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Could Bitcoin Ever Break the 21 Million Cap? Adam Back Says It's a Trap
A debate resurfaced after Peter Todd suggested adding a permanent block reward that would keep creating a small number of new bitcoins after the final coin is mined around the year two thousand one hundred forty, which Adam Back called a trap.
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What happened
A debate resurfaced after Peter Todd suggested adding a permanent block reward that would keep creating a small number of new bitcoins after the final coin is mined around the year two thousand one hundred forty, which Adam Back called a trap.
Confirmed
Global impact / market context
If a permanent reward were adopted, Bitcoin would no longer be strictly scarce, which could weaken its appeal as digital gold and change miners’ income, potentially affecting investor interest and the cryptocurrency’s long‑term price outlook.
Analyst inference
Bitcoin’s fixed supply has been a core part of its value story, distinguishing it from traditional money; any move toward ongoing issuance would challenge that story, likely shifting market expectations and influencing how traders price the asset.
Analyst inference
What to watch
- Watch for any formal Bitcoin Improvement Proposal or developer meeting that outlines a permanent block reward, which would signal a shift toward an unlimited issuance model. Analyst inference
- Monitor changes in miner hash‑rate or profitability expectations if a small ongoing reward is introduced, as that could influence mining investment and network security. Analyst inference
- Observe how investors discuss Bitcoin’s scarcity and price targets in media and forums, because perception of a mutable cap could affect demand from institutions. Analyst inference
Affected assets
- BTC — Bitcoin