Bitcoin traded at $79,666 on February 28, 2025, below $80,000 for the first time since November 11, according to Reuters reporting republished by ThePrint. The nearly $1 trillion in crypto-market value that had disappeared was a cumulative decline since December—not a one-day loss.
What happened on February 28, 2025?
Bitcoin fell below the closely watched $80,000 threshold during a wider crypto-market sell-off. Reuters reported a price of $79,666 that day, the first time Bitcoin had traded below $80,000 since November 11. Prices vary by exchange and observation time, and the report does not establish an exact intraday timestamp for that figure.
The headline’s $1 trillion figure describes the broader retreat. Reuters, citing CoinMarketCap, reported that nearly $1 trillion in nominal value had been erased from global crypto markets since December, with total market capitalization around $2.76 trillion at the time of its February 28 report. It should not be read as the amount lost that day alone.
What was linked to the sell-off?
Contemporaneous coverage connected the decline to a mix of uncertainty and weakening confidence, rather than establishing a single cause.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- BITCOIN EXCLUSIVE, PHONE VERIFICATION: Bitkey is designed from the ground up exclusively for bitcoin — a dedicated hardware wallet for secure bitcoin storage. Approve transactions with a tap using your phone and NFC. No device screen is required.
- SELF-CUSTODY, NO EXCHANGE OR CUSTODIAN REQUIRED: You hold two of the three keys in the Bitkey system – one on your phone and one on your Bitkey device. The third is stored on Bitkey’s server and cannot move your bitcoin on its own.
- NO SEED PHRASE: Set up and use Bitkey without creating or storing a seed phrase.
- 2-of-3 MULTISIG: Three keys are stored separately across your phone, Bitkey device, and Bitkey’s server. Any two keys are required to move your bitcoin.
- BUILT-IN RECOVERY: Encrypted backup and recovery tools can help you regain access if you lose your phone or Bitkey device. You can also designate a Recovery Contact.
- U.S. policy uncertainty: Reuters cited uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff plans and crypto policy as part of the market backdrop.
- Broader risk appetite: The reporting placed crypto weakness alongside concern about confidence in financial markets. These conditions offer context, not proof that any one development drove Bitcoin’s price.
- Crypto-specific confidence: The recent Bybit hack, reported at $1.5 billion, was cited as another factor weighing on sentiment.
In the Reuters report republished by ThePrint, Joshua Chu, Co-Chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association, said: “Bitcoin’s fall below $80k shows that positive sentiments from a crypto-friendly administration and high-profile endorsements have run their course.” That was one market participant’s interpretation, not a demonstrated explanation for the move.
What did later reporting say about the February decline?
CoinGecko’s Q1 2025 crypto report associated a February 28 spike in trading volume with broad market selling and growing concerns about U.S. tariffs. That retrospective account supports the view that the price drop formed part of a wider bout of selling; it does not isolate a definitive cause.
Rank #2
- Unparalleled Security: Protect your assets NDA-free EAL 6+ Secure Element, offering robust defense and complete transparency
- Simple & Secure Interface: Manage your digital assets easily with a clear OLED screen for secure on-device confirmations
- Supports 1000s of Coins & Tokens: Securely handle thousands of assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more, all in one wallet
- Effortless Asset Management: Monitor and transact seamlessly with Trezor Suite, our intuitive desktop and mobile app
- Enhanced Backup Solution: Rest assured with Multi-share Backup, eliminating single points of failure for secure cold wallet recovery
Bitcoin ended the first quarter of 2025 at $82,514, down 11.8% for the quarter, according to CoinGecko. The quarter-end figure puts the February 28 break below $80,000 in perspective: it was a sharp episode in a volatile quarter, not the quarter’s closing price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this episode answer whether to “buy the dip”?
No. A historical price threshold or market-wide loss does not show whether Bitcoin is undervalued, predict how deep a correction will go, or establish that a sell-off will become a market crash. The February 2025 coverage described uncertainty and competing market interpretations; it did not provide a reliable price floor or a forecast readers can treat as a result.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- Unparalleled Security: Protect your assets with EAL 6+ Secure Element, offering robust defense and complete transparency
- Simple & Secure Interface: Manage your digital assets easily with a clear OLED screen for secure on-device confirmations
- Supports 1000s of Coins & Tokens: Securely handle thousands of assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more, all in one wallet
- Effortless Asset Management: Monitor and transact seamlessly with Trezor Suite, our intuitive desktop and mobile app
- Enhanced Backup Solution: Multi-share Backup eliminates single points of failure for secure cold wallet recovery
For personal-finance decisions, separate the historical news from your own risk capacity, time horizon, and ability to absorb losses. This episode is not a reason on its own to buy or sell cryptocurrency.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Effortlessly build your crypto portfolio via the all in one Ledger Wallet app: buy, sell, send, receive, swap, stake and more across popular blockchains. 15,000+ coins & tokens in a single dashboard. Keep a close eye on the market. Compare service providers. Track performance. Get timely alerts. Build your portfolio with confidence.
- Effortlessly build your crypto portfolio via the all in one Ledger Wallet app: buy, sell, send, receive, swap, stake and more across popular blockchains. 15,000+ coins & tokens in a single dashboard. Keep a close eye on the market. Compare service providers. Track performance. Get timely alerts. Build your portfolio with confidence.
- Enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, iOS access, and hours of battery use with this mobile-first, secure backup signer. Freedom you can depend on.
- Genuine Check: confirm your signer is authentic during setup with the Ledger Wallet app.
- Protect your signer: keep it in mint condition at all times with a bespoke Pod or Case to avoid scratches and everyday wear and tear.
Rank #4
- Dual-chip architecture for maximum protection: The next-gen, fully auditable TROPIC01 chip works alongside a certified EAL6+ Secure Element—completely NDA-free—to deliver radically transparent, industry-leading defense against physical attacks.
- Quantum-ready security: Get protection against future threats with the first-ever hardware wallet designed with quantum-ready architecture.
- See every detail with confidence: Our largest high-resolution color touchscreen makes it easy to navigate your assets, review transactions and manage your coins with clarity.
- Wireless freedom with encrypted Bluetooth control: Manage, buy, swap and stake securely using Trezor Suite on desktop or mobile. Qi2-compatible wireless charging keeps your Trezor powered up. No cables required—security meets convenience.
- Works seamlessly with Android, iOS and desktop: Connect wirelessly or via USB-C to your phone or computer. Manage your crypto anywhere with our companion Trezor Suite app.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
