Germany sold 49,858 BTC at $57,900 in July 2024
Today, that Bitcoin would be worth $5.24 billion
The missed opportunity cost is around $2.3 billion
Germany’s Early Bitcoin Sale Costs Billions
New insight reveals that the German government’s decision to sell 49,858 Bitcoin in July 2024 at $57,900 each may have cost the country a massive $2.3 billion in unrealized profits. If Germany had held onto that Bitcoin, the stash would be worth approximately $5.24 billion at current market prices.
At the time of the sale, the move was seen as a cautious strategy—offloading seized digital assets during a price rally. However, with Bitcoin now significantly higher, this decision is being scrutinized as a costly miscalculation.
A Risk-Averse Move That Didn’t Pay Off
The BTC sold by the German government was reportedly part of assets seized from illegal operations. Governments often sell such assets quickly, both to avoid price volatility and to convert holdings into usable fiat currency. But in this case, the early liquidation resulted in a major missed financial opportunity.
This decision highlights the challenges governments face in handling digital assets. Bitcoin’s volatility and long-term growth potential make timing the market extremely difficult, even for state actors. While Germany secured over $2.8 billion from the sale, holding longer could have nearly doubled that return.
INSIGHT: If the German Government didn't sell their 49,858 $BTC at $57,900 in July 2024, it would be worth $5.24B with $2.3B in profit. pic.twitter.com/XKD41VsXvz
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) May 21, 2025
Lessons for Government Crypto Strategy
Germany’s experience underscores the importance of strategy and timing when managing state-held crypto assets. As more governments accumulate Bitcoin through seizures or strategic investments, this case could serve as a cautionary tale.
It also raises broader questions about whether states should view Bitcoin as a short-term asset to liquidate, or as a long-term store of value similar to gold. With more institutional investors and even U.S. states showing interest in holding Bitcoin, Germany’s sale may be remembered as a pivotal learning moment in the evolution of digital asset policy.
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