1 BTC
Bitcoin (BTC) is a purely digital decentralized cryptocurrency founded by an unknown person or group under the name Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. It operates on a distributed blockchain ledger, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without centralized control. Bitcoin has no physical form; it exists only as digital data verified by a global network of miners.
However, “physical Bitcoin coins” are collectible novelties or art pieces that symbolize Bitcoin in tangible form. These physical Bitcoins often contain a hidden private key or QR code under a tamper-resistant hologram that represents a set amount of Bitcoin stored digitally on the blockchain. Examples include the famous Casascius coins, which can be “loaded” with Bitcoin value inside. Once the hologram is broken and the private key retrieved, the physical coin no longer holds that Bitcoin value but remains a collectible item.
Physical Bitcoins are made of various materials such as brass, silver, or gold, and typically feature detailed Bitcoin logos and blockchain-related designs. They serve as a bridge between the intangible digital world of cryptocurrency and the traditional feel of coins, making them popular with collectors and crypto enthusiasts alike.
In summary, Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency exists only digitally, while physical Bitcoin coins are collector’s items that may or may not contain actual Bitcoin value inside. The real Bitcoin value is stored on the blockchain and accessed via private keys rather than through the physical coins themselves.