As bitcoin flirts with the $100,000 threshold, previously dormant, vintage bitcoin wallets are awakening, showing a significant increase in transactions. On Jan. 16, two wallets from 2016 were activated, transferring 1,087 BTC—worth over $103 million—for the first time in 9 years and 9 months. January 2026 has proven to be quite eventful, as long-dormant bitcoin wallets are finally coming to life after years of inactivity. On January 10, a significant whale from the 2010 era made a notable return, marking its first activity since the early days of bitcoin, by offloading 2,000 bitcoin directly to Coinbase.
Following that maneuver, a significant amount of dormant bitcoin reactivated after years of inactivity, although the majority of the activity consisted of transfers valued at 50 BTC or less. On January 13, a dormant wallet containing 136.30 BTC made a move, transferring its coins for the first time since March 5, 2014. Three days later, btcparser.com reported a significant transaction, with a substantial 1,087.29 BTC being moved—valued at $103.8 million based on January 17 exchange rates.
The surge can be linked to two wallets, established on April 17, 2016, with one containing 500 BTC and the other 587.29 BTC. At block 932586, a total of 500 BTC was cleared, followed by 587.29 BTC that arrived shortly thereafter at block height 932590. The 587.29 BTC resided in a P2PKH wallet before being transferred to a newly created Taproot address. Subsequently, 300 BTC was transferred to a new P2TR address, while 287.29260474 BTC followed a different path into another P2TR wallet. As of 11:30 a.m. Eastern time, both piles are still stationed in their new P2TR locations. The 500 BTC adhered to a familiar pattern, transitioning from P2PKH into a consolidated P2TR wallet before dividing into two distinct addresses. In that scenario, a recipient was credited with a neat 0.10000000 BTC, while the change address took in 499.90003619 BTC. As observed previously, every single satoshi remains intact since the completion of the transfers. This action may merely indicate standard consolidation or escrow arrangements in anticipation of a possible sale, a trend frequently observed when large assets are transferred to custodians or over-the-counter desks.
Currently, the reshuffling appears to be less about panic and more akin to housekeeping—old coins switching outfits rather than exchanging ownership. As bitcoin approaches the six-figure mark, the emergence of decade-old wallets brings an additional layer of intrigue to the market. The ambiguity surrounding whether these movements indicate a forthcoming distribution or merely a phase of operational tidying is still present. It is evident that when prices approach $100,000 or higher, even the most steadfast holders are prompted to act. This serves as a reminder to onlookers that inactive supply can subtly, intentionally, and without fanfare reemerge into the market as cycles continue to unfold over time.