I believe 16 trillion is probably underhanded too. If BTC receives the recognition and adoption on the kind of level that is beginning to appear, then it is possible BTC makes a play for much higher.
I mean no one knows for sure where the MC will level out, but the signs are pointing to very soon 100k is going to be a distant memory. On leverage alone, at the rate of BTC leaving exchanges, prior to countries buying in for reserves, we will need a much higher priced BTC to cover leverage volume within a year or 18 months from now. Just today alone another -8400 BTC from all exchanges and just 2.254 million left.
We can assume many countries and entities are already aquiring Bitcoin now under the radar as to not spook the market.
Exciting times ahead.
What happens when there is no more coins left and everyone is just holding them?
Supply/demand 101.
If there is still confidence in the asset and people want it, they will have to pay up. There is always someone willing to sell.
Everyone has a price. There will always be Satoshi's for sale. How high BTC climbs will be entirely dependant on mindset of the HODLER. If large institutions/governments decide to buy and hold indefinitely then we may see astronomical pricing upwards of 1 mill per BTC.
I think it depends on the mindset. If store of value reaches those kind of levels, BTC may end up being so profitable just to hold, people wont even need to sell. E.G Companies/Banks/Institutions will offer additional returns just for you to store your BTC on their balance sheets or platform. And I'm thinking the kind of potential returns here are going to be much more lucrative the the measily 5% or 10% we currently get storing fiat with such entities like banks, 401ks and Superannuation stlye businesses.
E.G:
keeping your BTC in an exchange wallet as a form of term deposit so they can leverage your BTC for their own profitable programs such as leverage trading.
Storing your BTC in a term deposit style offering to banks/institutions like what many already do for new crypto projects where your BTC is locked for a certain period with a certain return on offer over that period. With crypto friendly regulations protecting you from foul play on regulated projects that have passed through proper channels and given the green light by authorities etc.
Mircrostraegy styled offerings where you offer them fiat or BTC on loan and they buy BTC offering you a guaranteed future return of good %.
So when you hear people say never sell your BTC, it's not because they are just wanting to see a squeeze on price to sell on, it's because many of us believe at a certain price point, you wont even need to sell to make eye watering ROI.
Based upon how things are rolling out, it is highly possible that 100K is in the rear view mirror. If governments start passing laws that state BTC is part of the reserve, that could generate a lot of buy pressure.