The U.S. government is one of the world’s largest Bitcoin (BTC) holders. From time to time, the United States moves part of its BTC holdings, usually due to settlements and sell-offs, recently spending over $2 billion worth of Bitcoin.
However, there is no consensus on how much Bitcoin the U.S. government holds, as trusted platforms report different amounts. As of writing, Finbold encountered reported holdings that vary from 164,013 to 213,246 BTC from three updated analyses.
The difference can occur for multiple reasons, including access to filings and news, or on-chain tracking and address ownership speculation. Most of the Bitcoin the U.S. government holds results from assets’ seizure in ongoing lawsuits, waiting for liquidation.
On April 2, the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the United States moved over $2 billion worth of Bitcoin. The agency made two transactions from the Silk Road Confiscated Funds to Coinbase Prime and an unknown address. The former received 2,000 BTC worth $131 million, while the latter received 29,800 BTC worth $1.95 billion.
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U.S. government Bitcoin holdings by SpotOnChain
Interestingly, SpotOnChain reported the U.S. DOJ’s aforementioned activity, as well as hundreds of other U.S. government cryptocurrency transactions. For example, sending Ethereum (ETH) and USDC tokens one month ago, from the account related to the Bitifinex hack.
The U.S. government holds 179,196 BTC, according to SpotOnChain data on April 3, worth nearly $11.90 billion.
Dune Analytics: The U.S. government holds this much Bitcoin
Another well-known and trusted on-chain platform is Dune Analytics. In particular, it holds the lowest spectrum of the U.S. government’s Bitcoin holdings, while also registering the Silk Road’s transactions on April 2.
Currently, the Bitcoin balance in control of the United States is at 164,013 BTC, according to data from 21co. This is worth $10.82 billion and represents 0.83% of the cryptocurrency’s circulating supply.
Arkham Intelligence for over 200,000 BTC U.S. holdings
Finally, the largest reported U.S. Bitcoin balance is from Arkham Intelligence, also a trusted platform. In there, the U.S. government holds 213,246 BTC, worth $14.18 billion.
Like the others, Arkham has already considered the most recent transactions. However, the platform labels the unknown address as also belonging to the U.S. government, which explains the difference.
In summary, different sources will report different values according to their particular methodology. On-chain analyses are not conclusive and much is made of high-probability educated guesses until official statements are made.
All things considered, the U.S. government holds something around 1% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply and its activities can influence the price of the leading cryptocurrency, potentially dragging other cryptocurrencies with it.
