> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://book.runesterminal.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://book.runesterminal.io/3.-runes/launch.md).

# Launch

The Bitcoin Runes protocol was announced in September 2023 and officially launched alongside the Bitcoin halving on April 20th, 2024. The first-ever Rune, Rune #0, was etched by [Casey Rodarmor](https://twitter.com/rodarmor), the founder of the Runes Protocol. This inaugural Rune is called [UNCOMMON•GOODS](https://luminex.io/rune/UNCOMMON%E2%80%A2GOODS).

Regarding the minting process for UNCOMMON•GOODS:

* Minting started on the Halving block and is set to continue until the next Bitcoin halving in 2028.
* Users can mint the Rune as many times as they desire, but each individual mint can only claim one UNCOMMON•GOODS Rune at a time.
* The divisibility of UNCOMMON•GOODS is 0, meaning it cannot be subdivided any further into smaller units.

This initial Rune serves as the pioneering example of the Runes Protocol's capabilities. It sets the stage for the future adoption and development of Bitcoin-based fungible tokens through the Runes ecosystem.


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