A Bitcoin whale, someone who holds a substantial amount of cryptocurrency, has demonstrated the incredible potential of Bitcoin as a long-term store of value. On Thursday, the investor moved 2,000 Bitcoin—now worth $179 million—to the crypto exchange Coinbase, marking the end of a 14-year HODLing journey.
Blockchain data reveals that the whale initially acquired the Bitcoin in 2010 at the astonishingly low price of $0.06 per coin. At the time, the investment totaled just $120. By holding onto their stash through the tumultuous rise of Bitcoin, the investor witnessed their holdings appreciate by nearly 150,000,000%.
This remarkable move was first flagged by journalist Pete Rizzo on social media. The timing suggests that the whale is likely preparing to cash out, coinciding with Bitcoin’s recent price surge. The cryptocurrency has seen an extraordinary rally, reaching an all-time high of over $93,000 on Wednesday before settling at $89,538, according to CoinGecko data.
Whales like this one often exemplify Bitcoin’s long-term investment thesis. Many of these early holders were miners or participants in the crypto community during its nascent stages, holding onto their digital gold as the asset grew into a global phenomenon.
The whale’s timing aligns with a broader Bitcoin price surge following the U.S. presidential election earlier this month. President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of a light regulatory touch on cryptocurrencies has fueled optimism, pushing Bitcoin’s value up by roughly $20,000 since Election Day.
This case underscores Bitcoin’s reputation as a store of value, demonstrating the staggering returns available to those who can endure its volatility and remain committed over the long term. For this whale, a 14-year wait has yielded a life-changing windfall, reinforcing the narrative that patience can indeed pay off in the world of crypto.
