Bitcoin, launched on 9 January 2009, was once a digital curiosity barely noticed outside small tech groups. Today, in early 2026, Bitcoin trades at an eye-watering $78,693.76 per coin. This rise has created astonishing wealth for early investors. Financial experts say $1,000 invested in Bitcoin in 2010 could now be worth more than $1.5 billion. Even smaller sums grew hugely. Just $1 back then could buy 1,000 bitcoins, now worth about $78.7 million. One famous moment in Bitcoin's history is the purchase of two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins in 2010. At that time, the pizzas cost about $25. Today, those 10,000 bitcoins are worth about $787 million. This day is celebrated every year as Bitcoin Pizza Day. Not everyone who owned early Bitcoin got rich. Some lost their fortunes through bad luck. A man in Wales lost a hard drive with around 7,500 bitcoins in a landfill. At today's prices, that lost Bitcoin would be worth about $700 million. Others missed out by choice, like singer Lily Allen, who turned down 200,000 bitcoins in 2009 for a concert. She later admitted regret as those coins would now be worth $15.7 billion, far more than the net worth of many pop stars. Bitcoin's path has been rocky, with crashes and lost passwords. Many early owners sold too soon or lost access to their coins. Still, the vast jumps in value show the currency's incredible journey from niche tech to a global financial giant. Fifteen years later, the huge wealth gains by some early investors are now a solid part of financial history.