The Bitcoin Halving event is one of the key terms in the crypto space that gets mentioned frequently, yet is not fully understood by new entrants to the space. In this Crypto Lists guide, we’ll attempt to answer some of the key questions beginners might want answers to.
One of the biggest allures of Bitcoin is its fixed maximum supply. The number of Bitcoins will never exceed 21 million, and this helps to maintain its value. Unlike fiat currencies, its supply isn’t determined by central banks, and instead, its protocol determines the number of coins that can be created in a given period. It is expected that the final block will be mined in approximately 2140.
What is the Bitcoin Halving?
To eliminate inflation in Bitcoin, the protocol uses a halving mechanism. This is a system that cuts the mining rewards by half. It occurs after every 210,000 blocks, and this number is usually reached after every four years. Halving typically results in an increase in the price of Bitcoin as it helps to control the supply of the coin. The demand for the coin will usually stay the same when halving occurs. At the moment, Bitcoin has an ‘inflation’ rate of 1.8%, and this is set to go down with the next halving event. Ultimately, Bitcoin’s inflation will reach zero and it’s value will be determined by scarcity and percieved value.
Key Events
The famous Genesis Block was mined in January 2009, and it had a block reward of 50 BTC. About four years later in November 2012, the first halving event occurred. This was in the mining of block number 210,000, and it had a reward of 25 BTC. The second halving was in July 2016, and this reduced the block reward to 12.5 BTC. At this point, 420,000 blocks had been mined already. The third halving was in May 2020, and it cut the block reward to 6.25 BTC.
The Fourth Bitcoin Halving
The fourth halving is set to occur at some point in 2024, and at that point, 840,000 blocks will have been mined. The block reward at this level will be 3.125 BTC. Bitcoin halvings will happen until the final coin is mined in 2140. It is worth noting that halving events don’t usually discourage miners as they have always lead to rising Bitcoin prices. For example, at the current rates, a reward of 6.25 BTC can earn a miner more than $106,000.
The next halving is expected around 2024. It will drop the block reward to 3.125 BTC.
What Are the Implications of Bitcoin Halving Events?
Bitcoin halvings were added to the code of the cryptocurrency to ensure that new coins would be released at a steady pace. There have only been three halving events in the history of Bitcoin. The 2012 event led to an increase in the price of the coin from $11 about a month before, to $12 on the day of the event. In the following weeks and months, the price of the coin would increase steadily.
Something similar happened in 2016. A month before this event, the coin was trading at around $576, and it rose to about $650 on the day of the halving. Again, the prices continued to rise over the next months. In April 2020, the price of BTC was around $7200, and it would rise to about $9100 on the day of the third Bitcoin halving. The price would steadily rise to about $61,000 in March 2021.
Supply: 18,925,000 / 21,000,000
Release date: January 3, 2009
Description: Buy BTC before the next halving event!
Risk warning: Trading, buying or selling crypto currencies is extremely risky and not for everyone. Do not risk money that you could not afford to loose.
Predictions for the Fourth Bitcoin Halving
It is likely that the next halving will lead to a similar rise in the price of Bitcoin. This is because of the guaranteed scarcity of the coin, and the increased coverage of the event in crypto platforms and mainstream news. The constrained supply of the coin also increases its desirability.
You should remember that historical trends will only be replicated if the demand for Bitcoin stays the same or increases. If there is a decreased demand for Bitcoin for any reason, the price may not go up. It is important to remember that the crypto sector has evolved significantly over the years and doesn’t resemble the 2012 or 2016 markets. Therefore, there is no sure way of predicting the impact of the next halving event.
In Summary
Bitcoin halving is a significant aspect of this cryptocurrency. It helps to maintain scarcity in the issuance of Bitcoin. This is because miner rewards are cut in half. The event happens every 210,000 blocks, which is usually every four years. Historically, Bitcoin halving events have led to an increase in the price of the cryptocurrency. This is likely because of increased media coverage around the event, and the fact that the supply will be constrained following the halving. It is expected that the next halving event will lead to an increase in the price of BTC, given the historical trends.
Be sure to check back on Crypto Lists closer to each halving event to get the latest updates and most accurate times.
Get Coinbase App Rating: 9.3/10
Number of instruments: 32+ instruments
Description: HODL your Bitcoins on one of the most reputable platforms!
Risk warning: The crypto market is volatile. Don’t risk more money than you can afford to loose.
Bitcoin breaks $28,000 barrier as bullish trends brew
Get a 1 BTC match deposit bonus this Friday at Yoju!
Bitcoin moves 3.2% in upwards swing on Monday morning
Could we see a $170k BTC price in Q4 2023?
EU pass Bitcoin and crypto transfer tracing regulation
