<p>The private key of Bitcoin is a 256 bit binary number or a 64 bit hexadecimal number. Why isn't my 64 bit Bitcoin private key in hexadecimal? It starts with 'G'. How can I obtain the correct private key through this string starting with 'G'? Thanks</p>
<p>To my knowledge, the format of a Bitcoin private key should be a binary number of 256 characters, a hexadecimal number of 64 characters, a string of over 50 characters encoded by BASE, or a string starting with &quot;5&quot; encoded by WIF. However, my private key is a string of 64 characters starting with &quot;G&quot;, including uppercase letters and numbers. I don't know what encoding or encryption it is, so I am unable to use it now. If you can help me retrieve Bitcoin, I am willing to give you a portion of Bitcoin</p>
<p>Additionally, I can confirm the authenticity of this private key because it was obtained from an early image that was a screenshot of a software or website and had the words' private key 'on it.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-12-10T10:58:02.090Z
This question is similar to: [What are the formats of a private key?](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/111298/what-are-the-formats-of-a-private-key). If you believe it’s different, please [edit] the question, make it clear how it’s different and/or how the answers on that question are not helpful for your problem.
RedGrittyBrick
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-12-10T11:03:12.030Z
See also [Private key to WIF process](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/q/98469/13866)
RedGrittyBrick
<private-key>
A question about private key
yeno
# A question about private key

(Asked by: username_0 on 2024-12-10)

The private key of Bitcoin is a 256 bit binary number or a 64 bit hexadecimal number. Why isn't my 64 bit Bitcoin private key in hexadecimal? It starts with 'G'. How can I obtain the correct private key through this string starting with 'G'? Thanks

To my knowledge, the format of a Bitcoin private key should be a binary number of 256 characters, a hexadecimal number of 64 characters, a string of over 50 characters encoded by BASE, or a string starting with "5" encoded by WIF. However, my private key is a string of 64 characters starting with "G", including uppercase letters and numbers. I don't know what encoding or encryption it is, so I am unable to use it now. If you can help me retrieve Bitcoin, I am willing to give you a portion of Bitcoin

Additionally, I can confirm the authenticity of this private key because it was obtained from an early image that was a screenshot of a software or website and had the words' private key 'on it.

**Tags:** private-key

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: This question is similar to: [What are the formats of a private key?](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/111298/what-are-the-formats-of-a-private-key). If you believe it’s different, please [edit] the question, make it clear how it’s different and/or how the answers on that question are not helpful for your problem.  
> **username_1**: See also [Private key to WIF process](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/q/98469/13866)  

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