The handwritten “Buy Bitcoin” sign that briefly appeared behind former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen during a 2017 Congressional hearing has become one of the most iconic artifacts in cryptocurrency history—and now, a million-dollar collectible. What began as a spontaneous act by a young intern has evolved into a powerful symbol of the digital asset revolution.
The Viral Moment That Sparked a Movement
In 2017, Bitcoin was still largely misunderstood by mainstream institutions. Amid growing public interest, then-Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testified before Congress about financial regulation and emerging technologies. Unbeknownst to her, a 22-year-old intern named Christian Langalis was about to make crypto history.
Langalis, seizing a moment of visibility during the live broadcast, held up a simple legal pad with the bold message: "Buy Bitcoin." Security quickly escorted him out, but the image had already gone viral. Captured in real-time by millions watching online, the sign became an instant meme—and eventually, a cultural touchstone for early crypto adopters.
“It was impulsive,” Langalis later said. “But I believed in Bitcoin’s potential.”
That belief paid off in more ways than one.
From Meme to Million-Dollar Masterpiece
Fast forward to 2024, and that same piece of paper sold at auction for $1.027 million—equivalent to 16 Bitcoin at the time of bidding. According to Bloomberg, the winning bid came from an anonymous buyer, underscoring the mystique and value now attached to early crypto memorabilia.
A brief technical glitch momentarily showed a much higher bid, causing a stir in online crypto circles, but the final sale settled just over the seven-figure mark. The price isn’t just about nostalgia—it reflects the meteoric rise of Bitcoin itself.
In 2017, Bitcoin traded around $2,300**. By early 2025, it reached an all-time high near **$74,000, fueled by institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and growing recognition as a legitimate asset class. Firms like Fidelity and BlackRock have since launched Bitcoin ETFs, bringing crypto into traditional investment portfolios.
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This surge has elevated the significance of historical moments in crypto’s timeline. Items like Langalis’s sign aren’t just curiosities—they’re relics of a financial transformation.
Why Digital Artifacts Are Gaining Value
The sale highlights a broader trend: the increasing cultural and monetary value of digital-era artifacts. Just as vintage concert posters or sports memorabilia appreciate over time, so too do symbolic items from the internet age.
Consider these factors driving demand:
- Scarcity: There’s only one original “Buy Bitcoin” sign.
- Provenance: Its appearance during a U.S. Congressional hearing gives it undeniable authenticity.
- Cultural Impact: It encapsulates the grassroots energy of the crypto movement.
Even non-traditional assets are seeing similar interest. This week, another internet sensation—a meme depicting a man yelling into a woman’s ear while looking at someone else—was listed for auction. The current top bid? 15 Ethereum.
While seemingly absurd, this reflects a real shift: digital culture is now a viable marketplace. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have proven that ownership of digital content can be verified, traded, and valued—whether it's art, videos, or viral images.
The Growing Legitimacy of Cryptocurrency
Langalis’s story is more than a rags-to-riches tale—it’s a case study in how quickly perceptions can change. In 2017, holding up a “Buy Bitcoin” sign in a government hearing was seen as rebellious, even comical. Today, governments worldwide are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and major financial institutions manage billions in crypto assets.
Bitcoin is no longer fringe. It’s part of retirement plans, hedge fund strategies, and national treasuries. Countries like El Salvador have adopted it as legal tender, while corporations hold it on balance sheets.
This legitimacy has created new opportunities—not just for investors, but for innovators, creators, and even interns with bold ideas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the intern who held up the 'Buy Bitcoin' sign?
A: Christian Langalis, who was 22 at the time and interning with a financial policy organization during the 2017 Congressional hearing.
Q: How much did the sign sell for?
A: It sold for $1.027 million, paid in 16 Bitcoin.
Q: Was the auction bid anonymous?
A: Yes, the winning bidder chose to remain anonymous.
Q: Why is the sign so valuable?
A: Its value comes from its historical significance, viral fame, and representation of early crypto advocacy during a pivotal moment in financial regulation.
Q: Could something like this happen again?
A: While unlikely in such a dramatic way, symbolic moments in tech and finance often gain retrospective value—especially as blockchain enables verifiable ownership of digital history.
Q: Is there any connection between this sale and NFTs?
A: Not directly, but it parallels the NFT concept—proving that digital or digitally significant physical items can carry substantial cultural and economic worth.
The Future of Digital Ownership
As seen with both the “Buy Bitcoin” sign and viral meme auctions, we’re entering an era where digital provenance matters. Blockchain technology allows us to authenticate, preserve, and trade moments that once would have faded into internet obscurity.
Events like Benzinga’s upcoming Future of Digital Assets conference aim to explore these shifts further—bringing together investors, technologists, and regulators to discuss what comes next.
From grassroots activism to institutional integration, cryptocurrency continues to evolve. And sometimes, as Langalis proved, all it takes is one bold moment—and one simple sign—to become part of history.
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Core Keywords: Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, digital assets, blockchain, Ethereum, NFTs, crypto investment, digital ownership