The Top Five Biggest Lost Bitcoin Fortune

14 August 2023

BY: Minaal

Similar to Robert Louis Stevenson's renowned novel ‘Treasure Island,’ which revolves around the quest for hidden treasure, there are now famously misplaced Bitcoin wallets. However, unlike the pirates and captains of old who buried their fortunes under sandy Caribbean shores, today's Bitcoin fortunes lie concealed in the realm of 1's and 0's.

1. Satoshi Nakamoto's Wallet

Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, has a renowned untouched fortune of around 1.1 million Bitcoin, raising questions about their intentions and the cryptocurrency's foundation. If accessed, this could make Satoshi one of the world's richest individuals.

2. Stefan Thomas & the lost password

This year, Stefan Thomas, a San Francisco developer, gained fame for holding $220 million in Bitcoin he couldn't access due to a forgotten password. Despite attempts to unlock his wallet, he has come to terms with the loss.

3. The buried treasure of James Howells

Similar to Stefan Thomas, UK's James Howells accidentally discarded a laptop in 2013 with 7,500 BTC. He offered a reward for recovery, but legal and environmental concerns led the council to decline. Recovery attempts, despite hedge fund offers, have been unsuccessful.

Gerald Cotten co-founded QuadrigaCX, a crypto exchange, running it covertly and manipulating its operations. He passed away in 2018, taking access to his fortune with him, sparking speculation about the circumstances of his death. It's estimated he had $250 Mn worth of crypto with him.

4. The disapperance of Gerald Cotton

5. Individual X Marks The Spot The 69,000 Bitcoin Challenge

Discovered on the dark web in 2018, the seventh-largest Bitcoin wallet contained 69,000 Bitcoins. Hackers tried to crack it but failed. Alon Gal of Hudson Rock took ownership in 2020, leading to US justice department involvement. The owner, known as "Individual X," stole from Silk Road, with motives remaining mysterious.
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