Bitcoin price history: Timeline of its evolution [2009-2024]

By Kraken Learn team
10 min
15 nov. 2024
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Intro to bitcoin price history ⏳

It is no secret that Bitcoin's (BTC) price has experienced significant fluctuations since its inception in 2009. This journey reflects its transformative power and enduring appeal as a means of redefining our understanding of money and value.

The history of Bitcoin's price is more than just numbers; each price movement is influenced by a complex interplay of technological advancements, regulatory changes, market sentiment and other macroeconomic factors.

Understanding this history can be an important step for investors, institutions and policymakers navigating the ever changing landscape and different types of cryptocurrencies coming to market.

By examining Bitcoin's price history, we can uncover the fundamental factors driving its valuation. This exploration can not only illuminate Bitcoin‘s past, but offer crucial lessons in market dynamics, risk management and the long-term potential of decentralized finance.

Key takeaways 🔑

  • Bitcoin’s price can be highly volatile, as it’s influenced by technological advancements, market sentiment and regulatory developments.
  • Institutional interest and the approval of Bitcoin ETFs have been crucial in boosting Bitcoin's legitimacy and long-term potential.
  • Key events like halving cycles, market crashes and regulatory shifts have repeatedly caused major price fluctuations.
  • Broader economic conditions such as inflation, interest rates and global events directly impact Bitcoin's value.

Bitcoin price history timeline 🗓️

Bitcoin’s price history can be broken down into key phases that characterize its evolution. From Bitcoin’s beginning years (2009-2012), when it was a niche technical experiment, to Bitcoin attracting investors (2013-2017) with increased media attention, Bitcoin’s formative years tell an important story. 

Following this, Bitcoin recovers and soars (2018-2020) as institutional interest grows, leading to new all-time highs. In the most recent period, Bitcoin faced regulatory pressure and rising interest rates (2021-2023), contributing to significant price volatility. 

Finally, Bitcoin ETFs debut (2024), marking an important milestone in its evolution. Let’s dive into each of these historical moments to understand the various factors that have influenced Bitcoin’s price over the years.

Bitcoin’s beginning years: 2009-2012 🔍

Bitcoin’s journey began in 2009 when Satoshi Nakamoto mined the first-ever block, marking the start of the blockchain revolution. In its infancy, Bitcoin held little to no monetary value, with early adopters trading it primarily over-the-counter (OTC) on niche forums. 

One of the earliest signs of Bitcoin’s viability as a medium of exchange is known as Bitcoin Pizza Day. On May 22, 2010, programmer Laszlo Hanyecz purchased two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. This iconic moment signaled Bitcoin’s potential to function as a real-world medium of exchange, even within its small community of enthusiasts.

During this period, Bitcoin's price remained largely unpredictable. Without highly liquid trading venues like Kraken, prices fluctuated dramatically as the broader public struggled to grasp its significance. Early price movements were fueled by limited understanding, minimal adoption and technological uncertainties. 

As Bitcoin slowly gained traction, the first public exchange, Mt. Gox was established in 2010, providing a more structured platform for trading. However, the volatility persisted as the market was still small, and any significant news or developments could swing the price wildly.

A graphic showing three monumental events that were a catalyst for Bitcoin.

While Bitcoin saw minimal price movement throughout 2010, never exceeding $0.40 per coin, a significant shift occurred in early 2011. February marked a breakthrough moment as Bitcoin surpassed the $1 mark for the first time. This momentum continued, with a brief spike above $8 just a few months later in May.

One of the most notable milestones in these early years came in 2012 with Bitcoin's first halving event, where the reward for mining new blocks was cut in half from 50 BTC to 25 BTC. This halving event, though relatively quiet compared to later ones, marked a turning point in Bitcoin’s supply dynamics and had a long-term impact on its market performance. 

With controversies like exchange hacks and regulatory scrutiny, Bitcoin's value experienced significant highs and lows during this period, laying the groundwork for the following explosive growth.

Bitcoin volatile rise attracts investors: 2013-2017 📊

From 2013 to 2017, Bitcoin captured increasing media attention and began to attract a broader range of investors. The first major milestone came in 2013 when Bitcoin broke $100 for the first time, a symbolic achievement that signaled its arrival as a legitimate asset. This surge in price fueled public curiosity, pushing Bitcoin further into the spotlight.

This period marked the beginning of Bitcoin's volatile nature. Several factors contributed to Bitcoin's significant price surge in 2013:

  • Increased speculation: As more people became aware of Bitcoin, speculation about its future value soared. This led to a increase in adoption, which caused prices to surge given Bitcoin’s fixed maximum supply.
  • Media appeal: Positive media coverage amplified the excitement surrounding Bitcoin, further fueling investor interest.
  • Early exchanges and accessibility: The establishment of more user-friendly exchanges made it easier for people to buy and sell Bitcoin, contributing to increased liquidity.

In 2014, the collapse of Mt. Gox, one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges at the time, had a significant impact on the market. The exchange's insolvency and the theft of hundreds of thousands of Bitcoin caused widespread panic and a sharp price decline. This event highlighted the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies and eroded trust in the ecosystem.

