Bitcoin Whale Awakens After 14 Years, Moves $16.6M Amid Quantum Concerns
A Bitcoin (BTC) wallet dormant for 14 years has moved 150 BTC, worth about $16.6 million, marking its first activity since 2011. Analysts are considering whether the transfer signals profit-taking, a rotation, or security-driven action.
The wallet, known as 18eY9o, holds 4,000 BTC (roughly $442 million), mined in 2009 and consolidated two years later. This move follows a broader trend of early “OG” holders realizing gains, especially as BTC surpasses psychological milestones like $100,000. Earlier in 2025, another long-dormant whale sold around 80,000 BTC via Galaxy Digital.
Some analysts suggest concerns over quantum computing may be motivating the transfer. Bitcoin OG Nicholas Gregory told CoinDesk:
“Coins from this era may be vulnerable if public keys have been exposed. Moving them to new addresses could protect against potential quantum attacks.”
The activity highlights both profit-taking and evolving security strategies among Bitcoin’s earliest adopters.
