Nobody ever imagined a currency streaming online in the form of a code. However, the combination of economic incentives with advanced cryptography technology made it possible to offer the world some outstanding digital assets, holding the potential to replace the traditional financial system in the future. Bitcoin, one of the most successful and powerful cryptocurrencies, was introduced by an anonymous developer, Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. BTC halving is one of the essential aspects that added long-term price development of Bitcoin.
What is Bitcoin Halving?
Bitcoin Halving is an event that takes place in the Bitcoin network where the miners are rewarded for successfully mining new blocks and are halved into regular intervals. On successful mining of a new block, each miner received for confirming Bitcoin transactions is cut by 50%. At initial, the mining reward for each block was around 50 BTC and reached 6.25 after three successful halves.
Bitcoin mining is a process of generating new Bitcoins and works similar to extracting precious metals from the earth. If the Bitcoins are mined successfully, the miners receive a predetermined amount of BTC. The halving event takes place after every 210,000 blocks have been minted every four years. Each time, the reward was reduced by half and is expected to continue until 2140, meaning the last halving is expected to be completed in 2140.
The process of Bitcoin halving is considered to be one of the most significant tokenomics behind BTC as it ensures the gradual release of the coins into the market. Bitcoin’s total supply is 21 Million and 90% of the total which is around 19.5 Million have already been minted.
What Happens When Bitcoin Halves?
Focusing on the history of Bitcoin halving, the first ever BTC halving occurred in 2012 after 210,000 blocks were minted. The same procedure has been followed to date.
The simple logic behind the Bitcoin halving is to reduce the rate at which new BTC enters circulation.
If you are thinking that cutting the rewards to half results in a miner’s losses, then you are wrong. Halving always resulted in price increases in the months to follow. Receiving fewer Bitcoins at increased prices helps miners cover any possible losses. However, this tactic does not always work well, as halving may not cause any identical price increase, and as a result of this, some miners leave the network.
The current block reward is 6.25 BTC.
When Was the Last Bitcoin Halving?
Since its creation, BTC has had 3 halvings starting with the first one in 2012. At that time, the rewards from Bitcoin blocks slashed from 50 BTC to 25 BTC.
The second event occurred in 2016, when Bitcoin became very popular in the cryptocurrency world, and around 420,000 blocks were mined.
In 2020, the third and last event took place at the time when Bitcoin was trading at $8,787 BTC and reduced the rewards from 12.5 BTC to 6.25 BTC.
The previous Bitcoin halving dates are 28 November 2012, 9 July 2016, and 11 May 2022. Also, the Bitcoin halving countdown begins for the next event which is supposed to occur in 2024.
When is the Next Bitcoin Halving?
Bitcoin’s next halving is expected to take place in April 2024 at block 840,000 where the block and the block rewards will be halved from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. BTC halving date for the next events is 25 April 2024.
Impact of BTC halving on Bitcoin’s price
Halving bitcoin had a major impact on BTC’s price and always rose gradually after the event. However, the influence is not observed on an instant basis and takes a certain amount of time to reflect.
Based on the studies and observations, the price of BTC begins to rise after six to twelve months. Also, the upsurge in the price is uncertain as the circumstances surrounding the event are not always the same. Maybe the next Bitcoin halving event will clarify the doubt.
Conclusion
The event that offers Bitcoin miners rewards after successfully mining new blocks is the Bitcoin halving. The event occurs every four years and cuts the rewards by half each time. The first event took place in 2012 when the rewards account was 50 BTC and the fourth event is expected to take place in 2024. Also, halving Bitcoin influences the prices of BTC.
FAQs
When is Bitcoin Halving?
BTC halving takes place every four years cutting the total block rewards to half each time the event takes place. Next Bitcoin halving is expected to occur on 25 April 2024 and the total block reward will reach 3.125 BTC.
Will Bitcoin Halving Affect BTC Price?
Yes, Bitcoin price can be affected by the halving event as rewards are halved which may result in sustainable and healthy growth of the network. The price of BTC increases after six to twelve months if the demand remains the same.
How long does BTC peak after halving?
After each event, BTC hit the top and bottom of the cycle at the same time. Interestingly, the price action takes place in the period up to 480 days after the halving.
Is BTC halving good for investors?
Bitcoin halving not only influences the BTC prices but also makes it more attractive to long-term investors. Regular BTC halving cycles and gradual price increases make it a better option for investors to invest in BTC than other cryptos.
Steve Anderson is an Australian crypto enthusiast. He is a specialist in management and trading for over 5 years. Steve has worked as a crypto trader, he loves learning about decentralisation, understanding the true potential of the blockchain.
Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2023/10/21/understanding-bitcoin-halving-and-its-impact-on-btc-price/