A Satoshi-era Bitcoin wallet has moved funds for the first time in 12 years, transferring roughly 400 BTC valued at $44 million as the cryptocurrency continues trading near record highs.
Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain flagged the activity on Sunday, noting that the wallet address “1ArUG…zwaWT” executed multiple transfers.
- The wallet distributed BTC mostly in 15-BTC batches across several new addresses.
- According to Arkham Intelligence, the wallet has now been emptied.
- Records indicate the coins were originally funded by miners more than 15 years ago, though the owner’s identity remains unknown.
The wallet’s long dormancy highlights just how much Bitcoin has appreciated: from about $135 in 2013 to over $111,800 today — an 830x increase in value.
Rise in Dormant Wallet Activity
The move is part of a broader trend of old Bitcoin wallets resurfacing during the market’s rally in 2025:
- July 2025: Galaxy Digital managed the liquidation of over 80,000 BTC (≈$9B) on behalf of a Satoshi-era investor’s estate.
- Early September 2025: An early Bitcoin holder rotated over $5B in BTC into nearly $4B worth of Ether (ETH).
- September 11, 2025: A wallet holding 444 BTC (≈$50M) reactivated after more than a decade of inactivity.
This wave of activity suggests that long-time holders are either taking profits, diversifying into other assets, or redistributing funds for security reasons.
Why It Matters
Dormant wallets often capture attention because:
- Satoshi-era funds (mined in Bitcoin’s earliest years) are exceedingly rare and carry historical significance.
- Large movements from old wallets can signal potential market sell-offs or portfolio rebalancing by early adopters.
- Some analysts view these moves as a sign of confidence in liquidity at current high valuations, while others worry about downward pressure on prices if coins are sold.
Despite periodic profit-taking from early wallets, analysts note that on-chain data remains bullish. Long-term holders still control a large share of supply, and the reactivation of old wallets has yet to trigger sustained selling pressure.
With Bitcoin trading above $111,800, investors continue to debate whether these wallet movements signal further rally potential or a warning of increased volatility ahead.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.