Bitcoin News Today: Early Bitcoin Investor Sells $9B BTC via Galaxy Digital; Price Dips 1.7% but Rebounds as Market Absorbs Sale

An early Bitcoin investor executed one of the largest cryptocurrency transactions in history, selling 80,000 BTC—valued at approximately $9 billion—via Galaxy Digital in July 2025. The transaction, part of the investor’s estate planning initiative, was facilitated by Galaxy Digital’s institutional desk, with the buyer identified as a firm client. On-chain activity confirmed the transfer, marking a significant milestone in Bitcoin’s evolution as a mature institutional asset [1]. The sale occurred amid a brief price dip from $117,000 to $115,000, though Bitcoin rebounded within hours, demonstrating resilience in high-volume trading environments [2].

The seller, an individual described as a “Satoshi-era” participant—referring to early Bitcoin adopters—had held the 80,000 BTC in a dormant wallet for years. Galaxy Digital confirmed the transaction’s completion on July 25, 2025, emphasizing its execution without triggering prolonged market instability [3]. This event underscores the role of institutional asset managers in enabling liquidity for historic crypto holdings while minimizing market disruptions. Analysts noted that the price correction was short-lived, contrasting with past large-scale sales such as Mt. Gox’s creditor distributions, which caused more pronounced volatility [4].

The strategic approach to the sale highlights the growing sophistication of crypto markets. By leveraging Galaxy Digital’s expertise, the investor managed to divest a substantial portion of their Bitcoin holdings without exacerbating price swings. This reflects improved market absorption capacity, a critical factor in Bitcoin’s integration into traditional finance. Ali Martinez, a market analyst, emphasized key support and resistance levels during the sell-off, noting, “The most important levels to watch for Bitcoin $BTC right now are $116,095 as support and $118,955 as resistance, based on cost basis distribution” [5].

Galaxy Digital’s ability to execute the trade without destabilizing the market reinforces its position as a leading crypto intermediary. The firm’s involvement highlights the importance of structured, institutional-grade services in managing large-scale transactions. This case may set a precedent for future liquidations of legacy Bitcoin holdings, showcasing how institutional frameworks can maintain stability even during significant sell-offs [6].

The transaction also reflects shifting dynamics in Bitcoin’s narrative. As early investors seek to diversify portfolios or address estate planning, asset managers are increasingly positioned to facilitate these transitions. The successful absorption of this $9 billion sale suggests that markets are developing mechanisms to handle large-scale crypto transactions—a development that could further legitimize Bitcoin as a mainstream financial asset.

Sources:

[1] [Cointelegraph](https://cointelegraph.com/news/early-bitcoin-investor-sells-80000-btc-galaxy-digital)

[2] [Bitcoin.com](https://news.bitcoin.com/galaxy-digital-sells-9b-in-vintage-bitcoin-without-rocking-the-market/)

[3] [CoinDesk](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/07/25/bitcoin-rebounds-after-galaxy-completes-sale-of-usd9b-btc-from-satoshi-era-whale)

[4] [XT.com](https://www.xt.com/en/blog/post/satoshi-era-bitcoin-investor-cashes-out-80000-btc-for-9b-via-galaxy-digital)

[5] [AInvest](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bitcoin-whale-sells-9b-historic-80-000-btc-transfer-market-absorbs-sale-price-rebounds-115k-dip-2507/)

[6] [Crypto](https://cryptobriefing.com/galaxy-digital-btc-sell-lmeow-marketcap-anoma-testnet-launch/)