Genesis block

A genesis block is the first block of a block chain. Modern versions of Bitcoin number it as block 0, though very early versions counted it as block 1. The genesis block is almost always hardcoded into the software of the applications that utilize its block chain. It is a special case in that it does not reference a previous block, and for Bitcoin and almost all of its derivatives, it produces an unspendable subsidy. It is needed to be produced by the creator of a blockchain. On 3 January 2009, the bitcoin network came into existence with Satoshi Nakamoto mining the genesis block of bitcoin (block number 0), which had a reward of 50 bitcoins.

Embedded in the coinbase transaction of this block was the text:

The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.

Genesis block

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