Bitcoin Historical Price and Returns Analysis: Should I Buy Bitcoin Now?

Abstract

This article comprehensively reviews Bitcoin’s historical prices and market fluctuations since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns of purchasing 10 Bitcoin and answer the critical question: “Should I buy Bitcoin now?” This analysis helps both novice and long-term investors understand optimal entry timing and growth potential.

Bull Market Origins and Early Market Cycles: Historical Price Review (2013 to 2017)

Bitcoin was conceptualized by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 and launched as an open-source P2P network implementation. According to CoinMarketCap records, its early trading price was approximately $92.50 in 2013.

Below are Bitcoin’s price movements during the early bull market phase:

2013

  • Opening Price: $92.50
  • Closing Price: $905.36
  • Highest Price: $955.00
  • Lowest Price: $73.98
  • Annual Return: 878.77%

2014

  • Opening Price: $842.10
  • Closing Price: $264.19
  • Highest Price: $842.10
  • Lowest Price: $264.19
  • Annual Return: -68.63%

2015

  • Opening Price: $267.27
  • Closing Price: $428.39
  • Highest Price: $442.62
  • Lowest Price: $211.03
  • Annual Return: 60.28%

2016

  • Opening Price: $449.35
  • Closing Price: $998.99
  • Highest Price: $998.99
  • Lowest Price: $365.52
  • Annual Return: 122.32%

2017

  • Opening Price: $915.90
  • Closing Price: $13,730.39
  • Highest Price: $18,913.33
  • Lowest Price: $820.74
  • Annual Return: 1,399.11%

An investor who purchased 10 Bitcoin during the early bull market phase in 2013 would have achieved potential returns of $906,743 if sold today.

Bear Market Corrections and Mid-Cycle Phases: Returns and Risk Analysis (2018 to 2022)

During this period, Bitcoin experienced significant price volatility, characterized by a sharp bear market correction in 2018 followed by recovery phases in 2019-2020, before another correction in 2022.

2018

  • Opening Price: $16,091.03
  • Closing Price: $3,985.00
  • Highest Price: $16,091.03
  • Lowest Price: $3,224.66
  • Annual Return: -75.23%

2019

  • Opening Price: $3,477.02
  • Closing Price: $7,360.21
  • Highest Price: $11,534.25
  • Lowest Price: $3,460.00
  • Annual Return: 111.68%

2020

  • Opening Price: $8,180.65
  • Closing Price: $33,004.14
  • Highest Price: $33,004.14
  • Lowest Price: $5,360.46
  • Annual Return: 303.44%

2021

  • Opening Price: $38,180.08
  • Closing Price: $47,296.37
  • Highest Price: $65,498.50
  • Lowest Price: $31,778.38
  • Annual Return: 23.88%

2022

  • Opening Price: $41,860.17
  • Closing Price: $16,617.50
  • Highest Price: $46,834.10
  • Lowest Price: $16,285.50
  • Annual Return: -60.30%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 Bitcoin during this period varied significantly:

  • 2018: $746,757.70
  • 2019: $872,897.80
  • 2020: $825,861.50
  • 2021: $525,867.20
  • 2022: $489,066.30

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy Bitcoin Now? (2023 to 2026)

In recent years, Bitcoin has experienced a recovery rally beginning in 2023, with market participants debating whether a new bull cycle has commenced or if the market remains in consolidation.

2023

  • Opening Price: $17,127.70
  • Closing Price: $42,285.40
  • Highest Price: $43,785.60
  • Lowest Price: $17,127.70
  • Annual Return: 146.88%

2024

  • Opening Price: $43,925.90
  • Closing Price: $98,357.40
  • Highest Price: $104,438.90
  • Lowest Price: $41,582.00
  • Annual Return: 123.92%

2025

  • Opening Price: $94,547.70
  • Closing Price: $91,540.70
  • Highest Price: $123,476.50
  • Lowest Price: $78,412.40
  • Annual Return: -3.18%

2026 to Present

  • Opening Price: $90,766.80
  • Closing Price: $90,766.80
  • Highest Price: $90,766.80
  • Lowest Price: $90,766.80
  • Annual Return: 0.00%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 Bitcoin during this recent period:

  • 2023: $736,391.00
  • 2024: $468,409.00
  • 2025: -$37,809.00
  • 2026 to Present: Flat

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through comprehensive analysis of Bitcoin’s historical prices and potential returns spanning from 2013 to 2026, the data reveals cyclical patterns of significant gains punctuated by sharp corrections. Long-term investors have benefited substantially from early entry points, while recent market performance indicates a period of consolidation with increased price volatility. This analysis provides essential context for evaluating whether current market conditions present favorable opportunities for new Bitcoin purchases.

BTC1,96%
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
  • Reward
  • Comment
  • Repost
  • Share
Comment
0/400
No comments
  • Pin

Trade Crypto Anywhere Anytime
qrCode
Scan to download Gate App
Community
  • 简体中文
  • English
  • Tiếng Việt
  • 繁體中文
  • Español
  • Русский
  • Français (Afrique)
  • Português (Portugal)
  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • 日本語
  • بالعربية
  • Українська
  • Português (Brasil)