Early Ethereum ICO Participant Moves 1,500 ETH After Years of Dormancy

An address that participated in Ethereum’s original ICO has transferred 1,500 ETH — worth approximately $1.76 million — to an exchange after years of inactivity. The movement has drawn attention to long-dormant whales resurfacing.

Oct 29, 2025 - 12:43
Early Ethereum ICO Participant Moves 1,500 ETH After Years of Dormancy

Market Context

Large “whale” movements from early investors are often watched closely by markets. After long periods of dormancy, such transfers may signal profit-taking, shifts in long-term holdings, or changing sentiment among early backers. In the current crypto environment of high volatility and regulatory uncertainty, any movement by early holders can influence short-term expectations around supply pressure and price impact.


Technical Details with Attribution

  • On-chain data shows that an Ethereum ICO-era wallet transferred 1,500 ETH to a centralized exchange. 
  • The move follows earlier large transfers from the same address, which has historically sold tens of thousands of ETH following a long dormancy period. 
  • That address had reportedly sold 16,500 ETH totaling about $29.35 million earlier, and still retains ETH holdings. 
  • The average execution price for recent sales was cited around $1,779 per ETH in one report.

Analyst Perspectives 

Some observers suggest that this transfer might be part of a planned rebalancing or liquidity event by a long-term holder, rather than signalling a sustained sell-off.

Others caution that repeated movements by such addresses may increase short-term selling pressure—especially if more of the remaining holdings are deposited to exchanges. Whether this affects price materially will depend on timing, broader market liquidity, and whether other holders mirror this behavior.


Global Impact Note

While this move is domestic (on-chain), it reflects a broader pattern seen globally — early-era crypto investors gradually liquidating portions of long-held holdings. It may shape how traders and institutions perceive on-chain holder behavior as Ethereum matures. Monitoring these wallets could offer insights into macro-level sentiment among original investors.