Today marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Hal Finney, the renowned cryptographer and computer scientist who played a pivotal role in the early days of Bitcoin. Finney, who died in 2014 from complications of ALS, is celebrated for his profound contributions to Bitcoin and his vision of the future potential of the emerging technology.
On this day 10 years ago, Hal Finney passed away.
Finney was the recipient of the first ever Bitcoin transaction, receiving 10 #Bitcoin From Satoshi Nakamoto.
Today, we are all running. #Bitcoin 🧡 pic.twitter.com/iRxgwQVNR7
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) August 28, 2024
Early in his career, Finney worked as a video game developer before joining PGP Corporation, where he worked on early public key cryptography software. His interest in digital privacy led him to the cypherpunks email list, where he collaborated with other pioneers in the field. In 2004, Finney created the world’s first Reusable Proof of Work (RPOW) system, a precursor to the Proof of Work consensus mechanism that underpins Bitcoin.
However, Finney is perhaps best known for his early involvement in Bitcoin. As one of the first to recognize the revolutionary potential of Satoshi Nakamoto’s innovation, Finney became an active participant in the project. He is known to have received the first Bitcoin transaction from Nakamoto himself and contributed to the development of the protocol. His 2009 tweet, “Bitcoin is on,” remains an iconic moment in Bitcoin history.
On this day 14 years ago, cryptographer Hal Finney made the first cryptocurrency. #Bitcoin Tweet ever 🧡
Rest in peace Hal 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zsCsKEiGnO
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 10, 2023
Despite being diagnosed with ALS in 2009, Finney continued to contribute to Bitcoin, using eye-tracking software to code even as the disease progressed. His resilience and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world and Bitcoin enthusiasts. “Today, I am essentially paralyzed. I am fed through a tube, and my breathing is assisted through another tube,” Finney posted on his website. Bitcoin Talk Forum On March 19, 2013. “It’s been an adjustment, but my life isn’t too bad… I still love programming and it gives me goals… I’m comfortable with my legacy.”
As the community reflects on his legacy, here is one of the only known recorded videos of Finney speaking at the Crypto 98 conference, discussing zero-knowledge proofs and highlighting his pioneering work in cryptographic protocols.
✨New video for #Bitcoin Major Hal Finney Unveils 25-Year-Old Lecture on Cryptocurrencies That Know Nothing
First time I hear him speak 🧡 pic.twitter.com/SkGrnae81L
— Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) September 20, 2023