Despite the Mt. Gox collapse, the Bitcoin protocol itself continued to operate uninterrupted. This uptime and reliability attracted investors, and in 2017, the market experienced a historic bull run. Several factors contributed to this surge:

  • Institutional investment: Increasingly, institutional investors such as hedge funds, venture capital firms and large corporations began to allocate capital to Bitcoin, driving up demand.
  • Increased adoption: The growing number of businesses and individuals accepting Bitcoin as payment helped to legitimize the cryptocurrency and boost its appeal.

In December 2017, Bitcoin's price reached an all-time high of nearly $20,000, marking a significant milestone in its history. This surge solidified Bitcoin's position as a globally recognized financial asset and showcased its potential for long-term growth.

A graphic showing years marking the fluctuation of highs and lows for Bitcoin.

Bitcoin dips, then recovers and soars: 2018-2020 🎢

The 2018-2019 period was marked by a prolonged bear market, often referred to as the "crypto winter." After the rise of 2017, Bitcoin's price fell in early 2018, driven by regulatory pressure, slowing adoption and waning market sentiment. 

Throughout 2019, prices remained comparatively low, briefly rising before steadily declining again — culminating in a significant crash at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

However, Bitcoin’s recovery in 2020 was quick and dramatic, fueled by a combination of macroeconomic factors and growing institutional interest. The pandemic-induced economic uncertainty and the large-scale stimulus measures introduced by governments worldwide led many investors to view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.

This, coupled with increasing investments from major institutions like MicroStrategy and PayPal’s entry into the crypto space, helped drive Bitcoin’s price to new highs by the end of 2020, reaffirming its role as a valuable asset in a post-pandemic world.

Bitcoin pressured by regulations and rising rates: 2021-2023 👀

The 2021-2023 period brought new challenges for Bitcoin as rising interest rates set by the Federal Reserve and regulatory scrutiny began to shape market sentiment.

The surge in interest rates place selling pressure on all assets, which led to a broader market correction. These events pulled Bitcoin’s price down from its all-time highs. As borrowing costs rose, many investors shifted towards seemingly less risky, more traditional assets, which weighed on demand for cryptocurrency.

While increased regulatory attention sparked fears of orchestrated crackdowns, it also signaled a critical turning point for Bitcoin’s legitimacy. As crypto grew too significant to ignore, regulations became necessary steps to ensure market stability and consumer protection. This regulatory clarity also contributed to Bitcoin’s maturation as an asset, reinforcing its place in mainstream finance.

The significant price correction in 2022 was influenced by a combination of factors, including:

  • Inflation concerns and rising interest rates
  • Global supply chain disruptions impacting markets
  • Geopolitical tensions affecting investor sentiment
  • High-profile events, such as the collapse of major crypto firms, which further rattled investor confidence

While the cryptocurrency market experienced significant volatility, Bitcoin’s long-term outlook remains dependent on factors such as regulatory clarity, institutional adoption and technological advancements.

Bitcoin ETFs debut: 2024 🏆

The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry with the approval of the first Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States.

This development provided a more accessible way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin, without directly owning the cryptocurrency and worrying about self-custody.

In the short term, the approval of Bitcoin ETFs had a positive effect on its price:

  • Market participants reacted to new investment opportunities.
  • Increased demand from investors who were hesitant to take custody after buying Bitcoin.
  • Renewed market optimism as regulatory clarity increased and accessibility hurdles were removed

Over the long term, many feel that Bitcoin ETFs will drive further adoption, because:

  • ETFs provide Bitcoin with a wider market base that are familiar with traditional financial platforms
  • Increased participation from institutional investors may reduce price volatility.

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has significantly influenced investor sentiment and perception of Bitcoin.

By providing a more traditional investment vehicle, ETFs have legitimized Bitcoin in the eyes of many investors, making it a more mainstream asset class. This could encourage more cautious investors to enter the space, as they begin to understand Bitcoin's long-term potential as part of a diversified portfolio.

What factors affect Bitcoin’s price? 💭

Bitcoin's price, like any asset, is influenced by a complex interplay of fundamental and technical factors.

There are a variety of intricate and related factors that can make bitcoin's price go up or makes bitcoin's price go down. But, as with most other assets, these factors can be broadly categorized as relating to supply or demand factors, as well as wider market conditions.

Understanding these factors can be crucial for investors seeking to navigate the cryptocurrency market.

Supply and demand dynamics

One of the primary drivers of Bitcoin's price is the dynamics of supply and demand.

The limited supply of Bitcoin, which was determined at the launch of the protocol, plays a significant role in its value. The halving events, which reduce the block reward for miners every four years, slows the introduction of new Bitcoin into the market. 

Investor sentiment also significantly impacts demand. Positive news, increased adoption and growing institutional interest can lead to higher demand and price appreciation, while negative sentiment or market shocks can cause price declines.

Economic factors

Broader economic conditions can also influence Bitcoin's value. Inflation, for example, may lead investors to seek alternative assets like Bitcoin as a hedge against rising prices. 

However, interest rates can affect the opportunity cost of holding Bitcoin, as higher rates may make traditional investments more attractive. Additionally, global economic growth or recession can also impact investor risk appetite and influence Bitcoin's price.

The one thing for certain is that Bitcoin will continue to evolve. Key events and milestones have shaped its journey, influencing its price and cementing its place in the financial world.

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