A new HBO documentary, Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, has sparked fresh speculation about the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. Leonard “Len” Sassaman, a cryptography expert, has emerged as the top candidate, gaining significant attention from cryptocurrency enthusiasts and prediction markets.
A Documentary That Revives the Satoshi Nakamoto Mystery
Directed by Cullen Hoback, known for his work on investigative pieces like the QAnon documentary, Money Electric was announced on October 3. Although the trailer does not directly mention any specific individuals as potential Satoshi candidates, Sassaman has become the favorite in Polymarket, a popular cryptocurrency betting platform. As of now, 44.5% of participants believe that Sassaman could be the elusive Nakamoto.
Len Sassaman’s Cryptographic Legacy
Sassaman’s background in cryptography and privacy-focused technologies makes him a strong contender for being Satoshi. As a key figure in the cypherpunk movement, Sassaman worked alongside David Chaum, often regarded as the “godfather of crypto.” His contributions to privacy projects, particularly the Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) software, further solidify his standing in the crypto world. Intriguingly, Satoshi Nakamoto’s last known communication was in April 2011, just two months before Sassaman tragically died by suicide at age 31, adding to the speculation.
Other Candidates and Rising Memecoins
While other potential candidates—such as Hal Finney, Adam Back, Nick Szabo, and Paul Le Roux—continue to be discussed, Sassaman’s name has gained the most traction, especially since the documentary’s announcement. The renewed interest in Sassaman has even led to the creation of memecoins themed around him, including tokens inspired by his beloved cats, Sasha and ODIN.
LEN Tokens Surge Amid Documentary Buzz
Opportunistic traders have launched LEN tokens on both the Solana and Ethereum networks, seeing millions in market capitalization. One Solana-based LEN token, created over four months ago, surged last week to hit over $1.6 million in value. Similarly, meme tokens dedicated to Sassaman’s cats, known as SASHA tokens, reached a combined market cap of over $5 million across Ethereum and Solana.
The Growing Influence of Crypto Speculation
Crypto enthusiasts have even reached out to Sassaman’s widow, Meredith L. Patterson, inquiring about these tokens. In response, she provided a Solana address for donations. Memecoins, often born from internet culture, thrive on community engagement, humor, and speculation. Many investors view these tokens as underpriced opportunities, anticipating potential revelations in the documentary that could increase their value.
