Hal Finney's Historic 'Running Bitcoin' Post Marks Bitcoin's Early Days
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 11 2026- Historic Post: On January 10, 2009, early Bitcoin contributor Hal Finney's brief message 'Running Bitcoin' became one of the most cited moments in Bitcoin's early history, marking the initial validation of the Bitcoin network.
- First Transaction: Finney was not only an early participant but also the first recipient of a Bitcoin transaction, receiving 10 BTC, which is now worth over $900,000, highlighting Bitcoin's potential value.
- Technical Contributions: Quickly recognizing Bitcoin's potential after the whitepaper release, Finney actively tested the software and communicated with Satoshi, enhancing Bitcoin's technical performance and network credibility, laying the groundwork for broader adoption.
- Identity Speculation: Speculation about Finney being Satoshi Nakamoto continues, with theories supporting and opposing this idea, illustrating the complexity of the founder's identity; however, Bitcoin's resilience has not depended on any single individual's 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.
