Bitcoin’s ‘Lost’ Supply Hits Record High of 3.56 Million Coins

The amount of Bitcoin considered lost has climbed to a record 3.56 million BTC, representing about 17.7 percent of the total circulating supply, according to CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost. The measurement tracks bitcoin that has not moved in more than ten years, a threshold widely used to estimate coins that are likely permanently inaccessible due to lost keys, forgotten wallets, or other reasons.

Growth Continues Despite Occasional Revivals

While rare events can occasionally bring long-dormant coins back into circulation, as seen in July 2025, the overall trend continues to move upward. Over the past 30 days alone, more than 14,000 BTC have been added to this dormant category, according to the analysis.

Shrinking Circulating Supply Could Shape Market Dynamics

This steady increase in lost supply naturally reduces the amount of Bitcoin actively available for trading and use, since dormant coins are effectively removed from meaningful circulation. As more Bitcoin ages into this untouched category, some analysts suggest the shrinking real circulating supply could play an increasing role in influencing future market dynamics, though the coins remain technically part of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million supply cap.