Bitcoin's Iconic "₿" Symbol Turns 15

Fifteen years ago, on February 24th, 2010, the enigmatic figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the iconic "₿" symbol, now universally recognized as the logo of Bitcoin (BTC). Before this, the cryptocurrency was simply referred to as BC. The introduction of the "₿" symbol marked a significant shift in the perception and status of Bitcoin, heralding the digital currency revolution that was to follow.

The new logo was a simple yet powerful design, featuring the "₿" symbol engraved within a gold coin. This revision not only gave Bitcoin a distinct visual identity but also underscored the gravity and potential of the burgeoning digital currency sector. Following the release of the logo, Nakamoto sought feedback from the Bitcoin community, which was overwhelmingly positive.

In 2010, the logo underwent a minor revision. A community member, Bitboy, made some adjustments, replacing the gold coin background with an orange circle and slightly tilting the "₿" symbol clockwise. This iteration of the logo has remained unchanged to this day and is one of the most recognizable brand logos in the world.

Bitcoin was launched in 2009, and at the time of the logo redesign, it was largely unknown, with its price hovering near zero. However, the token's fortunes began to change in October 2010 when it surpassed the $0.10 mark. Since then, Bitcoin has grown exponentially, reaching an all-time high of $109,114 in January 2025. At the time of this writing, Bitcoin is trading at $94,517.36, with an overall market capitalization of approximately $1.9 trillion. It is clear that Bitcoin has come a long way since its humble beginnings and remains one of the most prominent digital currencies in the world.

Despite recent market volatility, Bitcoin continues to expand its horizons, evolving from a decentralized peer-to-peer currency into a viable investment opportunity for institutions. The potential approval of a spot ETF by the SEC and a more favorable stance towards the asset could further transform the landscape of Bitcoin, solidifying its status as a major player in the global financial ecosystem.