Bitcoin v0.1 Alpha Celebrates 17th Anniversary with $1.90 Trillion Market Cap
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 18 2026- Pioneering Release: Bitcoin v0.1 Alpha, launched by Satoshi Nakamoto on January 17, 2009, marked the inception of decentralized digital currency technology, enabling users to run nodes independently and fundamentally altering the landscape of financial transactions by providing unprecedented financial autonomy.
- Market Performance: As of January 17, 2026, Bitcoin is priced at $95,132.66 with a market cap of $1.90 trillion and a market dominance of 58.96%; despite a 52.12% decline in trading volume, Bitcoin remains a pivotal entity in finance, underscoring its long-standing influence.
- Technological Innovation: The inclusion of a built-in IRC client in Bitcoin v0.1 Alpha reflects Nakamoto's foresight in enhancing user connectivity, and while this milestone did not elicit significant reactions from industry leaders, its decentralized principles continue to hold substantial relevance in financial technology.
- Foundation of DeFi: The launch of Bitcoin not only eliminated double-spending issues but also sparked ongoing discussions about decentralized finance (DeFi) technologies; although current industry focus has shifted towards broader cryptocurrency adoption and technological evolution, Bitcoin's foundational principles remain critically significant.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
