A Historic Bitcoin Moment: The $1 Million Sign from Janet Yellen's 2017 Testimony

During the heat of congressional hearings in 2017, a small but powerful symbol captured the attention of the cryptocurrency world. While Janet Yellen testified before lawmakers, a handmade “Buy Bitcoin” sign was prominently positioned in the camera’s background, becoming an unexpected piece of crypto culture history.

From Background Prop to Million-Dollar Artifact

What started as a casual activist statement during Yellen’s congressional testimony eventually became a sought-after collectible. The sign later appeared at auction and commanded an impressive price—fetching $1 million from an enthusiastic buyer.

Why This Sign Matters to Bitcoin Culture

This auction result reveals something fascinating about how the crypto community values cultural moments and artifacts. The sign represented a pivotal period when Bitcoin was still fighting for mainstream recognition, and Yellen—as a traditional financial authority—became an unlikely figure in that narrative. The million-dollar price tag underscores how deeply bitcoiners cherish symbols of their movement’s early days.

The Evolution of Bitcoin Memorabilia

The sale demonstrates that Bitcoin culture has matured beyond just price charts and technical discussions. Collectors now view significant moments—especially those involving prominent financial figures like Janet Yellen—as pieces of modern history worth preserving. Whether seen as investment, activism, or cultural commentary, this sign embodies the spirit of a community that has only grown stronger since that 2017 congressional moment.