Galaxy Facilitates Historic Sale of Over 80,000 BTC for Satoshi-Era Investor
July 25, 2025, 5:35 PM EDT — By Daniel Kuhn, The Block
In a landmark transaction within the cryptocurrency space, Galaxy Digital has sold more than 80,000 bitcoins (BTC) on behalf of a Satoshi-era investor, marking one of the largest notional sales of bitcoin ever recorded. The sale, valued at over $9 billion at today’s market price, highlights significant movements from some of the earliest holders of the digital asset.
Largest Ever Notional Sale of Bitcoin
According to a press release from Galaxy Digital, this transaction represents one of the earliest and most significant exits from the digital asset market. The bitcoins involved date back to the earliest days of bitcoin’s history, attributed to an investor who acquired their holdings during the time of bitcoin’s mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.
Galaxy emphasized that the sale was part of the investor’s broader estate planning strategy, suggesting a generational transition of wealth out of these foundational BTC holdings. The company did not disclose the identity of the investor, maintaining confidentiality in line with industry norms.
Context: Recent Movement in Dormant Bitcoin
The sale comes amid increased activity involving long-dormant bitcoin wallets that are believed to have remained untouched since bitcoin’s early years. In recent weeks, the movement of large quantities of aged bitcoin has stirred significant interest, including a transaction involving a whale moving $1.26 billion worth of BTC after years of inactivity.
Such movements from early bitcoin holders often raise speculation about market impact and the motivations behind transferring these funds. Industry watchers look for signals about the potential for market shifts, but Galaxy’s statement frames this as a strategic exit rather than a sell-off driven by market volatility.
Galaxy Digital’s Role in the Crypto Market
Galaxy Digital has solidified its position as a leading financial services and investment management firm focused on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Facilitating this historic transaction underscores its growing role in managing large, complex deals involving high-value crypto assets.
Market Impact and Outlook
At the time of the sale, bitcoin’s price hovered around $118,000. Moving more than 80,000 BTC — representing roughly 0.4% of the circulating bitcoin supply — signals a major fluidity event in what has often been a market characterized by long-term holding.
While some market participants might worry about downward price pressure following such a monumental sale, Galaxy’s framing of the transaction as part of estate planning suggests a controlled, possibly gradual sale approach, lessening the risk of market disruption.
About The Block
The Block is an independent media company dedicated to delivering timely, well-researched, and objective news, data, and analysis related to the digital asset ecosystem. As of November 2023, it operates independently, despite venture investments from firms active in the crypto industry.
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Daniel Kuhn
Senior Journalist and Editor, The Block
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