Throughout the development of cryptocurrency, some names are forever worth remembering. Hal Finney is such a legendary figure — he was not only a core proponent of the cypherpunk movement but also a crucial bridge in transforming Bitcoin from theory into reality.

As the first Bitcoin operator and the recipient of the first transaction, Finney demonstrated what "faith" truly means through his actions. His footprints span multiple milestones in cryptography: from developing the revolutionary encryption tool PGP, to building anonymous relay systems, and creating RPOW (Reusable Proof of Work) — each step centered around the same ideal — using cryptography to safeguard personal privacy and freedom.

In 2009, after Satoshi Nakamoto released the Bitcoin white paper, Finney quickly became the most steadfast supporter of this experiment. He not only ran one of the earliest Bitcoin nodes but also conducted the first peer-to-peer transaction with Satoshi. This was not just a technical validation but a solemn commitment to a new era. Finney’s presence showed us that the birth of Bitcoin was not out of thin air but a continuation of decades-long cypherpunk obsession. His contributions go far beyond the code itself; he connected the past with the future.