Christian Langalis, famously known as the "Bitcoin Sign Guy," is auctioning the historic "Buy Bitcoin" sign he held behind Janet Yellen during her 2017 Congressional testimony. The proceeds will support his Bitcoin/Lightning/Urbit startup, Tirrel Corp.
The Viral Moment That Became Bitcoin History
In July 2017, Langalis photo-bombed then-Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen with a hand-drawn "Buy Bitcoin" sign during live televised testimony. The image became a viral meme, symbolizing grassroots crypto advocacy.
Key details about the sign:
- Origin: Drawn on a yellow legal pad with a Uniball Vision pen
- Bitcoin Price at Time: ~$2,400 (vs. ~$70,000 in 2024)
- Current Status: Replica displayed at NYC’s Bitcoin bar PubKey
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Auction Details and Startup Vision
The sign will be auctioned via Scarce City (bitcoin-only payments) starting April 18. No reserve price is set, though Langalis received a prior offer of 5 BTC (~$350,000).
Funds will fuel Tirrel Corp, which develops:
- Lightning Network integration for faster Bitcoin transactions
- A wallet built on Urbit—a decentralized computing platform
- Layer-2 solutions to enhance Bitcoin scalability
Why This Matters
- Cultural Artifact: The sign represents a pivotal moment in Bitcoin’s mainstream recognition.
- Funding Innovation: Proceeds directly support Lightning Network adoption.
FAQs About the Auction
Q: How did the sign go viral?
A: Langalis was escorted out after holding the sign, but the image spread globally while his phone was dead.
Q: Where will bidding occur?
A: Online via Scarce City, with final bids accepted at PubKey on April 24.
Q: What’s special about Urbit?
A: It reimagines internet infrastructure for privacy-focused, user-owned networks.
Legacy of the Bitcoin Sign Guy
Langalis’ stunt coincided with Bitcoin’s early adoption phase. Today, as Treasury Secretary, Yellen remains skeptical of crypto, but the sign endures as a symbol of crypto’s rebellious spirit.
Key Takeaways
- The auction blends crypto history with future-tech funding.
- Physical memorabilia gains value as Bitcoin’s narrative evolves.
- Layer-2 solutions like Lightning are critical for Bitcoin’s growth.
Final Note: This event underscores how viral moments can fuel long-term innovation—proving that even a simple sign can spark a movement.