04.07.2025 20:10
After a fourteen-year slumber, two dormant Bitcoin addresses, originating from the era of Satoshi Nakamoto's online activity, recently sprung back to life. This significant event involved the transfer of 20,000 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $2 billion, sparking widespread online speculation, particularly regarding the possibility of Satoshi's involvement.
The substantial Bitcoin movement occurred on Friday, just days after the cryptocurrency briefly surged past $110,000 – its highest point since June 11th. Blockchain data reveals that on April 3rd, 2011, a wallet beginning with "1HqXB" distributed 23,377.83 BTC to three separate addresses. Two of these receiving addresses, "1GcCK" and "bc1qm," each accumulated 10,000 BTC and remained untouched until their recent activity. The third, receiving 3,377.83 BTC, had already emptied its holdings in 2011.
Intriguingly, the two wallets holding 10,000 BTC each transferred their holdings within a half-hour of one another to new, undisclosed addresses. This unexpected activity, linked to the early days of Bitcoin, fueled intense online debate. Some online commentators hypothesized a connection to Satoshi Nakamoto himself, given the wallets' age and the sheer amount of Bitcoin involved. Conversely, others suggested alternative explanations, pointing towards Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, as a possible owner, referencing his recent presidential pardon.
Originally acquired at a price of approximately 78 cents per Bitcoin in 2011, these coins witnessed an astonishing growth in value, ultimately appreciating by nearly 14,000,000% – a stark demonstration of Bitcoin's remarkable price trajectory since its inception. The vast increase in value underscores the long-term potential of Bitcoin and the significant profits realised, or potentially lost, depending on the holders' strategy. The mystery surrounding the identity of the wallet owners, however, remains unresolved, prompting further speculation and analysis within the cryptocurrency community.
