The Great Bitcoin JPEG Debate: Did Satoshi Sell Art First or Just Bless a Donation?

The Twitter Firestorm

On May 14, 2023, the crypto world erupted as Udi Wertheimer dropped a bombshell on Twitter, sparking a heated debate about the world’s very first Bitcoin purchase. Was it a pizza or—a JPG? Fans of Bitcoin gathered in a delicious digital fervor as Wertheimer revealed that a certain transaction took place in February 2010, predating the legendary Bitcoin Pizza Day.

Unearthing History

The grilled cheese of speculation was served up when Wertheimer shared a screenshot that showed a user by the name of Sabunir trying to sell a JPEG for a staggering 500 BTC. Let’s put this in perspective: back in January 2010, that much Bitcoin was worth roughly $1. Just imagine telling your future self that you could buy a JPG for the price of your morning coffee!

A Satoshi Sightiing

If that’s not enough to gas up the conversation, it turns out that even the mythical figure Satoshi Nakamoto had a hand in this JPEG saga, attempting to facilitate the sale. Because who wouldn’t want to be involved in the first-ever BTC art transaction, even if it wasn’t quite as lucrative as it sounds? Grab your magnifying glass, because we’re diving deep into some detective work here!

Is This a Sale or a Donation?

Not so fast! Just when the JPEG was about to claim the crown, doubts started pouring in. Professional poker player Mike McDonald tossed in his two bits, indicating that what appeared to be a big-ticket sale might actually have been a donation. Yep, you heard that right—500 BTC sent as a heartwarming gesture rather than a wallet-emptying transaction.

The Need for Clarity

In a twist of irony worthy of a Shakespearean play, Wertheimer himself backtracked, suggesting that perhaps those 500 BTC were indeed intended for something completely different. Without a clear confirmation from Sabunir, the true nature of that transaction is shrouded in mystery. Was it art or altruism? Is it a galactic gift or just a friendly neighbor helping out?

The Ordinals Phenomenon

This controversy comes amidst a broader discussion about Bitcoin Ordinals, which have exploded in popularity. With over 6.1 million images and videos minted using this new protocol, the movement is gathering steam. Wertheimer, a fervent supporter of Bitcoin NFTs, invites fresh creatives to embrace the Ordinals revolution, shaking up the Bitcoin landscape like never before.