Cover Image for 10+ Year Dormant Bitcoin Whales Come to Life in 2024

10+ Year Dormant Bitcoin Whales Come to Life in 2024

Bitcoin
Market Trends
•

Bitcoin’s blockchain often holds surprises, and 2024 brought an interesting one: several old wallets that had been inactive for over 10 years became active again. These wallets, untouched for so long, suddenly moved large amounts of Bitcoin. This caught the attention of many in the cryptocurrency world, leading to questions about why these wallets were reactivated.

The wallets discussed here are just a few examples of this trend. Now, in 2025, these reactivations remind us of Bitcoin’s lasting value and the untold stories behind it. They also show how Bitcoin’s network remains a source of surprises, even after many years.

Dormant Wallets: A Brief Overview

Dormant wallets are Bitcoin addresses that haven’t been used for long, often many years or even decades. These wallets are like forgotten accounts, with no transactions or activity recorded during that time. When funds suddenly move from these wallets, it questions why they became active again.

Did someone recover lost keys, transfer ownership, or decide it was time to use Bitcoin? Such events often draw attention because they can affect the cryptocurrency market and spark curiosity about the stories behind these wallets and their owners.

Analysis of Significant Wallet Reactivations in 2024

The reactivation of dormant Bitcoin wallets in 2024 presents a fascinating trend worth analyzing. These events involved wallets that had been inactive for over a decade suddenly transferring large amounts of Bitcoin, sparking curiosity and speculation across the cryptocurrency community.

Examining these reactivations helps us understand the diverse reasons behind such activities and their potential impact on market sentiment, pricing, and crypto ecosystem dynamics.

Here’s a detailed overview of notable wallet reactivations, categorized by transaction volume.

High-Value Movements (1,000+ BTC)

1. Address: 1EhXAfSTJbfpzJp9AQCrWHAPTnqWFgeEQv

Last Active: September 25, 2012
Reactivated On: July 14, 2024
Transaction ID: 26b443120d7eb8ea65ff9028d2285d57d258aabe742d4eae320f83ca856c6bd3
To:

Total Received: 1,000 BTC ($12,060 at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 1,000 BTC ($60M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0 BTC

Findings:

This wallet remained dormant for 11.8 years before transferring 1,000 BTC to two new wallets. Originally funded in 2012, when Bitcoin was valued at $12.06, the wallet’s holdings appreciated significantly.

The sudden reactivation suggests the owner might have rediscovered access, decided to capitalize on the market value, or transferred ownership. The movement classifies this as a whale wallet transaction.

2. Address: 1B1o9yxkweyh7zbjC5EpGNPLDWHsD33NpM

Last Active: November 24, 2013
Reactivated On: July 5, 2024
Transaction ID: 516b62b3a7317e519f80d4251cd58dc1aa55dbba40956658542f7a71069824c8
To: bc1qmwafthxm49rwc62tk97s47vvh4q03sl7ejtu3k: 1,004 BTC (~$57M)

Total Received: 1,004 BTC ($737K at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 1,004 BTC ($57M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0 BTC

Findings:

Wallet 1B1o9 reactivated after 10.6 years, transferring its entire 1,004 BTC ($57M) balance to a new wallet. The BTC was originally acquired in 2013 and 2014 at an average price of $731 ($737K total).

The significant increase in value and sudden transfer suggest the owner may have opted to liquidate, consolidate, or update security measures. This movement highlights another major whale wallet activity in 2024.

Moderate Movements (100-500 BTC)

3. Address: 16vRqAJ1wfuFBkVMabKnZHLkeN3uwqjzEa

Last Active: September 13, 2013
Reactivated On: May 12, 2024
Transaction ID: e1c74b4d915589a5f14216d3f4587e54d6920d3885e289e54b8ae09099917760
To: bc1ptfrdcqngwswahg7a0d6pffdswc0pratmg7yz98u40e2epdppc8pql3k72n

Total Received: 500 BTC ($62K at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 500 BTC ($30.45M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0 BTC

Findings:

This wallet became active after 10.7 years, transferring its entire balance of 500 BTC (~$30.45M). The BTC was originally acquired in September 2013, when the price was $124 per BTC. The timing and coordination with another similar wallet suggest that the owner may have decided to move or liquidate funds due to market conditions.

