Bitcoin halving stands out as a pivotal event within the cryptocurrency market. Across its historical occurrences, each halving has been accompanied by a noteworthy uptick in the price of BTC. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about upcoming Bitcoin halving dates and be ready for potential market shifts.
Bitcoin halving is a programmed occurrence that takes place roughly every four years or after the completion of every 210,000 blocks. This event involves a significant reduction in the reward granted to miners for successfully mining a new block of Bitcoin.
Essentially, #Bitcoin halving is a process that cuts mining rewards in half, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the rate at which new Bitcoins are introduced into the market. In simpler terms:
Bitcoin halving = Halving of BTC mining rewards = Halving of the supply of new $BTC entering the market.
Presently, more than 19 million Bitcoins are in circulation. The maximum limit for the total number of BTC in existence is set at 21 million. However, the remaining less than 2 million BTC yet to be mined won't enter circulation for approximately another hundred years, thanks to the impact of $BTC halving.
Since its inception and launch in 2009, Bitcoin has undergone three halving events. The initial BTC halving occurred on November 28, 2012, followed by the second halving on July 9, 2016. The most recent #Bitcoin halving transpired on May 11, 2020.
Although the 4-year timeframe for halving events is not an absolute rule, the historical data from these dates suggests that it approximately adheres to this schedule. Consequently, the projection for the next Bitcoin halving is anticipated to occur in 2024.
Below is a historical record of all the Bitcoin halving events since its inception:
1. First Bitcoin halving date-November 28, 2012-Reduction in reward: 50 BTC to 25 BTC
2. Second Bitcoin halving date-July 9, 2016-Reduction in reward: 25 BTC to 12.5 BTC
3. Third Bitcoin halving date-May 11, 2020-Reduction in reward: 12.5 BTC to 6.25 BTC
4. Fourth Bitcoin halving date-April 22, 2024-Reduction in reward: 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC
During each of these events, miners experienced a 50% reduction in the amount of Bitcoin they receive as a reward for their mining efforts.
Bitcoin Halving 2012 (First Halving)
Prior to the initial halving event on November 28, 2012, the block reward for Bitcoin stood at 50 Bitcoins. Following the halving, this reward was reduced to 25 Bitcoins per block.
The pioneering block that marked this transition, from a 50 BTC to a 25 BTC reward, was mined by the cryptocurrency mining software Slush Pool, utilizing a Radeon HD 5800 miner.
Here are the specifics of the pivotal block where the reward decreased:
- Block number: 210,000
- Block reward: 25 BTC
- BTC created per day: 3,600 BTC
- BTC price before the halving date: $12.50
- Bitcoin price 1 year later: $964
Bitcoin Halving 2016 (Second Halving)
Back on July 9, 2016, we witnessed the second Bitcoin halving. In the period leading up to this occurrence, the reward for mining new BTC per block stood at 25, and following the event, it got cut in half to 12.5 BTC per block.
Here are the details of the pivotal block associated with the halving:
- Block number: 420,000
- Block reward: 12.5 BTC
- BTC created per day: 1,800 BTC
- BTC price before the halving date: $665
- Bitcoin price a year later: $2,500
Bitcoin Halving 2020 (Third Halving)
The third Bitcoin halving event unfolded on May 11, 2020. This significant event slashed the block reward from 12.5 BTC to 6.25 BTC.
Details of the crucial block linked to this halving are as follows:
- Block number: 630,000
- Block reward: 6.25 BTC
- BTC created per day: 900 BTC
- BTC price before the halving date: $8,550
- BTC price after: Surged to a peak of $64,000 over the ensuing months.
The fourth halving is anticipated to take place at block 840,000, assuming a block time of approximately 10 minutes. This event is expected to occur on April 22, 2024, resulting in a reduced block reward of 3.125 BTC.
Details of the fourth halving:
- Block Height:840,000
- Estimated Date: April 22, 2024
- Block Reward: 3.125 BTC
- BTC Created Per Day: Projected to be around 450 BTC
- New Total Supply of Bitcoin: 656,250
Here's a summary of Bitcoin's halving schedule, encompassing both past and future events, until 99% of the total Bitcoin supply is mined.
| Halving | Date | Block | Block Reward | Mined In Period | % Mined |
| BTC Launch | 03 Jan 2009 | 0 | 50 | 10,500,00 | 50 |
| Halving 1 | 28 Nov 2012 | 210,000 | 25 | 5,250,000 | 75 |
| Halving 2 | 9 July 2016 | 420,000 | 12.50 | 2,625,000 | 87.50 |
| Halving 3 | 11 May 2020 | 630,000 | 6.25 | 1,312,500 | 93.75 |
| Halving 4 | 22 April 2024 | 840,000 | 3.125 | 656,250 | 96.875 |
| Halving 5 | Expected 2028 | 1,050,000 | 1.5625 | 328,125 | 98.4375 |
| Halving 6 | Expected 2032 | 1,260,000 | 0.78125 | 1,64,062.50 | 99.21875 |
Halving Recap Table
The upcoming halving event is expected to occur on April 22, 2024, leading to a reduction in the block reward to 3.125 BTC. It's important to note that this date is subject to change as new blocks are added, impacting current estimates.
The final Bitcoin halving is projected to happen in the year 2140, marking the culmination of the mining process for the entire 21 million BTC supply.
How Will Bitcoin Halving Influence the Cryptocurrency Market?
Bitcoin halving occurrences frequently spark considerable interest and speculation within the cryptocurrency market. Foreseeing a reduced supply and potential surges in demand can contribute to heightened price volatility.
Historically, leading up to past halving events, Bitcoin has witnessed both pre-halving rallies and subsequent price upswings in the months and years following the event.
It's crucial to acknowledge that while halving events play a role, Bitcoin's price is influenced by a multitude of factors and is not exclusively dictated by these periodic adjustments.
Bitcoin (BTC) is currently experiencing an upward trend, despite a notable decline from its peak of nearly $49,000 in 2024. Although there is a possibility of further price decreases, the bullish momentum may persist due to the upcoming halving event scheduled for April. This event involves a reduction in miners' rewards, which is anticipated to stimulate demand.
According to Coingabbar analysis, if the current parabolic trajectory is broken, attention should shift to a trendline with a potential downside target around $33,000. This level becomes crucial to monitor, and a failure to maintain the parabolic curvature could lead to a test of approximately $33,000. However, a rebound is anticipated before the halving event, potentially driving the price to $120,000.
An interesting pattern observed by the analyst is a recurring correction in the form of a bull flag in three consecutive Bitcoin cycles-2017, 2020, and the present. These corrections, characterized by their relatively small magnitude, have consistently preceded a parabolic surge, representing a strategic buying opportunity.
Utilizing external Fibonacci retracement, the analyst identifies a potential target for Bitcoin's current cycle. Notably, in both prior cycles, the bull market peaked at the 6,618 Fibonacci extension. Therefore, if historical patterns persist, the $120,000 level emerges as a plausible target for the BTC price in the current cycle.
As the cryptocurrency community eagerly anticipates a potential post-halving rally, maintaining a balanced perspective is crucial. Bitcoin's path to new highs is filled with uncertainty, yet holds abundant potential. In this collective journey, let's embrace the excitement of the unknown and the promise of innovation that characterizes the realm of digital assets.
