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History · 2009

Genesis block

Bitcoin’s genesis block is block 0, mined by Satoshi on January 3, 2009 and containing the Times headline about a second bank bailout.

Why it matters

The genesis block marks the launch of the Bitcoin blockchain and is widely read as a statement about the monetary environment of the time.

Key ideas

Primary and technical sources

Satoshi Nakamoto InstituteSatoshi Nakamoto InstituteBitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash SystemSatoshi Nakamoto

Related concepts