-
A dormant Bitcoin (BTC) whale wallet, untouched for over a decade, has resumed selling significant amounts of BTC, signaling potential market shifts.
-
This wallet, which originally acquired 5,000 BTC in 2012 for just $1.66 million, has begun distributing its holdings, with recent transactions moving hundreds of BTC to major exchanges.
-
According to COINOTAG, the wallet’s activity marks a rare event, as it has generated extraordinary returns of nearly 35,000% since its initial purchase, making it one of the most profitable in crypto history.
Legendary Bitcoin whale wallet sells BTC after 12 years, moving 250 BTC to Binance amid near all-time high prices, signaling potential market impact.
Bitcoin Whale Wallet Reactivates, Selling BTC Near All-Time Highs
After lying dormant for more than a decade, a legendary Bitcoin wallet has reemerged, selling BTC in substantial quantities. This wallet, which amassed 5,000 BTC at a cost basis of $1.66 million in 2012, has begun liquidating its holdings amid Bitcoin’s recent price rally near $118,000. The latest transaction involved transferring 250 BTC—valued at approximately $29.68 million—to Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. This move is particularly notable given the wallet’s inactivity over the past 12 years and the extraordinary profit margin it has realized, exceeding 34,900%.
Historical Context and Market Implications of the Whale’s Activity
The wallet first appeared when Bitcoin traded at around $332, consolidating multiple early addresses into a single one roughly four years ago. Since then, it remained untouched until eight months ago, when the whale initiated a gradual sell-off totaling 1,000 BTC at prices near $106,000, netting over $106 million. This recent activity, including the two-month hiatus before the latest 250 BTC transfer, suggests a strategic approach to liquidating assets rather than a panic sell-off. Market analysts note that such movements from early adopters can influence market sentiment and liquidity, especially when occurring near all-time highs.
On-Chain Data Reveals Consolidation and Renewed Distribution Patterns
On-chain analytics indicate that the original 5,000 BTC was consolidated from multiple wallets into a single address approximately four years ago, remaining dormant until recent months. The renewed activity coincides with Bitcoin’s price stabilizing within a range of $116,000 to $120,000 following a mid-July surge. This range-bound price action may be influencing the whale’s decision to distribute BTC incrementally. Observers tracking wallet flows emphasize the significance of this wallet’s reactivation, as it represents a rare instance of a long-term holder engaging with the market after years of inactivity.
Potential Market Impact and Future Outlook for Bitcoin Holders
The gradual sell-off by this historically profitable whale introduces additional supply into the market at a critical price juncture. While it remains uncertain whether the wallet will continue selling in measured amounts or execute larger block sales, the activity warrants close monitoring by traders and investors. The wallet’s moves could either signal confidence in sustained price levels or a cautious approach to capitalizing on recent gains. For market participants, understanding such whale behavior is essential for anticipating liquidity shifts and potential price volatility.
Conclusion
The reactivation of this legendary Bitcoin wallet after over a decade of dormancy underscores the dynamic nature of crypto markets and the influence of early adopters. With BTC prices hovering near all-time highs, the whale’s incremental sell-off strategy highlights a measured approach to profit realization. Investors should remain attentive to wallet flow data, as further activity from this source could impact market liquidity and price trends. Ultimately, this development serves as a reminder of the enduring presence and potential market power of long-term Bitcoin holders.
