So, Donald Trump (yes, *that* Donald Trump) strutted into the 2024 Nashville crypto conference and dropped some wisdom bombs. 🧨 “For too long our government has violated the cardinal rule that every bitcoiner knows by heart: Never sell your Bitcoin,” he declared, probably while adjusting his tie. 🥸 Then, in a move that screams *I’m trying to be cool with the crypto kids*, he signed the law creating the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. 🏦 Meanwhile, the U.S. government has been out here selling Bitcoin like it’s a garage sale, offloading at least 195,091.75 BTC for a measly $366,493,104. Now, those same bitcoins are worth a cool $22.2 billion. Oopsie! 🤦♂️ The country’s reserves? Somewhere between 29,000 and 200,000 bitcoins. 🤷♀️
The Great Bitcoin Fire Sale (2014-2023)
Back in 2013, the U.S. was Bitcoin-less. Then, the Drug Enforcement Administration snagged 11 bitcoins from the Silk Road saga. 🎭 Fast forward to 2014, and the government started auctioning off these bitcoins like they were limited-edition Beanie Babies. In June, they sold 29,657 BTC to Tim Draper for $19 million. Today, those bitcoins are worth over $3 billion. 😵💫
Between 2014 and 2015, they sold another 144,341 BTC for a whopping $47.1 million. Current value? Nearly $16.6 billion. 🤑 And let’s not forget the smaller sales-like the 2,719 BTC sold in 2016 for $1.6 million, or the 3,813 BTC in 2018 for $42 million. Each time, they were basically giving away future billions. 🤡
The last public sale was in March 2023, when they sold 9,861 BTC for $215 million. But wait-those bitcoins are now worth around $900 million more. 😭 After that, they moved 36,000 BTC to Coinbase, but no word on whether they sold. Probably just changing custodians, because why not add more drama? 🕵️♀️
Who Sold More? (Spoiler: No One)
Reports say the U.S. sold between 195,000 and 199,000 BTC, raking in $366.5 million to $422.2 million. But the missed gains? Over $21 billion. 😱 Germany tried to compete, selling 54,000 BTC in 2024 and missing out on $3 billion. Cute, but no cigar. 🏆 Finland sold 1,900 BTC for $47 million, mostly for Ukraine donations. 🌍 Bhutan? They’re selling too, but in tiny amounts. Basically, the U.S. takes the crown for the biggest Bitcoin blunder. 👑
How Much BTC Does the U.S. Own Now?
Arkham Intelligence says the U.S. holds 198,022 BTC, 60,000 ETH, and more. But here’s the kicker: not all of it is *owned*. Some is seized and might go back to crime victims. 🤔 For example, 94,000 BTC from the Bitfinex hacker? Not the government’s to keep. According to journalist Lola Leetz, the U.S. Marshals only hold 29,000 BTC. So, where’s the rest? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
“Seized bitcoins are held temporarily-awaiting court decisions. They’re not the government’s property yet.” 🧑⚖️ Shawn Young from MEXC Research adds: “Transparency is key for BTC institutional adoption.” 🗝️
So, next time you hear someone say the U.S. owns 200,000 BTC, just smile and nod. The truth? It’s complicated. And expensive. 💸
- 🇺🇸 Sold 195k-199k BTC between 2014-2023. Missed gains: $21B. 😭
- Officially holds 29k BTC, but Arkham says 198k. 🤔
- Seized BTC might go back to victims. Not all is Uncle Sam’s! 🧑⚖️
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2025-08-07 17:08