The Final Bitcoin: Estimated Timeline and Implications
The last Bitcoin is projected to be mined around 2140, marking the completion of its fixed supply cap of 21 million coins. This limit, hardcoded by Bitcoin’s anonymous creator(s) Satoshi Nakamoto, ensures no further coins will ever be created. Once reached, the circulating supply will remain static indefinitely.
Key Impacts of Bitcoin’s Supply Cap
- Mining Profitability Shift: As block rewards diminish, miners will rely solely on transaction fees (not newly minted coins) for revenue.
- Gradual Process: The final 10% of Bitcoin will take over a century to mine due to halving events slowing issuance.
👉 Why Bitcoin halvings matter for miners
Current Mining Status
- 90% mined: ~19 million BTC already in circulation.
- Slowing issuance: Only ~6.25 BTC rewarded per block (down from 50 BTC in 2009).
Lost Coins and Active Supply
- 20% potentially lost: Stuck in wallets with inaccessible keys.
- Effective scarcity: Fewer than 21 million BTC will be actively tradable.
Bitcoin Halving Explained
Halving events occur every 210,000 blocks (~4 years), reducing block rewards by 50%. This deflationary mechanism:
- Extends mining timeline.
- Increases scarcity, potentially boosting BTC’s value if demand rises.
👉 How halvings shape Bitcoin’s economics
FAQ Section
Q: Will mining stop after all Bitcoin are mined?
A: No—miners will continue securing the network but earn only transaction fees.
Q: What happens to Bitcoin’s price post-supply cap?
A: Price may rise if demand outstrips fixed supply, but market dynamics will determine actual value.
Q: How many Bitcoin are permanently lost?
A: Estimates suggest ~4 million BTC are irretrievable due to lost keys or inactive wallets.