In a landmark moment for Bitcoin memorabilia, Christian Langalis, famously known as the "Bitcoin Sign Guy," is auctioning the original sign he held behind former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen during a 2017 congressional hearing. The iconic yellow legal pad, inscribed with "Buy Bitcoin," became a viral sensation and a symbol of early crypto advocacy. Proceeds from the auction will support Langalis' startup, Tirrel Corp, which focuses on Bitcoin Lightning Network development.
The Story Behind the Viral Bitcoin Sign
Christian Langalis unexpectedly entered the spotlight in July 2017 when he photobombed a live broadcast of Janet Yellen’s testimony before the House Financial Services Committee. His handwritten sign, created with a Uniball Vision pen on a lined yellow legal pad, urged viewers to "Buy Bitcoin." At the time, Bitcoin was trading around $2,400—a fraction of its current value.
The image spread rapidly across social media, drawing international attention to Bitcoin. Langalis was escorted out of the hearing for violating committee rules, unaware that his stunt had already gone viral. "I was clueless," he recalled. "My phone was dead since I arrived so early."
Auction Details and Platform
The historic sign will be listed on Scarce City, an online marketplace specializing in physical and digital collectibles. The platform accepts payments exclusively in Bitcoin. Bidding begins on April 18 and will run for one week, with final bids accepted in person on April 24 at PubKey, a Bitcoin-themed bar in New York City. A replica of the sign currently hangs on the wall at PubKey.
Langalis revealed that he recently received a private offer of five BTC (approximately $350,000) for the sign. The auction will have no reserve price, meaning there is no minimum bid required.
Funding a Bitcoin and Lightning Startup
Langalis intends to use the auction proceeds to fund Tirrel Corp, his pre-seed-stage startup. The company is developing a Bitcoin Lightning Network implementation and wallet on Urbit, an open-source software project aimed rearchitecting internet computing. The Lightning Network is a layer-2 solution designed to enable faster and cheaper Bitcoin transactions.
👉 Explore advanced Bitcoin tools
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The "Bitcoin Sign Guy" moment remains one of the most memorable instances of crypto advocacy in mainstream media. Janet Yellen, now U.S. Treasury Secretary, has maintained a cautious stance toward cryptocurrency, but the incident underscored the growing public interest in digital assets.
This auction not only represents a sale of a physical artifact but also celebrates a key chapter in Bitcoin’s history. For enthusiasts and collectors, it offers a tangible connection to the movement’s grassroots origins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bitcoin Sign Guy auctioning?
Christian Langalis is auctioning the original "Buy Bitcoin" sign he held during Janet Yellen’s 2017 congressional testimony. The sign is handwritten on a yellow legal pad.
How can I participate in the auction?
Bidding starts on April 18 on Scarce City, a collectibles marketplace that accepts Bitcoin payments. In-person final bids will be taken on April 24 at PubKey in New York City.
What will the proceeds be used for?
Langalis is funding Tirrel Corp, his startup focused on developing a Bitcoin Lightning Network wallet and implementation on the Urbit platform.
Why is this sign significant?
The sign became a viral meme that drew global attention to Bitcoin during its early stages. It symbolizes a pivotal moment in crypto culture and advocacy.
Is there a minimum bid for the auction?
No, the auction has no reserve price, meaning there is no minimum bid requirement.
What was Bitcoin’s price when the sign was created?
Bitcoin was trading around $2,400 when Langalis displayed the sign during Yellen’s testimony in July 2017.