‘Bitcoin Sign Guy’ Is Auctioning His Bitcoin Sign

Christian Langalis, known for crashing Janet Yellen’s photo during her Congressional hearing in 2017 with a “Buy Bitcoin” sign, is now selling this iconic prop at auction.

Flashback | Most Influential in Blockchain 2017 #1: Bitcoin Sign Guy

On a yellow legal pad with a fine-point pen, Langalis drew a sign to be posted on Scarce City, the online platform, on Thursday. This marketplace specializes in buying and selling both physical and digital collectibles, and exclusively accepts payments in the form of bitcoin.

In an interview with CoinDesk, Langalis revealed his plan to utilize the earnings to support his developing business, Tirrel Corp. This budding startup is working on creating a Bitcoin Lightning network implementation and digital wallet, all running on Urbit – an open-source software initiative aimed at fundamentally revamping the internet computing infrastructure from its roots.

Flashback to 2022: Urbit Is Web3, Weird and Wonderful and I Don’t Care Who Made It

Langalis was asked about the value he thought his memento, acquired when bitcoin cost around $2,400, might be worth today. He responded by expressing that he tries not to consider such thoughts. Yet, in recent times, a private buyer proposed purchasing the memorabilia for five Bitcoins, which amounted to approximately $350,000 based on current prices. There is no minimum bid or reserve price set.

The bidding process for the sign will start on April 18 and last for a week in Scarce City. However, the final bids must be submitted in person on April 24 at PubKey, a New York bar themed around bitcoin. Langalis explained that this is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.

Read more: How PubKey Revived Bitcoin Culture in New York City

During a US House Financial Services hearing, Langalis, an unsupportive figure regarding cryptocurrency with Yellen in the chair (now U.S. Treasury Secretary), attracted global focus by appearing behind her. His daring act led to his removal from the room for breaking committee rules. Unaware of this, the captivating image spread rapidly on social media platforms.

He admitted being completely confused, adding that his phone had died upon arriving at the hearing location very early.