Bitcoin Whale Emerges: Executes Massive Sale After 12 Years of Accumulation

MysteriousZhang · 2026-01-31T12:01:24+00:00

An old Bitcoin whale, after accumulating 5,000 BTC for over a decade, sold 500 BTC, marking a change in its strategy. This move reflects the confidence of major investors and could influence the market.

MysteriousZhang

2026-01-31 12:01:24

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An old Bitcoin market whale moved the market this week. As detected by BlockBeats’ on-chain analysis, on January 18th, a major Bitcoin accumulator who spent over a decade consolidating a substantial position of 5,000 BTC made their first significant liquidation, selling 500 BTC valued at approximately $47.77 million. This move marks an important turning point in this whale’s strategy, which had remained virtually inactive since 2013.

The Story of a Whale: From Accumulation to Profit

This whale’s journey is notable for its timing and patience. The large investor acquired their 5,000 BTC in November 2013, when each Bitcoin was worth an average of just $332. For over ten years, the position remained intact, resisting all market cycles. Only after November 2024 did the whale begin to reverse its accumulation strategy, initiating a profit-taking process. This fact is especially relevant for understanding long-term capital movements in the Bitcoin market.

To date, the whale has transferred 2,500 BTC to centralized exchanges (CEX), closing these operations at an average price of $104,632 per Bitcoin. This movement resulted in a profit of approximately $260 million, demonstrating the power of long-term Bitcoin investment. The unrealized portion of their original position — 2,500 BTC — remains valued at approximately $237 million, awaiting future decisions.

The Greater Significance: When Whales Reorganize Their Assets

The activity of this old whale offers valuable clues about the sentiment of large investors. The fact that a long-term holder is beginning to realize profits after 12 years suggests not only confidence in the accumulated appreciation but also potentially a market valuation that this actor considers favorable for partial liquidation. These whale movements are often analyzed by market participants as indicators of the market cycle and institutional sentiment regarding the asset.

The whale still holds half of its original position, indicating that the strategy is not complete exit but tactical rebalancing. This type of decision by large accumulators can influence supply and demand dynamics in the coming periods.

BTC-2,45%

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