Many have heard incredible stories about the immense profits made by early Bitcoin investors. Some earned returns of dozens or even thousands of times their initial investment by buying when few believed in the future of cryptocurrency.
Of course, we can't turn back time to invest in Bitcoin at its earliest stages, and we won’t see prices as low as $0.003 per Bitcoin again. But have you ever wondered exactly how much a $100 investment in Bitcoin made at various points since 2009 would be worth today?
In this article, we break down the returns on a $100 investment made each year from 2009 to 2022, assuming the Bitcoin was held without selling. Let’s see which years would have yielded the highest returns.
Note: At the time of writing, Bitcoin is priced at $26,614.
Annual Breakdown: $100 Invested in Bitcoin
2009: The Beginning
In 2009, Bitcoin was valued at approximately $0.003. A $100 investment would have bought you 33,333 BTC. Holding until today, that investment would be worth approximately $887,127,795.
2010: Early Growth
By 2010, the price had risen to around $0.08 per Bitcoin. $100 would have purchased 1,250 BTC. Today, that would be valued at about $33,267,625.
2011: Reaching $1
In 2011, Bitcoin hit the $1 mark. A $100 investment would equal 100 BTC. Held until now, it would be worth $2,661,410.
2012: Steady Climb
Bitcoin was priced around $5 in 2012. $100 would buy 20 BTC. That holding would now be valued at $532,282.
2013: The $100 Milestone
2013 saw Bitcoin reach $100. Investing $100 would get you 1 BTC. Today, that Bitcoin would be worth $26,614.
2014: Correction Phase
The average price in 2014 was about $400. $100 would purchase 0.25 BTC. That investment would now be worth $6,653.
2015: Consolidation
With Bitcoin at around $250 in 2015, $100 would buy 0.4 BTC. Today, that would be valued at $10,645.
2016: Preparing for a Bull Run
Priced at approximately $600 in 2016, $100 would get you 0.167 BTC. Held until now, it would be worth $4,444.
2017: The First Major Peak
Bitcoin’s price surged to nearly $20,000 in late 2017. $100 invested at that peak would buy only 0.005 BTC. Today, that would be worth just $133.
2018: Bear Market
In 2018, Bitcoin’s price averaged around $3,200. $100 would purchase 0.031 BTC, worth about $825 today.
2019: Slow Recovery
With an average price of $3,900 in 2019, $100 would buy 0.0256 BTC. That would now be valued at $681.
2020: Before the Storm
Bitcoin was around $7,200 in early 2020. $100 would get you 0.0139 BTC, worth $369 today.
2021: All-Time High and Correction
In 2021, Bitcoin reached an all-time high near $69,000. Investing $100 at the peak would give you only 0.0014 BTC, valued at just $37** today. However, buying at the yearly average of around $34,000 would have resulted in 0.0029 BTC, worth about $77** now.
2022: Volatility Continues
With Bitcoin averaging around $40,000 in early 2022, a $100 investment would buy 0.0025 BTC, worth $66** today. Buying at the year’s low of about $15,649 would have netted 0.0063 BTC, valued at approximately $167** now.
Key Takeaways
Investors who bought Bitcoin anytime from 2009 to 2020 would still be in profit today. The most impressive returns belong to those who invested in the earliest years—2009 to 2012—generating life-changing wealth.
Even buying during the 2017 peak would have resulted in a modest profit. However, those who invested near the all-time highs of late 2021 or early 2022 are likely still at a loss, with some down by more than 99% if they bought at the very top.
The data clearly highlights the potential of long-term holding and the impact of entry points on investment returns. 👉 Explore more investment strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the lowest Bitcoin price ever?
Bitcoin’s lowest recorded price was virtually zero in 2009 and 2010, often traded for fractions of a cent among early enthusiasts.
Is it too late to invest in Bitcoin?
While early investors saw extraordinary returns, many analysts believe Bitcoin still has growth potential. However, it's essential to research, understand market cycles, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
What is the best strategy for investing in Bitcoin?
Dollar-cost averaging—investing a fixed amount regularly—is a popular strategy to reduce the impact of volatility. Long-term holding has also historically rewarded investors who avoid panic selling during downturns.
Why does Bitcoin’s price change so much?
Bitcoin is influenced by factors like regulatory news, institutional adoption, macroeconomic trends, and market sentiment. Its relatively limited supply and growing demand also contribute to price volatility.
Can I lose all my money investing in Bitcoin?
Yes, like any investment, Bitcoin carries risk. Its price can be highly volatile, and while many have profited, others have experienced significant losses, especially buying at peak prices.
How can I safely store Bitcoin?
Use reputable cryptocurrency wallets—either hardware wallets for cold storage or trusted software wallets. Always enable security features like two-factor authentication and keep your private keys secure and offline.
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Source: Reddit