As Bitcoin continues to endure the woes of a rollercoaster 2018, investors around the world might continue to chant ‘HODL‘ around a campfire – longing for the days of quick, successive price gains and soaring values.

The opening six months of 2018 have separated the wheat from the chaff – with committed investors standing firm in their conviction that Bitcoin can soar to new heights in the days and months to come, while others less interested might have stopped their percussive CoinMarketCap checks altogether.

Bitcoin began trading at $12,899.20 USD on January 1st this year – fresh off of a $19,000 USD high. At press time the pre-eminent cryptocurrency has yet to reclaim its past glory.

While there’s little indication as to when Bitcoin’s present bear run might run to a close, it is useful to reflect on the cryptocurrency’s previous price chronological drops – three of which set investors into a panic, and set the stage for a strong return to form later on.

August 2012: Emerging from darkness

In 2012, the cryptocurrency scene was a vastly different landscape as opposed to the world we know today – where Bitcoin and the term ‘cryptocurrency’ in itself were largely interchangeable.

Bitcoin’s most significant price drop throughout this period took place in August of 2012. Over the course of three days from August 17th to August 19th, Bitcoin retracted from trading above the $16 USD mark and fell to $7.10 USD.

While the loss might seem trite now, Bitcoin’s value fell by some 9.31 USD in three days – amounting to a 57% decline. The reversal was ultimately triggered by early Bitcoin user Priateat40’s decision to cease accepting Bitcoin payments.

April 2013: The three days’ war

Over the course of three days from the 10th of April 2013 to the 12th of April of the same year, Bitcoin’s price suddenly and violently retreated from a premium of $259 USD to $45 USD – making for an 83% collapse.

Historically, the meltdown has retroactively been attributed to have been the result of Bitcoin’s first appearance in the limelight – a sudden interest from worldwide media had propelled Bitcoin above the $200 USD mark before the cryptocurrency collapsed in a violent correction.

November 2013 – January 2015: In the shadow of Mt Gox

Bitcoin’s first protracted bear market took just over a year to pass. Over 411 days between the 30th of November of 2013 and the 14th of January 2015, Bitcoin’s price plummeted from the handsome position of $1,163 USD down to $152 US – making for an -87% decline.

Obsensibly, Bitcoin’s early bear market occurred in the wake of Mt Gox’s collapse.

Mt Gox, the largest and pre-eminent Bitcoin exchange at the time, crumbled thanks to a high-profile hacking attempt and regulatory pressure.

Ultimately, the death of Mt Gox not only introduced a slew of new cryptocurrency custodial services and exchanges, but further saw the emergence of decentralized exchanges.

Looking to the future

Ultimately, Bitcoin may continue to traverse bearish trends for the remainder of 2018. The presence of expiring futures contracts, market pessimism, and global interest may or may not direct Bitcoin’s immediate future.

What remains clear in hindsight, however, is that each of Bitcoin’s major drops have precipitated its next breakout – and it remains to be seen as to whether that trend will continue.

A note on pricing: Given the number of operating cryptocurrency exchanges in 2012 through 2015 and price discrepancies (arbitrage) therein, different sources may reflect varying price levels.