person noted, reflecting common sentiment. Another added, "So Satoshi is banksy.." suggesting a deeper connection between Bitcoinโ€™s ethos and cultural commentary.

The Underlying Themes

  1. Growth: Bitcoinโ€™s value increase from worthless to nearly $90,000 has caught global attention.

  2. Critique of Traditional Finance: Nakamotoโ€™s message critiques past bank bailouts, continuing to resonate with those wary of conventional financial systems.

  3. Community Sentiment: People are thrilled and emotionally invested in Bitcoin, showcasing a mix of celebration and hope for the future.

"From an experiment to a global asset" captures how far Bitcoin has come since its launch.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Bitcoin trading at approximately $90,000.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "He has grown incredibly" - User feedback highlights the asset's growth.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ The message from 2009 remains relevant, critiquing bank bailouts.

Looking Ahead

As Bitcoin marks this significant milestone, it continues to draw interest and scrutiny from both supporters and critics. The evolving status raises questions about its future in the global economyโ€”will it maintain its growth momentum, or could market corrections pose risks?

In a world that increasingly values digital assets, Bitcoin's birthday serves as a reminder of its disruptive potential.

Future Expectations for Bitcoin's Trajectory

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Bitcoin will continue to experience significant volatility in the near term, with experts estimating around a 60% probability of it surpassing the $100,000 mark by the end of 2025. This prediction hinges on a combination of growing institutional interest and increased adoption as a legitimate asset class. However, potential market corrections, driven by regulatory changes or shifts in investor sentiment, could pose risks, with a roughly 40% likelihood of a notable price drop. The ongoing dialogue surrounding Bitcoinโ€™s role in the global economy will likely influence its stability, making it essential to monitor trends within the broader financial landscape.

Echoes of Disruption in Financial History

In a similar vein, consider the rise of the internet in the late 1990sโ€”a time when skepticism and excitement coexisted. Much like Bitcoin today, early internet companies faced uncertainty amid soaring valuations and public doubt. As we now know, that tech boom transformed the business landscape, fostering innovation despite initial naysayers. This parallel reminds us that while obstacles loom, groundbreaking assets can alter the fabric of finance and technology, just like the internet reshaped communications and commerce.

As Bitcoin continues its journey, it prompts us to reflect on not just its financial implications but also its cultural significance.