The supply of bitcoin is limited and as per official document (Bitcoin white paper) written by Satoshi Nakamoto, the Bitcoin mining ends in 2140 with 21 Million Cap. This means the last BTC will be mined somewhere in 2140 when circulation reaches its maximum supply of 21 million!
Bitcoin, often referred to as “digital gold,” has captured the attention of investors, technology experts, and financial institutions around the world over the past few years. But one of the most unique features of Bitcoin is its limited supply mechanism. When this cryptocurrency was created, its creator Satoshi Nakamoto decided that the total supply of Bitcoins would never exceed 21 million. In the year 2140, the last stop of this historic journey of Bitcoin will come, when the last Bitcoin will be mined and as published on investopedia.com By Adam Hayes, no new bitcoins will be issued even if that number is ultimately slightly below 21 million.
Let’s know more in details why 2140 is the last year when bitcoin will be mined? Also checkout how this process works, and what impact it will have on the global financial system and investors.
Bitcoin’s Limited Supply Mechanism
Bitcoin is a decentralized crypto coin which is based on blockchain technology. It came in existence in 2009 after the global financial crises 2008, and is often regarded as a potential antidote to banking system failures in the future. This means that the control of Bitcoin is not in the hands of any one person, government, or institution. Whenever you need your money to buy something even banks failed or government collapsed, you can bravely use it without any restriction (* if merchants or individuals accept it as a form of payment). You can buy things in exchange of bitcoins and live your life happily without any restrictions.
Now back to the topic, the Bitcoin Miners solves a complex mathematical problem to verify transactions on the Bitcoin network. As mentioned on Quora, Whenever a new block is solved, miners are given new Bitcoins as a reward. This reward can be in fraction like 1/3 of Bitcoin, 10% of Bitcoin, or 1% of Bitcoin… in short, miners are rewarded only with Bitcoins!
In the early days, miners received a reward of 50 bitcoins for every block solved. But this reward is halved due to the Halving Event that happens every four years. For example, the reward dropped to 25 bitcoins in 2012, 12.5 bitcoins in 2016, 6.25 bitcoins in 2020, and 3.125 bitcoins in 2024. In 2028, the reward is expected to drop to 1.56 bitcoins after the next Bitcoin halving is estimated to take place on 26 March 2028 19:02:35 UTC.
This halving process ensures that the supply of bitcoins remains limited and eventually reaches 21 million. This way the value of Bitcoin grow in long terms, and you can see it value in charts. While the price of Bitcoin was less than $1 in 2009, it has now reached around $100000 and still increasing.
Importance of 2140 among Bitcoin Community
The most important aspect of this system is that it will take more than 120 years for the supply of bitcoins to reach 21 million. This is because the rate of creation of new bitcoins slows down with every halving. According to official released papers, the last bitcoin will be mined in 2140, after which no new bitcoins will be generated.
But this does not mean that the Bitcoin network will shut down after 2140. Miners will continue to work to verify transactions and keep the blockchain secure. They will be paid in the form of transaction fees rather than a reward, which users who transact on the Bitcoin network will pay.
Bitcoin Scarcity and Its Impact After 2140
The limited supply of Bitcoin makes it different from other currencies and investment options. The world’s traditional currencies, such as the dollar or rupee, can be printed by central banks in indefinite quantities. This can increase inflation and reduce the value of the currency. On the contrary, the purpose of keeping the supply of Bitcoin limited is to protect it from the effects of inflation.
After 2140, when mining of new Bitcoins will stop, its scarcity may make it even more valuable. This phenomenon is often compared to gold, whose limited availability has kept it valuable for centuries. As per an article which was published by Blockchain Enthusiast Andre D on LinkedIn, states that Bitcoin mining will become unprofitable around 2140 or sooner. At this point, miners will no longer be able to cover their costs with the rewards they receive and will likely stop mining.
Bitcoin’s scarcity and increasing demand may increase its value. However, it is also important that Bitcoin’s acceptance and utility increase over time. If it is adopted as a legal tender, it could revolutionize the global economy.
Challenges and Prospects
While there is excitement about the future of Bitcoin, there are some challenges too. After 2140, miners will have to rely solely on transaction fees. The question is, will this fee give them enough incentive to keep the network secure?
In addition, concerns remain about Bitcoin’s energy consumption and environmental impact. The mining process requires excessive energy, which increases carbon emissions. If sustainable and energy-efficient alternatives are not found, it could affect Bitcoin’s long-term success.
Despite this, Bitcoin technology and its limited supply could make it an important part of the future financial system.
Looking ahead
Mining the last Bitcoin in 2140 will not just be a technological milestone but will also mark the evolution of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This will be the time when the entire supply of Bitcoin will be in circulation, and its value will be entirely based on demand and supply.
Currently, there is a lot of discussion around the world about Bitcoin. Many investors consider it the gold of the future, while some consider it a highly volatile and risky investment. But one thing is clear that Bitcoin has established a new definition of financial freedom and decentralization.
It is difficult to say what the world will be like after 2140. But it is certain that Bitcoin, with its limited supply and blockchain technology, has secured its place in history. It will be interesting to see how this cryptocurrency affects the economic and social structure of the world in 2140 or 2150.
Conclusion
The story of mining the last Bitcoin will be the end of a journey that introduced the whole world to new dimensions of finance and technology. When this historic moment comes in 2140, it will be an important day not just for the Bitcoin community but for the entire human history.
The limited supply of 21 million Bitcoins makes it a unique and rare digital asset among other cryptocurrencies, which can increase in value over time. This moment will reveal a new way of thinking about technology, economics, and freedom for humanity. Although 2140 is still a long way off, Bitcoin’s success will allow us to see a future where financial freedom and decentralization are central.
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