Three Unnamed Bidders Win Latest US Marshals Bitcoin Auction

The US Marshals Service announced that its latest bitcoin auction concluded with three separate winning bids.

AccessTimeIconMar 10, 2015 at 6:32 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 14, 2021 at 2:02 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The US Marshals Service (USMS) has revealed that three bidders each took home a portion of the 50,000 BTC sold during its most recent bitcoin auction held 5th March.

The winnings were divided among the unnamed individuals, with the leading bidder claiming 27,000 BTC ($7.9m at press time). The remainder of the bitcoin was split among two individuals who took winnings of 20,000 BTC ($5.9m) and 3,000 BTC ($885,801), respectively.

A spokesperson for the USMS confirmed the totals via email, adding that the transfer of proceeds to the winners has now been finalized.

While no winning bidders have yet come forward, the trading desk at SecondMarket, the entrant that claimed the highest share of the 50,000 BTC sold in December’s auction, has publicly revealed it did not enter a winning bid.

Other known participants, including hedge fund Pantera Capital and investment management company Binary Financial, have yet to comment on the news publicly.

A final auction of the roughly 44,000 remaining bitcoins in possession by the government agency is expected to be held later this year.

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.