Bitcoin News Today: Satoshi Nakamoto sculpture stolen in Lugano 0.1 BTC reward offered

A Satoshi Nakamoto-themed sculpture in the Swiss city of Lugano—known for its disappearing design that reflects the anonymity of the Bitcoin creator—was stolen in recent weeks, prompting a public appeal for its return. The artwork features a faceless figure seated at a laptop and is engineered to vanish when viewed from the front or back. It has become a notable symbol of the cryptocurrency community in the region [2].

The disappearance was first reported on July 14, 2025, and by early August, the Satoshi Gallery—co-founded by stablecoin issuer Tether—announced a reward of 0.1 BTC for information leading to the statue’s recovery. “We are offering 0.1 BTC to whoever will help us recover the Statue of Satoshi Nakamoto that was stolen yesterday in Lugano,” the announcement stated on X [1]. The reward has sparked a wave of public interest and speculation, with many within the crypto community sharing theories and tips online.

Designed by Italian artist Valentina, the statue was intended as a tribute to the elusive figure behind Bitcoin. Its theft has generated both concern and curiosity, given the symbolic significance of the piece. The anonymity embedded in the design now seems to have extended to its location, leaving authorities and enthusiasts alike puzzled [4].

Authorities in Lugano have not yet commented on whether they are investigating the case or what steps have been taken to locate the missing artwork. Meanwhile, the reward offer remains open, signaling a community-driven attempt to recover the statue without immediate government intervention [1].

The incident highlights the growing intersection of cryptocurrency and public art, with blockchain projects increasingly commissioning pieces that reflect the ethos of decentralization and anonymity. As the search continues, the value of the reward—currently equivalent to approximately $4,500 USD—has raised questions about the role of digital currencies in traditional crime prevention and recovery efforts.

Satoshi Gallery’s appeal underscores the broader cultural significance of Bitcoin’s creator within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, even as the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto remains unknown. The disappearance of the statue has now added another layer of mystery to the ongoing narrative surrounding the origins of Bitcoin.

Sources:

[1] CoinDesk, [https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/03/where-is-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-honouring-the-bitcoin-creator-gets-stolen-in-lugano](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/03/where-is-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-honouring-the-bitcoin-creator-gets-stolen-in-lugano)

[2] TradingView, [https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph:1a8d4bb9b094b:0-disappearing-satoshi-statue-in-lugano-stolen-0-1-btc-offered-for-its-return/](https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph:1a8d4bb9b094b:0-disappearing-satoshi-statue-in-lugano-stolen-0-1-btc-offered-for-its-return/)

[4] 0x资讯, [https://0xzx.com/en/20250802143****5178.html](https://0xzx.com/en/20250802143****5178.html)