Bitcoin (BTC) will yield even more scarce new coins in just a few months, as the block reward halves in early 2020. But even now, there are signs of demand for unused, unmoved coins.
Exchanges now have the possibility to link a real identity to Bitcoin addresses. Blockchain exploration services work to find obscure connections between wallets. All of this makes every Bitcoin payment fraught with the risk of being connected to shady activity.
For that reason, there are speculations that various investors may be paying a premium for newly mined coins, originating from the wallets of miners. The demand for untainted coins could, hypothetically, create a black market for brand-new BTC, commented Reddit posters.
“The only way to own Bitcoin outside of this surveillance system would be to buy it directly from the source - miners. ...