Bitcoin Whale Awakens for First Time in 14 Years, $442M Moved Amid Quantum Fear

Dormant Bitcoin Whale Moves $16.6M After 14 Years Amid Quantum Security Concerns

A long-dormant Bitcoin (BTC) wallet has transferred 150 BTC—roughly $16.6 million—for the first time in 14 years, raising speculation about potential selling, rotation, or security-driven activity.

According to Lookonchain, the wallet, 18eY9o, contains 4,000 BTC (around $442 million) originally mined in 2009 and consolidated in 2011.

The move is part of a broader trend of early “OG” holders taking profits after BTC reached key milestones such as $100,000. On-chain data indicates significant realized gains this year, including the 2025 sale of ~80,000 BTC from another dormant early whale via Galaxy Digital.

Analysts suggest concerns over quantum computing may also be motivating the transfer. Bitcoin OG Nicholas Gregory told CoinDesk:

“Coins from this era may be vulnerable to quantum attacks if their public keys have been exposed. Moving them to new, unexposed addresses could be a preemptive security measure.”

This activity highlights both profit-taking and evolving security strategies among Bitcoin’s earliest holders.