An ancient Bitcoin whale has recently made headlines by transferring an astonishing 80,202 BTC, valued at over $9.5 billion, to Galaxy Digital, a prominent player in institutional crypto finance. This transfer, which was completed over the last three days, involved 40,192 BTC worth approximately $4.83 billion, according to on-chain analyst EmberCN. The wallet holding these coins has remained untouched for 14 years, dating back to the early days of Bitcoin when the total investment was just $132,000. By 2025, this investment had grown to an eye-watering $9.53 billion, representing a 72,000x return.
The identity of the whale remains unknown, but analysts speculate that it could be linked to one of Bitcoin’s earliest miners or an institutional wallet that has been inactive for over a decade. The transfer to Galaxy Digital, a crypto-focused investment firm founded by former Goldman Sachs executive Mike Novogratz, suggests a strategic sale or custody arrangement, possibly connected to over-the-counter (OTC) trading or fund management. The exit price for the BTC averaged $118,834 per coin.
Movements of old Bitcoin wallets often stir anxiety in the market, as they sometimes signal large-scale selling pressure. However, in this case, the sale appears to have been managed in a way that avoided major price disruptions. By spreading the offload over three days and using a trusted institutional partner like Galaxy Digital, the whale ensured stability. This serves as a reminder of Bitcoin’s long-term potential and the strategic importance of holding power. A $132,000 investment transformed into billions—not just because of market timing, but because of patience.