4. Address: 1DUJuHGVT4sa1VMGjfF9YdFnFAEw6NgfC5

Last Active: September 12, 2013
Reactivated On: May 12, 2024
Transaction ID: a5d5e5139cb4c2b1833dfb428913a6560129f72252cec0173d730bdce99a0e1f
To: bc1p0mt4fdvk77hykyrw0e8qzk5za76fnhlfz2f8f5kakkwwtut6m7fq5tanwp

Total Received: 500 BTC ($62K at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 500 BTC ($30.45M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0 BTC

Findings:

This wallet was reactivated after 10.7 years of dormancy and transferred its entire 500 BTC (~$30.45M) balance. Initially funded in September 2013, when the price of Bitcoin was $124, the transfer coincides with another dormant wallet (16vRqA) reactivating simultaneously, suggesting they may belong to the same owner or entity. The coordinated movement points to a strategic decision, possibly for consolidation or liquidation.

5. Address: 18qkWda6Stn4DV5JtFXZG72bep7sccdT5b

Last Active: June 6, 2012
Reactivated On: November 17, 2024
Transaction ID: 2844692fc8a017816486dd83588a67963ecfbe67e9bdf263cef618f886f2ecd2
To:

Total Received: 400 BTC ($2,180 at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 399 BTC ($27.17M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 1 BTC

Findings:

Wallet 18qkW reactivated after more than 12 years of inactivity and transferred a total of 399 BTC (~$27.17M) to two destinations: 299 BTC to wallet 1381VU and 100 BTC to Bitstamp, likely for liquidation.

Initially funded with 400 BTC (~$2,180) in June 2012, when the price was around $5.45 per BTC, this movement shows an enormous value appreciation. The decision to move a portion to an exchange suggests possible selling activity, while the rest was likely relocated for security or consolidation purposes.

6. Address: 1FBx7iywAN5p842yjq1HRBWRkKEpKgFwzM

Last Active: January 31, 2012
Reactivated On: October 11, 2024
Transaction ID: 7eb801033c9202dd8501c5b7492467f5342f6cf98d9686d45e6700a60e95cada
To:

Total Received: 100 BTC ($551 at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 12 BTC ($722K at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 88 BTC (~$5.28M at the current price)

Findings:

Wallet 1FBx7i reactivated after 12.7 years of dormancy, transferring 12 BTC (~$722K) to three new wallets in portions of 5 BTC, 5 BTC, and 2 BTC. Originally funded with 100 BTC (~$551) in January 2012, when Bitcoin was priced at $5.51, this wallet experienced a significant value increase.

With 88 BTC remaining (~$5.28M), the partial transfer suggests possible liquidation, redistribution, or a security-driven move. This event highlights another notable whale movement in 2024.

Small Movements (>100 BTC)

7. Address: 1C4rE41Kox3jZbdJT9yatyh4H2fMxP8qmD

Last Active: January 29, 2009
Reactivated On: September 20, 2024
Transaction ID: 8bee6dbdbc09253ffbe51e35a910ef39428fc2ca05aa39ce0f1adaebbf8f2cfe
To: bc1qqhvkehsyr2rlrdvq4udtp8tfj75k6kcnd9n7lq – 50 BTC (~$3.19M)

Total Received: 50.00001094 BTC ($0.16 at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 50 BTC ($3.19M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0.00001094 BTC (~$0.64)

Findings:

This miner wallet reactivated after 15.7 years of dormancy, transferring 50 BTC (~$3.19M) to a new address while leaving a negligible balance of 0.00001094 BTC (~$0.64).

Originally funded on January 29, 2009, shortly after Bitcoin’s creation, with a transaction worth ~$0.16, this wallet's reactivation suggests a possible strategic movement by an early miner. This event underscores the continuing activity of early Bitcoin participants and highlights a significant historical transaction in the crypto space.

