Iconic ‘Buy Bitcoin’ Sign from Janet Yellen Photobomb Fetches Over $1 Million at Auction
The Viral Moment That Captured Bitcoin’s Rising Star
Imagine sitting in a high-stakes congressional hearing, scribbling a simple message on a yellow notepad, and turning it into a piece of cryptocurrency history. That’s exactly what happened back in July 2017 when Christian Langalis, known as “Bitcoin Sign Guy,” held up a handwritten “Buy Bitcoin” sign behind then-United States Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen during a televised House Financial Services Committee session. The bold move not only got him escorted out—since displaying signs isn’t allowed in such settings—but it also sent Bitcoin’s price surging by 3.7% that day, climbing above $2,418 according to reports from the time.
Fast forward to today, and that very same notepad has become a collector’s item, selling for a whopping 16 Bitcoin at auction. With Bitcoin’s value now hovering around $150,000 as of August 25, 2025—reflecting a 2.5% daily gain amid broader market optimism—that translates to more than $2.4 million. This isn’t just a nostalgic relic; it’s a testament to how a cheeky photobomb can evolve into a million-dollar story, much like how an underdog startup idea can skyrocket into a tech giant.
From Sock Drawer to Auction Block: The Journey of a Bitcoin Icon
Christian Langalis, the creative mind behind the sign, decided it was time to part ways with his famous creation after it spent years tucked away in his sock drawer. He listed it on the Bitcoin-focused auction platform Scarce City, where the bidding war lasted a full week, wrapping up just after 11:00 pm UTC on April 24, 2024. The winner, a bidder going by “Justin” or “Squirrekkywrath,” secured the prize with that 16 BTC bid.
After the platform’s 15% fee, Langalis walked away with approximately 13.6 BTC, equating to about $2.04 million at current prices. In his listing statement, he shared that it felt right to “liberate this number from my sock drawer and offer it back to the Bitcoin public.” The notepad itself is more than just the visible sign; it includes an unseen rough draft of the message, plus notes on monetary policy and Bitcoin from the hearing. The page was carefully detached post-event but reattached with clear archival wire to preserve its authenticity.
This isn’t Langalis’ first rodeo with replicas either. Back in 2019, he produced and sold 21 copies of the sign, each fetching an average of 0.8 BTC—now worth around $120,000 per piece in today’s market. Those replicas have found homes in prominent spots, like the offices of venture firms such as Paradigm, Blockchain Capital, and Castle Island Ventures, as well as the crypto think-tank Coin Center. It’s like owning a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history, but for the digital age, where a simple notepad echoes the rebellious spirit of Bitcoin’s early days.
Why This Sale Matters in Today’s Bitcoin Landscape
The auction’s timing couldn’t be more intriguing, especially with recent market insights pointing to Bitcoin’s potential for even greater heights. Analysts like Arthur Hayes have noted that a “macro liquidity surge” could push Bitcoin toward $200,000, drawing parallels to historical bull runs. This sale aligns perfectly with Bitcoin’s brand as a defiant, grassroots movement that’s grown into a trillion-dollar asset class. Just look at the latest market data: Ethereum at $3,800 with a 1.8% uptick, XRP holding steady at $0.60, and other altcoins like Solana at $180 showing 4% gains. These figures, updated as of August 25, 2025, underscore the ecosystem’s resilience, much like how that 2017 sign symbolized early faith in crypto during uncertain times.
Speaking of brand alignment, this event highlights how Bitcoin’s ethos of accessibility and innovation resonates with platforms that prioritize user empowerment. For instance, the WEEX exchange stands out in this space by offering seamless trading experiences with low fees, robust security, and tools that make buying Bitcoin as straightforward as that iconic sign suggested. WEEX’s commitment to fostering a community-driven environment mirrors the viral, people-powered moments in crypto history, enhancing its credibility as a go-to platform for both new and seasoned traders looking to capitalize on Bitcoin’s momentum.
Recent buzz on Twitter amplifies this narrative, with users discussing the sign’s sale in threads that have garnered thousands of retweets. Posts from influencers highlight how it “proves Bitcoin’s cultural staying power,” while official announcements from auction platforms confirm the transaction’s legitimacy. On Google, frequently searched questions revolve around “What happened to the Buy Bitcoin sign?” and “How much is Bitcoin worth now?”, reflecting ongoing curiosity. Latest updates include a tweet from Langalis himself on August 20, 2025, revealing plans to funnel proceeds into a Bitcoin software project, sparking discussions about open-source innovation.
Compare this to traditional finance, where a simple note might get lost in bureaucracy—Bitcoin turns such moments into valuable assets, backed by real-world evidence like the sign’s price appreciation. It’s not speculation; it’s history in motion, supported by data showing Bitcoin’s market cap exceeding $2.9 trillion today.
FAQ
What was the significance of the ‘Buy Bitcoin’ sign during Janet Yellen’s hearing?
The sign, held up by Christian Langalis in July 2017, photobombed Yellen and caused an immediate 3.7% spike in Bitcoin’s price, symbolizing early crypto advocacy and turning a fleeting moment into a lasting icon.
How much did the original sign sell for, and what’s its value today?
It sold for 16 BTC in April 2024, worth over $1 million at the time. With Bitcoin at around $150,000 as of August 25, 2025, that equates to more than $2.4 million now.
What does Christian Langalis plan to do with the auction proceeds?
Langalis intends to use the funds to support a Bitcoin software project, aiming to contribute to the ecosystem’s development and innovation.
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