One year ago, Germany sold off 50,000 bitcoins, completely liquidating its stockpile. In the intervening time, the price of BTC doubled, and a similar today would’ve netted more than $6.64 billion.

This example could provide a useful cautionary tale for leaders around the globe. Even if a government is determined to liquidate its holdings, a few delays could’ve brought Germany much larger returns.

Germany Lost Out On Billions

From time to time, various world governments sometimes find themselves holding large quantities of Bitcoin.

Generally, this takes place after seizing assets from criminals, but other methods are also present. Last year, Germany seized 50,000 bitcoins in an anti-piracy bust, but made the controversial decision to sell them all in July 2024.

Almost exactly one year later, this decision is looking extremely unfortunate. Germany sold this Bitcoin for $3.13 billion, but the asset’s price has