Bitcoin News Today: Satoshi-era Whale Sells 80,000 BTC for $9B via Galaxy Digital, Market Unshaken

An anonymous Satoshi-era Bitcoin whale executed a $9 billion sale of 80,000 BTC through Galaxy Digital in July 2025, marking one of the largest single transactions in cryptocurrency history. The transaction, linked to estate planning strategies, involved Bitcoin held since at least 2011 and transformed an initial $132,000 investment into a multi-billion-dollar exit. Despite the unprecedented scale, Bitcoin’s price and market structure showed minimal disruption, with the asset stabilizing above $80,000 post-sale [1][4].

The sale highlights the evolving maturity of the crypto market, which absorbed the massive volume without triggering significant volatility. Galaxy Digital, co-founded by Mike Novogratz, facilitated the transaction as part of its institutional asset management services, underscoring the growing role of institutional-grade platforms in large-scale crypto trades. The firm confirmed the sale operated within standard compliance frameworks, with no regulatory actions reported from the SEC or CFTC [1][4].

Analysts attributed the calm market response to improved liquidity and broader participation from both retail and institutional investors. “Old whales sell to new long-term whales,” noted Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant, emphasizing that large transfers are increasingly absorbed by deep institutional buyer pools. On-chain data revealed the BTC was moved from a dormant wallet, a pattern consistent with historical trends of major Bitcoin movements [1][4].

The transaction contrasts with past large sell-offs, such as the 2022 FTX collapse, where similar volumes triggered cascading liquidations. This resilience reflects Bitcoin’s transition into a more sophisticated asset class, capable of handling high-volume liquidations without destabilizing. The whale’s decade-plus holding period also sparked debate about long-term confidence in Bitcoin, with some viewing the sale as a strategic exit amid market optimism and others cautioning about potential shifts in investor behavior ahead of the 2024 halving [1][4].

The sale’s muted market impact reinforces broader trends of institutional adoption and regulatory clarity, which have bolstered crypto market stability. While specifics about the buyers remain private, the event aligns with historical patterns of Bitcoin redistribution among institutional players. LookOnChain data further highlighted the transaction’s significance, noting its role in testing Bitcoin’s liquidity and resilience during large-scale movements [1][4].

Sources:

[1] [Galaxy's $9 Billion Bitcoin Fire Sale: Is BTC's Bull Run in ...](https://www.btcc.com/en-US/square/yellowcomEN/698673)

[4] [Satoshi-era Bitcoin investor cashes out 80,000 BTC for $9B via Galaxy Digital](https://welybit.com/)