Recent on-chain data from the cryptocurrency market shows that some early Ethereum investors, who held their coins for years without moving them, have decided to sell.
The blockchain analytics platform Lookonchain reported that four Ethereum wallets, which were inactive for about eight years, recently sold a large amount of ETH. These investors originally bought 37,602 ETH back in 2018 when the price was around $830 per token. At the time, that purchase was worth roughly $31.16 million.
Patience Paid Off, But Not Without Waiting
During Ethereum’s strong bull runs in 2021 and again in 2025, the unrealized profits from those wallets soared past $150 million. Yet the holders chose not to sell then. They kept their assets idle, even as prices climbed. That kind of patience is rare in crypto, where many take profits during peaks.
Now, after eight years of silence, these wallets have become active. According to Lookonchain, in the last four hours, the investors sold 33,623 ETH at an average price of $1,560. The total value of those sales comes to about $52.46 million. After accounting for their original cost, the realized profit is estimated at $27.4 million.
Market Watchers Take Note
Market experts say traders are paying close attention when long-dormant wallets suddenly move. The decisions of early-stage investors are sometimes seen as a signal of changing sentiment. When big holders sell, it can influence how others view the market’s direction.
This is not investment advice.
