The cryptocurrency halving event is one of the most anticipated phenomena in the digital asset space, often sparking market speculation, price volatility, and increased investor interest. In 2024, several major cryptocurrencies are scheduled to undergo this pivotal process. This article explores the 2024 halving coins, including Bitcoin (BTC), Dash (DASH), Zcash (ZEC), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin SV (BSV), and Horizen (ZEN)—detailing their timelines, technical foundations, and implications for investors.
Understanding Cryptocurrency Halving
Before diving into the list, it's essential to understand what a halving means in the crypto world. A halving refers to the pre-programmed reduction of block rewards miners receive for validating transactions on a blockchain network. This mechanism is primarily designed to control inflation by slowing down the rate at which new coins enter circulation.
Most proof-of-work (PoW) blockchains implement halvings at fixed intervals—typically after a set number of blocks are mined. For example, Bitcoin halves every 210,000 blocks, roughly every four years. As supply growth slows while demand potentially increases, halvings can create bullish pressure on prices over time.
Now let’s examine each of the key 2024 halving cryptocurrencies.
1. Bitcoin (BTC) – April 2024
Bitcoin, the first and most influential cryptocurrency, is expected to undergo its fourth halving around April 2024, with some estimates pointing to April 28.
When Bitcoin launched in 2009, miners received 50 BTC per block. The reward has since halved three times—in 2012 (to 25 BTC), 2016 (to 12.5 BTC), and 2020 (to 6.25 BTC). After the 2024 event, the block reward will drop to 3.125 BTC.
With a maximum supply capped at 21 million coins, Bitcoin’s scarcity model mirrors precious metals like gold. Historically, each halving has been followed by significant price rallies within 12–18 months, fueling widespread anticipation among traders and long-term holders alike.
👉 Discover how Bitcoin’s halving could impact your portfolio in 2024.
2. Dash (DASH) – July 7, 2024
Dash, originally launched as XCoin in 2014 and later rebranded, is a privacy-focused digital cash system designed for fast and low-cost transactions.
Scheduled for July 7, 2024, Dash’s halving will reduce mining rewards from the current level to half, maintaining its emission schedule that supports long-term sustainability. Unlike traditional financial systems, Dash operates without central authority, relying instead on a decentralized peer-to-peer network secured by advanced cryptography.
Dash also features unique functionalities such as InstantSend for near-instant transactions and PrivateSend for enhanced privacy through coin mixing. These features have made it popular in regions with unstable banking infrastructure or high inflation.
3. Zcash (ZEC) – November 20, 2024
Zcash (ZEC) stands out for its pioneering use of zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs)—a cryptographic method that allows completely private transactions on a public blockchain.
Zcash follows Bitcoin’s total supply cap of 21 million coins and shares similar halving cycles. Its next reduction is projected for November 20, 2024. While transparent transactions are visible like Bitcoin’s, users can choose to send funds via shielded addresses where sender, receiver, and amount remain hidden.
This dual-account model—offering both transparent and private balances—provides flexibility and stronger financial privacy, appealing to users concerned about data exposure.
4. Ethereum Classic (ETC) – July 21, 2024
Ethereum Classic (ETC) maintains the original Ethereum blockchain that continued after the 2016 DAO fork, upholding the principle of immutability—"code is law."
Its next halving is expected on July 21, 2024. As a smart contract platform, ETC enables decentralized applications (dApps) and self-executing contracts without third-party interference. It remains committed to proof-of-work consensus despite Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake.
With predictable monetary policy and regular halvings, Ethereum Classic appeals to purists who value decentralization and resistance to censorship.
5. Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – April 7, 2024
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) emerged in 2017 as a result of a hard fork from Bitcoin, aiming to improve scalability by increasing block sizes—from 1MB to initially 8MB (now up to 32MB).
The BCH halving is set for April 7, 2024, reducing miner rewards by 50%. Designed to function as peer-to-peer electronic cash, Bitcoin Cash prioritizes fast transaction processing and low fees, making it suitable for everyday payments.
By maintaining larger blocks, BCH avoids congestion during peak usage periods—a key differentiator from Bitcoin’s more conservative scaling approach.
6. Bitcoin SV (BSV) – April 12, 2024
Bitcoin SV (BSV), short for "Bitcoin Satoshi Vision," was created with the goal of restoring what its proponents believe is the original vision of Bitcoin as outlined in Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper.
BSV’s halving is expected on April 12, 2024. One of its defining features is massive block sizes—up to 128MB—allowing for high throughput and enterprise-level data processing on-chain.
While controversial due to centralization concerns, BSV advocates argue that large-scale on-chain scaling is essential for true decentralization and global adoption.
7. Horizen (ZEN) – December 8, 2024
Horizen (ZEN) is a privacy-centric blockchain platform that evolved from Zencash and launched its mainnet in 2017. Known for its robust sidechain technology, Horizen enables developers to build custom blockchains using its SDK.
The ZEN halving is projected for December 8, 2024. Utilizing advanced zero-knowledge cryptography, Horizen offers secure and anonymous communication alongside private financial transactions through its flagship app, Sphere.
Its innovative node infrastructure—including full nodes, super nodes, and secure nodes—ensures network resilience and incentivizes participation across multiple layers.
👉 Learn how blockchain innovations like Horizen are shaping the future of privacy.
Why Does Bitcoin Halve?
Bitcoin’s halving mechanism serves two primary economic purposes:
- Inflation Control: Without halving, new bitcoins would flood the market indefinitely, risking hyperinflation and devaluing the asset. By gradually reducing issuance, Bitcoin mimics scarce commodities like gold.
- Supply Scarcity: With only 21 million BTC ever to exist, each halving brings the network closer to full issuance (expected around year 2140). This predictable scarcity underpins Bitcoin’s store-of-value narrative.
Historically, all previous halvings have been followed by bull markets—though not immediately. Analysts often cite a “halving cycle” lasting approximately four years, with upward momentum building months after the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens when a cryptocurrency halves?
A: The block reward given to miners is cut in half, slowing down new coin issuance. This reduces inflationary pressure and may increase scarcity-driven demand.
Q: Does halving always lead to price increases?
A: Not guaranteed—but historically, major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have seen significant price growth in the 12–18 months following a halving due to reduced supply and growing interest.
Q: Are all cryptocurrencies subject to halving?
A: No. Only those using proof-of-work consensus with programmed supply reductions implement halvings. Many newer coins use alternative models like staking or fixed emissions.
Q: How do I prepare for a halving event?
A: Consider dollar-cost averaging into assets ahead of time, stay informed about network developments, and avoid emotional trading based on hype alone.
Q: Is mining still profitable after halving?
A: It depends on electricity costs, hardware efficiency, and coin price. Some miners may exit if profitability drops; others upgrade equipment or wait for price recovery.
Q: Can I track upcoming halvings?
A: Yes—many blockchain explorers and crypto data platforms provide countdowns and real-time stats on block height progress toward the next halving.
The 2024 cryptocurrency halving season presents both opportunities and challenges for investors and network participants. From BTC’s global influence to niche players like ZEN emphasizing privacy and scalability, these events highlight the maturation of digital assets as programmable money with predictable economic rules.
As market attention grows, staying informed becomes crucial—not just about dates, but underlying fundamentals.
👉 Stay ahead of the next crypto cycle with real-time market insights and tools.