A 1999 prediction by Nobel laureate Milton Friedman about a digital ‘e-cash’ system for anonymous internet transactions has resurfaced, rekindling interest in the potential of cryptocurrencies. As highlighted by Bitcoin Magazine, Friedman foresaw the rise of Bitcoin nearly a decade before its official launch. In an interview from that year, he envisioned electronic currency being used for anonymous payments, a concept directly applicable to the modern cryptocurrency space. While no immediate financial or market shifts have ensued following this prediction, the historical perspective on this idea provides valuable context within today’s discussions about cryptocurrencies. 1999 predictions haven’t yielded direct regulatory impacts, nor have they sparked new investments, policies, or innovations as yet. Despite these effects being absent, Friedman’s foresight continues to shape the conversation surrounding blockchain technology, providing a historical lens for understanding its current trajectory.