If You'd Invested $100 in Bitcoin 10 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today
Key Points
Bitcoin's ability to act as a true fiat currency alternative is still developing.
Its widespread acceptance by institutions, financial advisors, and the SEC means that it's become part of a real portfolio allocation.
Bitcoin's explosive price growth over the past several years has made it extremely profitable for holders.
- 10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin ›
In 2016, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) was still an emerging technology. Trading at around $400, it was still fighting for acceptance as a legitimate alternative to fiat currency.
Fast forward 10 years, Bitcoin has arrived. Institutions own it. Financial advisors are putting it in model portfolios and client accounts. The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved ETFs for it. And it's paved the way for other cryptos, such as Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), Solana (CRYPTO: SOL), and XRP (CRYPTO: XRP), to emerge themselves.
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Bitcoin remains highly volatile as an investment, but it's also produced huge returns for investors over the years. It's still down about 30% from its all-time highs, but long-term holders still have plenty of reason to be pleased.
Over the past decade (as of 1/26/26), Bitcoin has risen by roughly 21,900%!
That means a $100 investment made into Bitcoin 10 years ago and held for the duration would have turned into $21,900.
Bitcoin Price data by YCharts
For many, Bitcoin is still more of a speculative growth asset that belongs in a diversified portfolio. It's been a reasonable diversifier when paired with both the U.S. dollar and the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC). Its real potential, however, remains as a fiat currency alternative.
With the AI revolution still in its early innings and the global monetary system evolving, the time for Bitcoin may still be ahead.
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David Dierking has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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