Tether unveils disappearing Bitcoin creator’s statue in Switzerland to honor legacy

Stablecoin issuer Tether celebrated the mystique and legacy of the crypto pioneer by unveiling a lost statue of Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto at the Plan ₿ Forum.

Tether (USDT), the firm behind the largest stablecoin by market cap, unveiled a life-size statue of Bitcoin’s anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, at the 3rd Annual Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano, Switzerland.

The event was held “in honor of the vision and legacy of Bitcoin’s anonymous creator,” the USDT issuer said in its blog announcement on October 25.

Statue of Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto in Lugano | Source: Tether

Designed by artist Valentina Picozzi, the installation plays with perception and gradually disappears as the observer’s position changes. The visual effect symbolizes Nakamoto’s withdrawal from the public eye after founding the Bitcoin network.

“Lugano is rapidly becoming a leading center for digital innovation, and this statue honors Satoshi Nakamoto but also represents the forward-thinking spirit that guides our city.”

Lugano Mayor Michele Foletti

The real identity of Satoshi Nakamoto is sought

The statement comes amid renewed speculation about Nakamoto’s identity, fueled by the HBO documentary “Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery.” Directed by Cullen Hoback, the film suggests that Bitcoin developer Peter Todd may be Nakamoto, citing his cryptographic background and early involvement in Bitcoin development.

Hoback’s documentary fueled speculation by citing an error in a 2010 forum exchange, which Hoback interpreted as evidence of Todd’s possible connection to Nakamoto. However, most of the Bitcoin community rejected these claims, and Todd emphasized that such claims could have dangerous consequences.

Despite the controversy, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the artwork is a service that “reminds us of the lasting impact of Satoshi’s vision, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and financial freedom.”