8. Address: 1CGT3Ywaa2upJfWtUtbXonDPNTfZPWqzmA

Last Active: February 2, 2009
Reactivated On: September 20, 2024
Transaction ID: d52f4890ac3f0cf699e3187b08ba6376c4d6efbe53add15bbcc3b96b604ecec7
To: bc1qg73nvjspdqe9fuf5pqgys386hjy8c94ntlppus – 50 BTC (~$3.19M)

Total Received: 50.00000547 BTC ($0.06 at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 50 BTC ($3.19M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0.00000547 BTC (~$0.32)

Findings:

This wallet became active after 15.6 years of dormancy, transferring 50 BTC (~$3.19M) to a new address and retaining a tiny balance of 0.00000547 BTC (~$0.32). Originally funded on February 2, 2009, just months after Bitcoin’s launch, with a value of ~$0.06, the reactivation may indicate a movement for security, consolidation, or liquidation. This transaction highlights another instance of early Bitcoin holdings being moved in 2024.

9. Address: 1FHft3AFk9Zrdhk2HccSb97AgDNDsFhGuV

Last Active: July 12, 2010
Reactivated On: October 25, 2024
Transaction ID: 86df0c812d1d72d32f1169bdf1216e5d3ed862f7dee91a3b5e77646c185419aa
To:

Total Received: 50.00000547 BTC ($0.17 at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 50 BTC ($3.39M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0.00000547 BTC (~$0.32)

Findings:

Wallet 1FHft3A reactivated after 14.3 years of dormancy, transferring 50 BTC (~$3.39M) to two new wallets: 3 BTC and 47 BTC, retaining a minimal balance of 0.00000547 BTC (~$0.32).

This wallet was initially funded on July 12, 2010, with a value of ~$0.17. The sudden movement of funds suggests possible selling, redistribution, or enhanced security measures taken by the wallet holder.

10. Address: 18E5d2wQdAfutcXgziHZR71izLRyjSzGSX

Last Active: January 30, 2009
Reactivated On: September 20, 2024
Transaction ID: 6ce746e19b16f84abc6f5344225050a5b16e3d56aac72e0b7bd642c53c13716d
To: bc1ql8znm2y4zdwnxytvy4cyksdvnd3t6xv5rasun9 – 50 BTC (~$3.19M)

Total Received: 50.00001094 BTC ($0.31 at the time of receipt)
Total Spent: 50 BTC ($3.19M at the time of transfer)
Final Balance: 0.00001094 BTC (~$0.64)

Findings:

This wallet, originally funded with 50 BTC (~$0.31) on January 30, 2009, reactivated after 15.6 years of dormancy by transferring 50 BTC (~$3.19M) to a new wallet (bc1ql8zn...) on September 20, 2024, leaving a negligible balance of 0.00001094 BTC (~$0.64).

The long period of inactivity and large transfer suggest an early adopter or miner moving funds, possibly for liquidation or enhanced security. This is another significant whale movement in 2024, highlighting the continued activity of early Bitcoin participants.

Key Insights

In 2024, Bitcoin’s blockchain delivered a surprise: several old wallets, inactive for more than a decade, suddenly came to life. These wallets, once forgotten, moved massive amounts of Bitcoin, raising questions about what prompted these reactivations. Originally funded when Bitcoin was worth only a few dollars or even cents, their holdings had grown into millions of dollars, making these events major talking points in the crypto world.

Some wallets transferred Bitcoin to new addresses, while others sent large sums to exchanges, possibly signaling sales or redistributions. The reasons behind these moves could include rediscovered keys, ownership changes, or simply long-term holders deciding to cash in after years of waiting. Regardless of the motive, such high-value transfers often draw attention and impact market sentiment.

These unexpected wallet reactivations not only highlight Bitcoin’s enduring value but also remind us of the intriguing stories hidden in its early history. Even after 15 years, Bitcoin continues to surprise.

Written by Aakash

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