13-year-old Bitcoin whale empties wallet, moves 909 BTC (~$84.6M)

Published: 2026-01-20 06:47:27 |

A Bitcoin wallet active since the Satoshi era emptied its holdings on Jan 20, 2026, transferring 909.38 BTC (about $84.6 million) to a new address, according to Arkham Intelligence. On-chain data show the coins were accumulated between Dec 2012 and Apr 2013 when BTC traded roughly $13–$250; initial cost estimated around $220,000. The move follows a trend of long-dormant ’Satoshi-era’ wallets reawakening during recent BTC rallies, which market participants interpret as early holders taking profits. The transfer occurred amid heightened geopolitical and market sensitivity — a trade dispute between the US and EU led to tariffs and brief market volatility that pushed BTC down from above $95,000. Past precedent includes a July 2025 sale where a major whale sold over 80,000 BTC via Galaxy Digital, realizing roughly $9 billion. The article frames the 13-year whale’s action as potential profit-taking or a risk-hedging response to turbulence; it notes this is market information only and not investment advice.

Bearish

A 909 BTC transfer from a 13-year-old wallet is likely profit-taking by an early holder. Large, concentrated outflows historically increase short-term sell pressure or raise market anxiety, especially when they occur during periods of geopolitical or macro volatility. Comparable events (e.g., multiple Satoshi-era wallet movements during rallies and the July 2025 80k+ BTC sale via Galaxy Digital) preceded heightened liquidity and short-term downward price pressure. Traders may respond with increased selling or defensive positioning, elevating volatility. In the short term expect potential downward pressure and higher volatility as markets price in the possibility of further stash liquidations. In the medium-to-long term the impact is likely muted absent follow-up large sell-offs; long-term fundamentals for BTC remain tied to adoption and supply dynamics, so a single whale move usually doesn’t change macro trajectory unless it signals a broader distribution by early holders.