Bitcoin has a fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins, a core part of its design that creates digital scarcity. But have you ever wondered when the very last Bitcoin will be mined?
Why Bitcoin Has a Supply Limit
Unlike fiat currencies that can be printed endlessly, Bitcoin’s code limits the total supply to 21 million BTC. This limit ensures that Bitcoin remains deflationary and resistant to inflation, making it similar to a digital version of gold.
The Bitcoin Halving Mechanism Explained
New Bitcoins enter circulation through a process called mining, where miners validate transactions and are rewarded with newly created BTC. However, this block reward halves approximately every 4 years (every 210,000 blocks).
This process is known as a Bitcoin halving.
- 2009: 50 BTC per block
- 2012: 25 BTC
- 2016: 12.5 BTC
- 2020: 6.25 BTC
Next halving (2028): 3.125 BTC
This halving mechanism drastically slows the rate at which new Bitcoins are mined.
How Much Bitcoin Has Been Mined So Far? (As of June 2025)
As of June 2025, around 19.6 million Bitcoins have already been mined. That means 93.3% of the total supply is already in circulation, leaving just 1.4 million BTC left to be mined over the coming decades.
Due to halving events, these remaining coins will be released into circulation very slowly, extending the timeline significantly.
Why the Last Bitcoin Will Be Mined Around the Year 2140
The year 2140 is commonly cited as the estimated time when the final Bitcoin will be mined. This is because the mining reward continues to halve every 210,000 blocks, and eventually, the reward becomes so small it approaches zero.
By that time, miners will no longer receive new Bitcoins as a reward. Instead, their income will come entirely from transaction fees on the Bitcoin network.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Bitcoin’s fixed supply and halving schedule is crucial for long-term investors, traders, and crypto enthusiasts. As new supply continues to shrink, scarcity may play an increasing role in Bitcoin’s market dynamics — especially during halving cycles.
