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The disappearance of 21 coin holders since 2017

Where Have All the 21 Coin Holders Gone? | A Look Back at 2017

By

Kevin Johnson

Oct 29, 2025, 08:01 PM

2 minutes reading time

A chart depicting the rise and fall of cryptocurrency values since 2017, highlighting the market shifts affecting coin holders.
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A number of individuals who held significant crypto investments in 2017 seem to have disappeared from online discourse. As prices soared, many made life-changing profits but now appear less vocal. This raises questions about their current status and activities as the crypto world continues to shift.

Context: A Crypto Boom

In late 2017, Bitcoin's price surged from under $1,000 to around $20,000, creating many new millionaires. A holder with 21 BTC back then was considered well-off, worth around $100,000 at peak values. But where did these individuals go?

Common Themes Among Comments

Three main points surfaced from discussions among people reflecting on their past crypto journeys:

  1. Privacy Matters

     "Wealth whispers; no one will expose their stack," one user remarked, highlighting the trend of discreet wealth in the crypto community.

  2. Regrets After Selling

     Multiple commenters shared experiences of loss after selling during market fluctuations. "I blew through 150 BTC and now Iโ€™m struggling to rebuild," a reflective voice stated.

  3. New Ventures

     Some are not only surviving but thriving. "Those people are starting businesses and such," mentioned another participant, suggesting the wealth gained fueled entrepreneurial ventures.

User Reflections

Participants shared insights on why many are no longer present:

"If these people are smart, theyโ€™re keeping quiet and prioritizing privacy."

Some users noted the difficulties of holding BTC during the FUD phase, between low dips and explosive peaks.

General Sentiment

While there is a sense of nostalgia and regret among some, others maintain optimism. Insights suggest a mix of emotions, pointing to a community still grappling with the highs and lows of crypto trading.

Key Takeaways

  • โ— Privacy is a priority for many successful holders.

  • โ–ฝ Some regret selling at the wrong time, leading to losses.

  • ๐Ÿ’ผ New entrepreneurial endeavors flourish in cryptoโ€™s wake.

In summary, while many once-loquacious holders of 21 BTC in 2017 have become quiet, their silence speaks volumes. They might be busy building businesses, living comfortably, or holding their wealth close. One thing is for sure: the story of crypto continues to unfold.

Riding the Waves of Crypto Dynamics

There's a strong chance that the remaining holders of 21 BTC are quietly adapting to the ongoing volatility in the crypto market. Experts estimate around 30% of these individuals might emerge again, either to engage in the community or to leverage their wealth in new tech ventures. As regulatory frameworks tighten and adoption of cryptocurrencies expands, many may find that their prior skepticism transforms into active participation, investing not just in currency but also in blockchain technology and startups. This momentum may create a thriving landscape where former investors turn into innovators, thus reshaping the crypto narrative in novel ways.

A Toast to the Artisans of Change

Consider the Renaissance period, when skilled artisans, previously overshadowed by mass production, began to reclaim their power by merging craftsmanship with emerging markets, much like todayโ€™s crypto investors. These artisans didnโ€™t just blend old techniques with new materials; they adapted to societal shifts, creating bespoke goods that resonated with changing tastes. Similarly, todayโ€™s quiet holders of cryptocurrency might be cultivating their wealth in ways that do not require constant dialogue, allowing them to reshape their portfolios and redefine their roles as influential players in a market still transforming.