When you first dive into Bitcoin, one of the most compelling facts you learn is its absolute scarcity: only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist. You’ve probably also heard the magical year “2140” thrown around as the date the last Bitcoin will be mined.
But here’s a little secret that often gets lost in translation: for all practical purposes, the Bitcoin mining era will be largely over around 2040 – a full century earlier than you might expect.
Mind blown? Let’s break down why this often-cited “2140” date is technically correct but practically misleading, and what it truly means for the future of Bitcoin’s supply and security.