Coinex has initiated an auction for the prized 'epic satoshi' originating from the fourth halving, initially mined by Viabtc mining pool. This extraordinary event, commemorating Sat # 1,968,750,000,000,000, began with an opening bid of 1 bitcoin. Following ten subsequent bids, the highest offer has surged to 2 bitcoins ($132,298). The significant interest in this unique satoshi is directly linked to its association with block 840,000.

The Commencement of a Collectible Bitcoin Satoshi Auction

Recently, Bitcoin.com News highlighted Viabtc's segregation of the block reward from the halving into a specialized P2SH address. Concurrently, Coinex, an affiliate of Viabtc Group, announced that the 'epic satoshi' from the halving block would be available for bidding on their cryptocurrency exchange, commencing at 1 BTC. Collectors have bestowed numismatic significance upon certain minuscule BTC units due to their historical importance over the past year. The inaugural satoshi from a halving block, referred to as an 'epic satoshi' or 'epic sat,' is exceptionally rare, with only four known to exist worldwide.

At 9:40 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, the auction has witnessed ten bids, with bids reaching up to 2 BTC thus far.

As of 9:40 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Sat # 1,968,750,000,000,000 from the fourth halving block has attracted ten bids in its ongoing auction. Presently, the leading bid stands at 2 BTC, equivalent to $132,298, with slightly over two days remaining for prospective bidders to participate. "The public exhibits a keen interest in acquiring valuable items. Given that satoshis possess unique identifiers, they inherently hold higher collectible value," elucidates Coinex on the auction platform.

The exchange further stated:
As various events unfold within the Bitcoin network, some more infrequently than others, scarcity is naturally heightened.

Interestingly, no other 'epic satoshis' from prior halvings have been presented for auction, and their current whereabouts remain undisclosed. Notably, Slushpool, now operating as Braiins Pool, unearthed block 210,000 in 2012. Additionally, F2pool discovered block 420,000 in 2016, and Antpool located block 630,000 in May 2020. During those periods, the notion of 'rare satoshis' had not yet emerged. Nonetheless, enthusiasts have assigned numismatic value to certain bitcoins since the inception of the network.