Dormant Bitcoin Whale Moves $4.6B After 14-Year Silence, Signals Possible Sell-Off

Dormant Bitcoin Whale Moves $4.6B After 14-Year Silence, Signals Possible Sell-Off

Early BTC Holder Transfers 40,000 Coins to Galaxy Digital as Price Peaks

A long-dormant Satoshi-era Bitcoin whale has resurfaced, moving over $4.6 billion worth of BTC after 14 years of inactivity. The massive transfer—equal to 40,010 Bitcoin—has sparked market speculation that the original holder may be preparing to cash out.

Blockchain data confirms the whale, who accumulated their 80,000 BTC stash in 2011 when the price was under $30, initiated the transfer in two major waves this week.

$4.6 Billion on the Move—In Two Days

According to blockchain analytics platform Nansen, the first movement came on Monday, with 28,600 BTC transferred directly to Galaxy Digital, a major crypto investment firm. Another 10,200 BTC worth $1.2 billion followed on Tuesday—bringing the two-day total to 40,010 BTC, valued at $4.6 billion at the time of transfer.

Intent to Sell? On-Chain Analysts Weigh In

On-chain analyst EmberCN suggests the timing and target of the transfer point to a possible sell-off, with Galaxy Digital likely acting as a custodian or off-ramp.

“The scale and destination of the transaction suggest the whale may be preparing to liquidate a significant portion of their holdings,” EmberCN commented.

The whale’s return comes just after Bitcoin surged to an all-time high of $122,600, overtaking Amazon’s $2.3 trillion valuation and making Bitcoin the fifth-largest asset in the world by market cap.

2.4 Million Percent Gains Since 2011

This whale’s journey is nothing short of historic. Purchased when Bitcoin traded below $30, the 80,000 BTC hoard has grown over 2.4 million percent in value—an extraordinary return even in crypto terms.

Crypto traders are watching closely, as whale activity often serves as a leading signal for institutional sentiment and short-term price direction.

‘Crypto Week’ Fuels Market Optimism

Despite this potential sell pressure, others remain bullish. According to Iliya Kalchev, analyst at digital asset platform Nexo, Bitcoin’s recent rally is being supported by:

• Strong ETF inflows

• Resilient long-term holder demand

• Anticipation of favorable U.S. policy shifts during Crypto Week

“President Trump’s endorsement of these efforts has further reinforced sentiment,” Kalchev said, referencing three proposed crypto bills that aim to clarify stablecoin issuance, custody, and digital infrastructure regulation.

As Crypto Week unfolds in Washington, passage of these bills could provide the momentum needed to push Bitcoin even higher—and potentially trigger more whale activity.