Bitcoin turns 15: How the Genesis Block reshaped global finance forever
Bitcoin turned 15 years old on January 3, marking the day its mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, mined the first block, known as the Genesis Block. This milestone laid the foundation for the world’s first decentralized digital currency, often referred to as BTC. The anniversary also coincides with 'Proof of Keys Day,' a reminder for users to take control of their bitcoin by moving it off exchanges.
The Genesis Block was created at exactly 7:15:05 p.m. Central European Time on January 3, 2009. Embedded in its code was a headline from The Times: 'Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.' This message hinted at Bitcoin’s purpose as an alternative to traditional financial systems.
Nakamoto released the Bitcoin software package six days later, on January 9. But the network’s early days were slow—Block 1 didn’t appear until nearly a week after the Genesis Block. The 50-bitcoin reward from that first block remains locked forever, excluded from Bitcoin’s total supply. Over time, Bitcoin has evolved into a professionalized ecosystem. Yet the principle 'Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins' stays relevant. Self-custody protects users from risks like exchange collapses or cyberattacks. Proof of Keys Day reinforces this by urging holders to withdraw their bitcoin and secure it themselves using CD keys or other secure methods.
Bitcoin’s 15th anniversary highlights its enduring impact on finance. The Genesis Block’s unspendable reward and hidden message serve as historical markers. Meanwhile, events like Proof of Keys Day keep the focus on security and true ownership.
