How many bitcoins will there ever be?
Inquiring minds often wonder about the finite nature of Bitcoin, prompting the question: "How many bitcoins will there ever be?" The answer lies in the core design principles of Bitcoin's decentralized ledger system, known as the blockchain. According to the protocol's initial specifications, the total supply of bitcoins is capped at 21 million. This limitation ensures scarcity, a key factor in the cryptocurrency's value proposition. However, the rate at which bitcoins are mined and released into circulation decreases over time, with the last Bitcoin estimated to be mined in the year 2140. This gradual release mechanism, known as halving, aims to maintain stability in the supply of bitcoins and ultimately balance the economic incentives within the Bitcoin network.