According to CoinDesk, the Bitcoin network is approaching a significant milestone as the 20 millionth BTC is expected to be mined in just a few days . Current data shows that, out of a Max Supply of 21 million BTC, over 95% has already been put into circulation . This reflects a slowing rate of issuance as the network approaches its original fixed supply limit.
The final 1 million BTC will take over a century to mine.
Due to Bitcoin's block reward halving mechanism, the rate of new BTC issuance will slow down over time. CoinDesk estimates that it will take approximately 114 more years to mine the last 1 million BTC in the total supply. By protocol design, block rewards will continue to be halved after each halving cycle, which is approximately every four years, resulting in a progressively smaller amount of new BTC entering the market.
The fact that over 95% of the supply has already been mined also highlights Bitcoin's scarcity. Unlike fiat currency, which can be further issued, the supply of BTC is programmed to be fixed at 21 million. This mechanism is XEM by many investors to be the core factor that makes Bitcoin likened to "digital gold," as the supply becomes increasingly limited while the demand for use and accumulation continues to rise.
