+2.30% (24h)
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Bitcoin price history year by year
Bitcoin's price history has been exceptionally cyclical: strong rises have been followed by steep corrections of more than 70%.
Below are approximate year-end levels to illustrate the development.
| Year | Approx. year-end price (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | ~570 | The first big hype cycle and crash |
| 2017 | ~13,000 | The December 2017 peak and the long fall that followed |
| 2018 | ~3,500 | The "crypto winter" year |
| 2020 | ~24,000 | Institutional interest grows |
| 2021 | ~41,000 | All-time high of close to $69,000 in November 2021 |
| 2022 | ~15,500 | A long bear market |
| 2024 | ~92,000 | US spot ETFs approved in January |
| 2025 | ~75,000 | Consolidation as institutional ownership grows |
The figures are approximate year-end values for illustration, not exact daily prices.
Why does the Bitcoin market have clear cycles?
Many analysts link Bitcoin's cyclical moves to the halving, which happens about every four years and slows the growth of new supply.
This is no guarantee for the future, but the historical pattern has repeated several times.
BTC's biggest historical price falls
- 2018: a fall of more than 80% from the 2017 peak.
- 2022: a fall of more than 70% from the 2021 peak, with several crypto companies collapsing at the same time.
The link between the Bitcoin halving and price cycles
Bitcoin's history is often divided into roughly four-year cycles loosely centred on halving events.
Many analysts observe that the biggest price rises have historically come within 12–18 months of a halving, as the growth of new supply slows. This is an observed historical pattern, however, not a guaranteed rule for the future.
The effect of institutional investors on Bitcoin's history
In Bitcoin's early years in the early 2010s, the market was dominated mainly by private investors and enthusiasts, which made price moves especially steep because of the relatively shallow market.
In the 2020s, the growing participation of institutional investors such as funds and listed companies, especially after spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in 2024, has brought more depth to the market, although volatility has stayed high compared with other asset classes. See Bitcoin ETFs.
Bitcoin price history: frequently asked questions
Where can I find exact historical Bitcoin prices?
Exact daily historical data is provided, for example, by the tools of large crypto exchanges and market data services.
Will Bitcoin's price history definitely repeat itself?
No. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns or price moves.
Why has Bitcoin's volatility decreased over time?
Greater market depth and institutional participation have historically smoothed price moves somewhat, although Bitcoin is still much more volatile than traditional asset classes.
This content is general information, not investment advice.