Hal Finney Runs Bitcoin Software, Launching Digital Currency Era
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 11 2026- Historic Moment: On January 10, 2009, Hal Finney tweeted “Running Bitcoin,” marking the public launch of the Bitcoin network and becoming the first recipient of a Bitcoin transaction, thus initiating the era of digital currency.
- First Transaction: The 10 BTC Finney received that day, worth nothing at the time, now exceeds $900,000, showcasing Bitcoin's immense appreciation potential and reflecting the market's evolution for digital assets.
- Technical Contribution: As a pioneer of the cypherpunk movement, Finney was not only the first user of Bitcoin software but also actively contributed to testing and improving the protocol, underscoring his significance in the early development of cryptocurrency.
- Identity Controversy: In 2024, speculation about Finney being Satoshi Nakamoto resurfaced; despite evidence challenging this theory, his technical background and close interactions with Nakamoto continue to attract attention, highlighting the ongoing mystery surrounding Bitcoin's creator identity.
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.
