2,000 Ultra-Rare BTC Emerge from Dormancy: Two Casascius Coins Activated After 13 Years of Inactivity

The total value of these bitcoins at the time of activation exceeded $179 million. These coins, created between 2011 and 2013, are true artifacts from the early history of Bitcoin - metal discs with an engraved public address and a private key hidden under a hologram for protection against unauthorized access. They allowed people to hold "physical" Bitcoin in their hands when the cryptocurrency was still a novelty.

Casascius coins were issued in a limited series, and their activation (or "opening") happens extremely rarely, always drawing attention from collectors and enthusiasts. According to the Casascius tracker, out of six coins with a denomination of 1,000 BTC, four have already been "opened," while two remain unused. These specific coins were created when the price of Bitcoin fluctuated between $3.88 and $11.69 per unit, making their potential profit astronomical - over a 2,000-fold increase.

The event was recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain, where the coins were moved after more than 13 years of dormancy. Experts speculate various reasons: from fears of quantum hacking (quantum FUD), which might have prompted the owner to transfer funds to a more secure wallet, to simply deciding to realize the profit. Some commentators joke that the coins could have ended up in a pawn shop, where they were bought for the price of the metal, only to reveal a true treasure later. Others note that this serves as a reminder of the evolution of crypto storage - from physical coins to modern hardware wallets and encrypted agents.

The historical context adds charm to the event: Casascius coins are collectible rarities, with a limited total supply in circulation. As of 2023 data, there were about 19,000 unactivated coins remaining, totaling over 41,000 BTC, though some have been redeemed since then. The activation of such coins often signals the "awakening" of early investors, who can now influence the market by selling or redistributing assets.

This news highlights the resilience of Bitcoin as an asset: despite the years, the technology works flawlessly, and early holders continue to reap the rewards of patience. For collectors, it's also an opportunity to review their holdings - after all, similar coins can be worth significantly more than their face value due to historical significance.