Bitcoin OG Cashes Out After 12 Years, Securing a 31,250% Profit

A dormant Bitcoin whale wallet that first accumulated 5,000 BTC in 2012 has resurfaced, selling half of its holdings and locking in profits exceeding $500 million. Analysts have dubbed this one of the most remarkable long-term holds in the cryptocurrency's history.

A Calculated Exit Strategy

The holder originally acquired the BTC at just $332 per coin, investing about $1.66 million in total. With current prices near six figures, that stake has grown an astonishing 31,250%.

On-chain data from Arkham Intelligence and Lookonchain shows transfers of 250–500 BTC per transaction to Binance over the past few months. Analysts note this phased selling minimizes slippage and helps the whale blend into overall market liquidity. The wallet still retains about 2,500 BTC, valued at roughly $237 million.

Market Implications

The timing aligns with Bitcoin's attempts to break through the $100,000 resistance level. Although the asset recently touched $98,000, it has faced strong selling pressure from large holders.

Recent analysis from MEXC News shows whales collectively unloading over 220,000 BTC since early 2026. Moreover, Yahoo Finance reports that the exchange whale ratio has reached a 10-month high—potentially signaling a correction phase.

Despite this, institutional inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have exceeded $1.7 billion recently, suggesting healthy underlying demand. The crypto market now watches closely to see whether the remaining 2,500 BTC from this OG wallet will hit exchanges—and whether Bitcoin can finally secure its position above six figures.

Published on January 19, 2026 | Crypto News Desk