Dormant Bitcoin Whale Awakens: 14-Year-Old Wallet Moves 10,000 BTC
In a significant market development, a long-dormant Bitcoin whale has resurfaced, transferring 10,000 BTC (worth approximately $580 million as of July 4) from an address inactive since 2010. Blockchain tracker Whale Alert reported the movement, marking the sixth such "10k-BTC address" activated by this mysterious entity in recent times.
Analysts estimate this whale controls at least 80,009 BTC (over $4.6 billion), with two remaining untouched 10k-BTC addresses still dormant. The coins originated from mining rewards earned just one year after Bitcoin's creation, when the network's mining difficulty was negligible compared to today's standards.
This event has sparked intense speculation:
Market Impact: While the whale hasn't sold yet, large movements often precede volatility
Motivation Theories: Possible reasons include estate planning, security upgrades, or preparation for institutional custody
Historical Pattern: Similar 2010-era whale activations preceded major price shifts in 2020 and 2023
Notably, these coins predate major Bitcoin exchanges and were mined when BTC traded below $1. Their activation underscores how early adopters continue influencing the market 14 years later. With two untouched addresses remaining, the crypto community watches closely for further movements from this enigmatic holder.
