Genesis Block
The very first Bitcoin block, mined by Satoshi Nakamoto on January 3, 2009, referencing a Times headline.
Block zero, famously containing the message “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks,” marks Bitcoin’s moment of inception. Unlike later blocks, it can’t be spent due to how the coinbase transaction is coded. Many view it symbolically as a critique of the legacy financial system, underscoring Bitcoin’s origin as an alternative. This single block seeded the entire blockchain, and its historical significance is immeasurable to Bitcoin enthusiasts.
Key takeaways
Mined by Satoshi, forming the blockchain’s foundation
Contains a reference to 2009 banking crisis headlines
Its coinbase reward is unspendable due to special coding
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