A Bitcoin whale recently moved 2,000 BTC, worth $179 million, marking a 14-year hold and a stunning 150,000,000% gain.
In a striking example of Bitcoin’s value as a store-of-value asset, blockchain data revealed that the whale—an investor holding a massive stash of Bitcoin—transferred their coins to Coinbase late Thursday. The stash, originally worth $120 in 2010 when Bitcoin was priced at $0.06 per coin, appreciated to today’s market value of $91,165 per BTC.
Journalist Pete Rizzo first spotted the transfer on X (formerly Twitter), sparking widespread discussion about the motivations behind the move, presumably a precursor to a sale.
BTC Price and Whale Dynamics
Bitcoin’s price has surged dramatically in recent weeks, hitting an all-time high of $93,000 on Wednesday before settling at $91,165, according to CoinGecko. This rally has been largely attributed to the election of pro-crypto President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised lighter regulation for the digital asset industry.
In the crypto world, whales like this one often sit on large holdings of Bitcoin, acquired during its infancy through mining or early investments. These holders, sometimes individuals but often groups or companies, wait for long-term appreciation before making any moves.
Bitcoin’s Long-Term Growth
Despite its short-term volatility, Bitcoin has consistently proven itself as a store of value over the long term. Early adopters who “HODL” (hold on for dear life) have seen returns far exceeding most traditional investments.
The whale’s move highlights the potential of Bitcoin as “digital gold,” an asset capable of appreciating over time. This shift to Coinbase may signify an intent to sell, turning the 14-year wait into a monumental profit.