Dormant Bitcoin Address Moves $44M After 12 Years

A Dormant Bitcoin Address Moves $44M After a Decade

A long-dormant Bitcoin wallet, inactive for over a decade, recently became active, transferring approximately 400 BTC to several new addresses. Blockchain trackers indicate that the coins were moved in multiple transactions, primarily split into batches of 15 BTC. At current prices, the total value of the moved Bitcoin is roughly $44 million.

Wallet Linked to Early Bitcoin Mining

Reports suggest that the coins originated from mining activities nearly 15 years ago. Lookonchain identified the funds as being associated with the early days of Bitcoin. Records show that the wallet's last activity occurred in 2013 when Bitcoin was trading around $135 per unit.

The increase in value from $135 to approximately $111,763 per BTC represents an approximately 830-fold increase since the wallet became dormant. This substantial gain highlights the potential long-term returns of holding Bitcoin.

Distribution Pattern

Arkham Intelligence detected a distinct distribution pattern, characterized by repeated transfers of 15 BTC, which ultimately drained the original address. Despite the transparency of blockchain transactions, the owner's identity remains unknown.

The strategy of dividing large sums into smaller, repeated amounts is a common method for moving coins without causing significant market disruption by selling everything on a single exchange at once.

Broader Trend of Reactivating Old Addresses

This recent activity aligns with a broader trend of so-called Satoshi-era wallets becoming active. According to reports, institutional and private holdings associated with early Bitcoin investors have been moving lately. For example, in July 2025, Galaxy Digital sold over 80,000 BTC linked to an estate, with a market value of nearly $10 billion.

Another dormant address holding 444 BTC was reactivated in September 2025, transferring approximately $50 million. Furthermore, a major holder is reported to have transferred over $5 billion of Bitcoin into Ethereum, subsequently locking up almost $4 billion worth of ETH.

Market Signals Remain Mixed

Historically, October has been a favorable month for Bitcoin, with rallies of 40–45% observed in some years. However, current indicators suggest less conviction. The holder retention level has decreased to 80%, and on-chain derivatives flows and whale outflows indicate weaker demand.

At one point, Bitcoin traded near $114,000, reporting a one-day gain of 2.05%. Analysts are closely monitoring risk levels. A continued selloff could push the price toward $107,000, while renewed buying pressure could potentially drive it back up toward $119,000.

Implications and Future Outlook

Movements from Satoshi-era addresses carry symbolic importance, as they represent holdings from the period when Bitcoin was still in its early stages and had a very low value.

The long-term impact of this 400 BTC transfer, whether it will trigger broader selling pressure or simply represent a reallocation of assets, remains uncertain. Currently, the market has a clear record of the transaction, but the underlying reason for the move—whether it is estate settlement, profit-taking, or internal restructuring—is unknown.