At 11 a.m. Eastern Time on March 10, 2026, Bitcoin’s price stood at $70,828.84, marking a $1,437.12 increase from the previous day. Yet, zooming out to a year earlier, the price reflects a $7,700 drop—a sharp reminder of the cryptocurrency’s notorious volatility. But price isn’t the only headline today: Bitcoin just crossed a historic milestone as the 20 millionth coin was mined, leaving only one million more to ever be created. For investors and crypto enthusiasts alike, this moment crystallizes both the scarcity and the unpredictable nature of the world’s most famous digital asset.
Bitcoin, launched in 2009, was the first cryptocurrency and remains the most widely recognized. Its market capitalization now hovers around $1.33 trillion, dwarfing the next-largest, Ethereum, with its $233 billion valuation, according to Fortune. The fixed supply of 21 million coins—now nearly exhausted—has always been a core pillar of Bitcoin’s appeal. As reported by industry media and confirmed by on-chain watchers, the mining of the 20 millionth coin underscores how new supply is shrinking, a result of the protocol’s built-in issuance schedule.
That schedule is driven by a process called the “halving,” which occurs every 210,000 blocks. Each halving slashes the reward for mining new coins, slowing the rate at which new Bitcoins enter circulation. With only one million coins left to be mined over roughly the next 114 years, the pace will continue to decrease. This gradual trickle, as Meyka notes, is a central argument for the so-called scarcity thesis that many long-term holders cite when explaining their faith in Bitcoin’s value.
But if Bitcoin’s supply story is compelling, its price journey has been downright cinematic. Over the past decade, Bitcoin’s price has surged by more than 15,000%. Early stories—like the developer who swapped 10,000 Bitcoins for two pizzas (now worth over $668 million)—have become legend. Yet, the ride has been anything but smooth. Bitcoin has seen brutal crashes, losing tens of thousands of dollars in a matter of months, only to rebound with equally dramatic rallies. In 2025, Bitcoin’s price ended the year about 30% below its all-time high of $126,198.07, set on October 6 of that year.
So, what drives these wild swings? Several factors play a role. Investor speculation and hype can send prices soaring or tumbling in the short term, often outweighing deeper fundamentals. Adoption by major companies—think Tesla or Ferrari announcing they’ll accept Bitcoin—can spark new rallies. While Bitcoin doesn’t react to inflation data or central bank moves in the same way as stocks, it often performs better when the economy is strong and consumers are feeling adventurous. Regulatory developments, too, can make or break sentiment, as governments around the world continue to grapple with how to oversee the crypto industry.
On March 10, 2026, the technical picture was as mixed as ever. According to Meyka, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) sat at a neutral 45.06, while the MACD histogram was positive at 1,100.71, hinting at improving momentum. The Average Directional Index (ADX) clocked in at 37.64, suggesting a strong trend, and the Average True Range was 3,873.49—evidence of the elevated volatility that continues to define Bitcoin trading. Bollinger Bands framed the day’s action, with the upper band at 71,646.34, the middle at 67,821.28, and the lower at 63,996.22. The Money Flow Index (MFI) was also neutral, at 48.42, while on-balance volume remained negative. For traders, a sustained hold above the middle Bollinger Band often favors buyers, but a close below it could invite a test of support.
For Canadians, the recent surge in interest to buy Bitcoin is notable. Spot Bitcoin ETFs listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange—such as BTCC, EBIT, and FBTC—offer a user-friendly path to exposure, with T+2 settlement, Canadian dollar pricing, and eligibility for registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs. These ETFs simplify custody and help avoid tracking errors compared to holding coins directly. As Meyka reports, many new investors start here, while more experienced users might opt for direct purchases on regulated Canadian platforms, storing their holdings in hardware wallets to reduce counterparty risk.
Choosing how to invest in Bitcoin isn’t just about where to buy. Risk management is paramount. Many Canadians use strategies like dollar-cost averaging—investing a fixed amount at regular intervals—to smooth out volatility. Setting clear position limits and defining a rebalancing plan are also crucial. As Meyka advises, "Write it down, review it monthly, and stick to position limits through market swings." For those holding Bitcoin ETFs in RRSPs, gains can be tax-deferred, while TFSAs can shelter gains from tax entirely, though investors need to be mindful of Canada Revenue Agency rules and ETF-specific policies.
Of course, Bitcoin is just one of many cryptocurrencies vying for attention. Ethereum, the second-largest, is built as a decentralized computing platform and is widely used by developers. Tether, a so-called stablecoin, is pegged to the U.S. dollar and offers less volatility but also less upside. XRP, on the other hand, is designed for fast, low-cost international money transfers. Each offers a different risk-reward profile, but none matches Bitcoin’s market dominance or cultural cachet.
As for the future, predictions abound but certainty is elusive. Some crypto experts, according to Fortune, estimate Bitcoin could reach between $300,000 and $700,000 by 2030, though the path there will likely be anything but smooth. For now, the 20 millionth coin milestone serves as a powerful reminder: Bitcoin’s supply is finite, and the race for the last million will be a marathon, not a sprint.
For would-be investors, the advice remains the same. Don’t go all in. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and make sure the rest of your portfolio is diversified. As Fortune puts it, "Bitcoin often makes the most sense as a long-term holding rather than a short-term trade, and it may not be a fit for investors who are easily rattled by big price moves."
Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a curious newcomer, today’s events offer a snapshot of Bitcoin’s enduring allure—and its enduring risks. The 20 million coin milestone is a testament to its unique design, and the price action is a reminder that in the world of crypto, the only constant is change.