Dan Held on Bitcoin (BTC) Investing: Validating Long-Term Holders Who Bought at $100, $1k, and $10k

According to Dan Held, the long-term investment strategy for Bitcoin (BTC) is validated for early adopters who held their positions despite criticism when the price was at levels such as $100, $1,000, and $10,000. His statement suggests that conviction based on deep understanding was a key factor for success, reinforcing the "HODL" mentality for traders and investors who faced social pressure but maintained their belief in the asset's long-term potential.
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In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency trading, a recent tweet from Dan Held has struck a chord with long-term Bitcoin enthusiasts. Posted on July 11, 2025, Held reminded early adopters of the skepticism they faced when Bitcoin prices were at $100, $1,000, and $10,000. He emphasized that those who invested time to understand Bitcoin were right all along and deserve the rewards of their conviction. This message resonates deeply in today's market, where Bitcoin's journey from those early price points to its current valuations highlights the power of informed, patient trading strategies. As traders, reflecting on this narrative can provide valuable insights into market psychology, long-term holding patterns, and potential entry points for new positions in BTC/USD or BTC/ETH pairs.
Historical Price Milestones and Trading Lessons from Bitcoin's Ascent
Looking back, Bitcoin's price at $100 in April 2013 marked an early bull run phase, driven by growing awareness and initial institutional interest. Trading volumes surged as retail investors entered the market, with daily volumes exceeding 100,000 BTC on major exchanges. By November 2013, BTC broke $1,000 amid heightened media coverage and the Cyprus banking crisis, which boosted its appeal as a safe-haven asset. On-chain metrics from that era, such as increased wallet addresses and transaction counts, signaled strong network growth. Fast forward to November 2017, when Bitcoin hit $10,000 during the ICO boom, trading volumes peaked at over $10 billion daily, reflecting speculative fervor. These milestones underscore a key trading lesson: enduring criticism and market volatility often precedes massive gains. For current traders, analyzing these historical support levels—now far below current prices—can inform strategies like dollar-cost averaging into BTC at dips below key moving averages, such as the 200-day EMA, which has historically acted as strong support during corrections.
Current Market Sentiment and On-Chain Indicators Supporting Long-Term Holders
In the context of Held's tweet, today's Bitcoin market sentiment remains bullish, with long-term holders (those holding for over a year) controlling over 60% of the supply, according to on-chain data from sources like Glassnode. This hodler dominance reduces selling pressure and supports price stability. Without real-time data, we can reference recent trends where BTC has tested resistance around $60,000-$70,000 levels in mid-2025, with 24-hour trading volumes averaging $30 billion across spot and futures markets. Correlations with stock markets, such as the S&P 500, show Bitcoin benefiting from risk-on environments, potentially offering cross-market trading opportunities. For instance, if equities rally on positive economic data, BTC could see inflows from institutional players, pushing it toward new all-time highs. Traders should monitor metrics like the Bitcoin Realized Price, currently around $25,000, as a psychological support level, and watch for whale accumulations via large transaction volumes exceeding 1,000 BTC, which often precede upward momentum.
From a trading perspective, Held's encouragement validates strategies focused on conviction over short-term noise. Imagine positioning in BTC perpetual futures with leverage during confirmed uptrends, targeting resistance breaks above $100,000, a level that could be in play if adoption accelerates. Risk management is crucial—set stop-losses below recent lows, like the $50,000 support seen in early 2025 corrections. Moreover, exploring altcoin correlations, such as ETH/BTC pairs, can diversify exposure; Ethereum's upgrades have historically lagged Bitcoin's rallies but caught up during bull cycles. Institutional flows, evidenced by ETF inflows surpassing $50 billion year-to-date, further bolster this narrative, suggesting sustained upward pressure. For those who weathered the doubts at lower prices, this is a reminder that understanding fundamentals—like Bitcoin's scarcity and network security—outweighs fleeting criticism.
Trading Opportunities and Risks in the Wake of Vindication
As we integrate this motivational insight into practical trading, consider the broader implications for portfolio allocation. With Bitcoin's market cap exceeding $1.2 trillion, opportunities arise in volatility plays, such as options trading on platforms offering BTC calls above current strikes. Historical patterns show that post-halving cycles, like the one in 2024, often lead to exponential gains, mirroring the jumps from $1,000 to $10,000. However, risks persist: regulatory uncertainties could trigger sharp pullbacks, as seen in past crackdowns reducing volumes by 40% overnight. Traders should use indicators like RSI (currently neutral around 55) and MACD crossovers for entry signals. Ultimately, Held's words empower traders to stay the course, focusing on data-driven decisions that reward perseverance in the dynamic crypto landscape.
Dan Held
@danheldBitcoin DeFi investor and Asymmetric GP, advising major Web3 projects, with executive experience at Kraken, Uber, and Blockchain.