Bitcoin Explained in 5 Quick Headlines ...
Bitcoin was launched in 2009 and is the world's biggest cryptocurrency measured by market capitalization.
Unlike centralized fiat currencies (Dollars, Sterling, Euros, etc.) which can be issued in unlimited quantity, the total amount of Bitcoin can't exceed 21 million.
Unlike centralized fiat currencies Bitcoin is created, distributed, traded and stored using a decentralized ledger system known as a blockchain.
Bitcoin's price history has increased significantly from a medium to long-term perspective but displays extreme short-term volatility. E.g. Its price trebled between November and December 2017 reaching nearly $20,000 but fell swiftly to about $7,000 in February 2018.
Bitcoin was the earliest virtual currency to get widespread public success and has since inspired the creation of many other cryptocurrencies.