What was the first cryptocurrency?

The first known attempt to create a cryptocurrency was eCash in the 1980s. David Chaum wrote the first whitepaper and established a company called DigiCash that would ultimately make eCash. The first cryptocurrency purchase was for two pizzas in 2010. The user paid 10,000 BTC or about $222 million in 2022 prices.

How long did it take bitcoin to become a cryptocurrency?

Several other attempts ultimately led up to Bitcoin's creation, but it took more than 20 years to evolve into the popular cryptocurrency it is today. The first cryptocurrency was eCash, created by David Chaum's company DigiCash in 1990. There were several attempts to create a viable and accepted cryptocurrency before Bitcoin.

When was the first bitcoin transaction?

The first Bitcoin real-world transaction occurred on May 22, 2010, a date known to Bitcoin enthusiasts now as Bitcoin Pizza Day. Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC to have two Papa Johns pizzas delivered to him. The pizzas retailed for about $25. At the peak of Bitcoin's pricing in 2021, the two pizzas would have cost north of $680 million.

How many cryptocurrencies are there?

Currently, there are over 4,000 cryptocurrencies, but the large portion of this number might be insignificant. Bitcoin remains the world’s largest cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology continues to disrupt many industries as its benefits are seemingly bringing great impact.