- Germany missed $3.1B in potential profits by selling 50K BTC before the price surge.
- BTC surged above $118K after Germany’s sell-off, triggering backlash over the mistimed sale.
- Rising volume has traders setting sights on $120K as Bitcoin’s next key resistance level.
In mid-2024, the German government offloaded a large stash of Bitcoin. Officials sold 50,000 BTC at around $54,000 each. The sale, made to convert seized assets into euros, sparked little reaction at the time. But nearly a year later, Bitcoin surged beyond $118,000. Analysts now estimate Germany lost about $3.1 billion in potential profits.
The decision is drawing heavy criticism. Crypto watchers say the government misread market momentum. With Bitcoin now at all-time highs, many question the sale’s timing.
Sale Timing Under Fire
The Bitcoins came from a seizure by authorities in Saxony. At the time of liquidation, officials aimed to protect asset value and reduce exposure. They sold into strength, hoping to secure cash. But the market had other plans. Bitcoin began consolidating around $108,000 in recent weeks. Then, bullish pressure mounted quickly. A sudden surge pushed BTC above $113,000 in a strong green candle.
That move ignited further gains. The digital asset leapt past $118,000, catching traders and institutions by surprise. Trading volume jumped with the breakout, confirming strong demand. The rally has sparked fresh interest in missed opportunities. Germany’s $2.7 billion sale is now a financial cautionary tale. Holding the coins longer could have yielded double the return.
This isn’t the first time governments have exited Bitcoin too early. In the U.S., federal agencies sold seized BTC for much less in earlier years. Some sales occurred when Bitcoin traded under $1,000. Germany’s move is now part of that pattern, governments selling before major rallies.
Charts Signal Continued Strength
On the charts, Bitcoin looks firm. The recent surge shows momentum is building, not fading. The breakout above $113,000 proved key. Bulls used that level as a launchpad. Now, all eyes are on $120,000 as the next psychological level. Charts show a sharp climb. There was no slow grind upward, just a rapid move in one session.
Technical indicators remain bullish, with Bitcoin maintaining levels well above short-term support. Analysts point out that such rallies typically see little hesitation. At the time of writing, Bitcoin trades at $118,400. Momentum remains intact, with volume rising in tandem with price. Strong support now sits around $107,000, with resistance forming near $120,000.
Related: Bitcoin “Coiled to Break Out,” Analyst Targets $170K Price
Public Finance Meets Crypto Volatility
Germany’s missed opportunity raises broader questions. Should governments hold digital assets longer? Is selling too soon a policy error?
Crypto experts say public finance must adjust to a new reality. Bitcoin is subject to the volatile nature of the market; however, it also offers historic upside. Liquidating at any stage in the consolidation can leave billions on the table. Critics also point to a lack of crypto fluency, suggesting that decision-makers may not understand digital asset cycles. Without proper guidance, timing errors like this may repeat.
As Bitcoin enters new territory, governments must decide how to regulate it. Some view it as digital gold, while others consider it a high-risk asset. Either way, selling before major breakouts now carries a reputational cost. With Bitcoin climbing, the missed $3.1 billion is more than a headline. It’s a sign that crypto is rewriting the rules of public asset management. And the stakes are only growing.
