Prominent blockchain analytics platform Whale Alert has tracked three long-dormant Bitcoin wallets reawakening after years of inactivity. Notably, one of these wallets was last active in 2010, a pivotal year in Bitcoin’s history when its anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, left the project in the hands of the community.
Each of these wallets, dormant for over a decade, came back online in the last 48 hours as Bitcoin’s price surged past $71,000—a milestone not seen since June. These reactivations underscore a growing trend: Satoshi-era wallets resurfacing as BTC approaches record highs.
Dormant Wallets Yield Massive Profits
Whale Alert first observed the reactivation of a Bitcoin wallet containing 16 BTC on Monday, now valued at $1.15 million. When last moved in 2013, these 16 Bitcoin were worth just $2,160. This owner has now seen a staggering 53,018.5% return after 11.1 years in hibernation.
More recently, two additional wallets were reactivated. The first, untouched since 2010, contained 28 BTC, now worth approximately $1.99 million. Back in 2010, when Bitcoin reached an all-time high of just $0.30, these 28 BTC were valued at less than $9—representing a phenomenal return of 22,168,100% for the wallet’s holder.
Whale Alert also flagged the reactivation of a third wallet today containing 749 BTC. The wallet’s owner last moved these coins in 2012, when they were worth $7,974. Now valued at $53.2 million, this wallet’s holdings have appreciated by 667,412% over 12 years.
BTC Approaches New All-Time High
These wallet activations come as Bitcoin’s price approaches its March peak of $73,750. This surge also coincides with the fourth Bitcoin halving, a pivotal event that has historically driven price increases. However, this year, BTC reached new highs even before the halving—a sign of potential shifts in the cryptocurrency’s price dynamics.
As Bitcoin’s price rally continues, the revival of these dormant wallets serves as a reminder of the enormous wealth potential early adopters of Bitcoin have accumulated and could signal growing market interest as BTC edges closer to new all-time highs.