Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin (BTC), is estimated to be the 17th richest person in the world. Based on known addresses linked to early mining, he is attributed ownership of about 1.1 million BTC, with a combined value exceeding $95 billion at current prices. Meanwhile, the developer's identity remains unknown, and the coins associated with him have not moved for over 10 years. Even during strong price peaks, including when BTC reached approximately $126,000, these assets remained untouched.
Who is Satoshi Nakamoto?
Satoshi Nakamoto is known as the creator of Bitcoin (BTC), but his real identity has not been established. Various theories about the developer's fate and whereabouts have emerged, some of which circulate publicly. Regardless of these hypotheses, the Bitcoin network continues to operate and evolve without his apparent involvement, as noted by market participants.
How many bitcoins does Satoshi Nakamoto have?
Analysis of addresses linked to early blocks attributes roughly 1.1 million BTC to Nakamoto. At current prices, the total value of these assets exceeds $95 billion, making the owner extremely wealthy according to several sources. A key feature in these assessments is the complete lack of movement of these coins for over 10 years, including periods when BTC's price reached about $126,000.
Why doesn't Satoshi Nakamoto sell bitcoins?
There is no definitive information about the motives, and various theories exist around this question. Discussions include possible scenarios such as concerns for personal security or other circumstances that might explain the inactivity. The market, in turn, views the absence of sales as a factor that reduces the risk of sudden large supply.
Satoshi Nakamoto's impact on the bitcoin market
The inactivity of the largest early holder lowers the likelihood of sudden selling pressure from a single address, serving as one of the trust factors in the network. This perception reinforces the idea that Bitcoin operates independently of its creator and is not under centralized control. For broader context on old address behavior, see the note on the sleeping miner, and for motives behind cryptocurrency accumulation, refer to the article why miners accumulate.
Why this matters
For a miner with 1–1000 devices, the lack of sales by the largest early holder means a lower risk of simultaneous strong price pressure from one address. This does not eliminate market volatility but reduces one systemic uncertainty linked to centralized large holders. As a result, for the target miner, this confirms protocol stability and lowers the likelihood of shock events related specifically to Nakamoto's coins.
What to do?
Practical recommendations for miners with small to medium equipment fleets are simple and concrete. First, plan your financial cushion and risk management independently of large holders' behavior. Second, monitor address activity and on-chain metrics to quickly respond to changes in liquidity or market sentiment. Third, use diversification and backup plans to cover operational expenses during short-term downturns.
- Check addresses and coin flows — this helps track large movements.
- Do not rely on the absence of sales from one holder as a guarantee of income.
- Keep reserves for unexpected expenses and plan electricity costs.
- Develop action scenarios for major price fluctuations and accumulate liquidity as needed.