Richmond365: Satoshi-Era Whale Finally Exits $750M Bitcoin PositBitcoin all time history indexINDEX:BTCUSDHCN-News12Today, February 23, 2026, the crypto market received one of the loudest signals in recent months. A wallet dormant for 15 years from the Satoshi era — one of the oldest in Bitcoin’s history — transferred 11,300 BTC, equivalent to roughly $750 million at current prices, to addresses linked to major exchanges. This movement instantly triggered a wave of discussions, a short-term drop of Bitcoin below $65,000, and intense speculation about whether this could mark the beginning of a broader sell-off among “old” holders. Richmond365 closely monitors such on-chain events, as they often serve as important sentiment indicators. In this case, we are witnessing a classic example of a Satoshi-era whale — an early miner or network participant from 2009–2011 who kept their coins untouched for over a decade and a half. What exactly happened? According to blockchain analytics data (Whale Alert, Arkham, Lookonchain, and others), a wallet inactive since Bitcoin’s early days moved its entire balance — 11,300 BTC — in several transactions to addresses associated with exchanges. This was not a simple internal transfer for better security or consolidation: the funds were directed toward liquid trading platforms. For context: These coins were acquired at prices between $0–$1 (or mined for free in the earliest days). The unrealized profit at the time of the transfer exceeded hundreds of thousands of percent. Even at the current price of ~$66,000 per BTC, this ranks among the largest single exits by an “ancient” holder in Bitcoin’s entire history. Richmond365 notes that such events remain rare. The vast majority of Satoshi-era wallets stay dormant for decades, symbolizing absolute long-term conviction in Bitcoin’s narrative. Why does this matter for the market? Short-term price pressure Moving such volume onto exchanges is almost always interpreted by the market as potential selling. Last night Bitcoin dropped more than 5% in just a couple of hours, briefly falling below $65,000. Richmond365 views this as a typical emotional reaction — strong but usually short-lived. Psychological signal When one of the true “OGs” (original gangsters) decides to exit after 15 years of HODLing, it can shake the confidence of less seasoned holders. The question “If even they are selling, why are we still holding?” is already circulating widely across social media and chat groups. Not necessarily a bearish signal Richmond365 emphasizes an important nuance: Overall exchange balances remain relatively low. Institutional demand (via ETFs, corporate treasuries, sovereign reserves) in 2026 is significantly stronger than in previous cycles. A single $750 million transfer represents roughly 0.05% of Bitcoin’s current market capitalization. The market can easily absorb such volumes when buyers are present. How Richmond365 assesses the situation Richmond365 has been tracking ancient wallet behavior for many years. We see three most plausible scenarios: Genuine profit-taking The owner decided to monetize part of their accumulated wealth — possibly for personal reasons (retirement, diversification, life events). This is the most straightforward explanation. Movement for subsequent actions The funds could be redirected further — to cold storage, fiat via OTC desks, other assets, or even new crypto projects. Not every transfer to an exchange equals immediate selling. Strategic repositioning in a new cycle Some early holders become active precisely during local bottoms or periods of uncertainty, only to re-enter later at more favorable levels or diversify into other opportunities. Richmond365 does not see grounds for panic. On the contrary, such events often act as contrarian indicators. When the “old guard” exits, it can clear out weak hands and prepare the market for the next accumulation phase. Recommendations from Richmond365 Do not sell on emotion Short-term volatility caused by whale movements is a normal part of the market. If your strategy is long-term — stay the course. Monitor on-chain metrics Richmond365 advises paying attention to: Exchange inflows/outflows Share of long-term holders (LTH) Net position changes among whales Use dips for accumulation If you believe in Bitcoin over a 5–10+ year horizon, current levels (~$65K after correction from $126K) look attractive for gradual entry (DCA). Diversify intelligently Even if Bitcoin is the core of your portfolio, Richmond365 always recommends maintaining balance: growth stocks, bonds, gold, real estate. No single asset should dictate the fate of your entire capital. Conclusion The exit of a Satoshi-era whale with a $750 million position is a loud — but not fatal — event. Bitcoin has survived dozens of similar “exits” and consistently found new buyers at higher levels each time. Richmond365 is convinced that the digital asset market in 2026 is far more mature and institutionally supported than in previous cycles. Events like this are noise rather than a signal that the bull cycle is over. If you would like to discuss how such movements may impact your specific portfolio or receive a personalized analysis of the current situation — the Richmond365 team is always ready to assist. Richmond365 — your trusted partner in navigating crypto cycles and protecting capital.