All NewsEducationTV
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
Story archiveAll categories
← All Stories

Dormant Bitcoin Wallet Holding Millions Wakes Up After 12 Years

Created at 10 Aug · 7:21 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A Bitcoin wallet that had been dormant for over 12 years, first receiving coins in January 2014, has been reactivated. The wallet moved approximately 26.96 BTC, potentially realizing a gain of $1.73 million.

✉Newsletter

PiQ Daily

Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.

Key Numbers

12.5 yearsdormancy period
26.96 BTCamount moved
$1.73 millionpotential realized gain
7,975%percentage gain
~$803average cost per coin
49.97 BTCamount moved from 2011 wallet

Who's Involved

Galaxy Research
cryptocurrency research firm that flagged the wallet move
Arkham Intelligence
data provider for wallet labeling
Dormant Bitcoin Wallet Holding Millions Wakes Up After 12 Years

↳ Why This Matters

The reactivation of old Bitcoin wallets can signal the movement of significant amounts of previously inaccessible supply, potentially impacting market dynamics and indicating shifts in long-term holder sentiment.

Key facts

  • A Bitcoin wallet dormant for over 12 years has been reactivated.
  • The wallet first received Bitcoin on January 31, 2014.
  • Approximately 26.96 BTC was moved in block 961845 on August 10, 2026.
  • The move represents a potential realized gain of $1.73 million.
  • This is the second dormant Bitcoin wallet to reactivate this month.

    • A dormant Bitcoin wallet, inactive for over 12 years, has been reactivated. The wallet, which first received Bitcoin on January 31, 2014, moved its holdings in block 961845 on August 10, 2026. The transaction swept approximately 26.96 BTC to a new address, potentially realizing a gain of $1.73 million, representing a 7,975% return on an average cost basis of around $803 per coin. This event was flagged by cryptocurrency research firm Galaxy Research. The move follows another reactivation of a Bitcoin wallet from 2011 earlier in August. Such awakenings of long-dormant wallets draw attention as they indicate the movement of supply that was previously assumed to be lost, potentially signaling pre-positioning for sale or consolidation.

    Frequently asked questions

    The Bitcoin was first received on January 31, 2014.

    The wallet was dormant for approximately 12 and a half years.

    Approximately 26.96 BTC was moved.

    The potential realized gain is approximately $1.73 million.

    What Happens Next

    01The moved Bitcoin may be consolidated or moved to an exchange for sale.
    02Further analysis will track the destination of the transferred funds.

    Get the newsletter.

    Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.

    Cadence
    CME Headlines
    • Product Modification Summary: Amendments to the Strike Price Listing Schedule for all Hourly Event Contract Swaps on Ether — Effective August 10, 2026
      6 Aug · 7:45 PM
    • Amendments to the Strike Price Listing Schedule for all Hourly Event Contract Swaps on Ether
      5 Aug · 7:15 PM

    How It Developed

    A Bitcoin wallet dormant for over 12 years was reactivated.
    The wallet received its initial Bitcoin on January 31, 2014.
    The funds were moved in block 961845 on August 10, 2026.
    The move could realize a gain of approximately $1.73 million.
    This is the second old Bitcoin wallet reactivation flagged in August 2026.

    Sources

    T1
    Another Dormant Bitcoin Wallet Holding Millions Wakes Up After 12 YearsDecrypt

    Related Stories

    Strive Adds 147 BTC, Total Holdings Reach 20,167 BTC
    10 Aug · 1:16 PM
    H100 Group triples Bitcoin holdings to 3,506 BTC in share-based acquisition
    10 Aug · 10:26 AM
    Bitdeer mined 2,694 BTC in Q2, holding 150 BTC after treasury liquidation
    10 Aug · 1:21 PM
    Bitcoin Miner Marathon Digital Sells $1.6 Billion In BTC
    10 Aug · 11:26 AM
    Bitcoin Tops $65,000 as Senate Delays CLARITY Act Vote to Fall
    10 Aug · 7:06 AM