Crypto enthusiasts and Bitcoin aficionados were left in awe as an intriguing revelation took the Twitterverse by storm on May 14. It appears that the world’s first real-world purchase made using Bitcoin may not have been the iconic Bitcoin Pizza, but rather a JPEG. Yes, you read that right — a digital image.

The bombshell was dropped by none other than Udi Wertheimer, an independent developer and prominent Bitcoin advocate. In a tweet that quickly gained traction, Wertheimer shared a screenshot that could potentially rewrite Bitcoin’s history books and add a new chapter to its early adoption narrative.

The screenshot, dated January 24, 2010, emerged as a time capsule from the early days of Bitcoin, a full four months before the famous Bitcoin Pizza Day. This historic event, which occurred on May 22, 2010, involved Laszlo Hanyecz, a Bitcoin developer, who famously paid 10,000 Bitcoin for two pizzas, forever cementing the phrase “Bitcoin Pizza” into the crypto lexicon.

However, the newly surfaced screenshot suggests that there might have been an earlier attempt at a real-world Bitcoin transaction. The user in question, going by the name Sabunir, boldly offered a JPEG image for sale on the renowned Bitcoin forum Bitcointalk. The asking price? A mere 500 Bitcoin, which, at the time, was worth roughly $1.

The implications of this discovery are nothing short of mind-boggling. If the transaction had been successful, it would have predated Bitcoin Pizza Day, making it the true primordial non-fungible token (NFT) exchange, long before the concept of NFTs gained mainstream attention.

As the screenshot circulated among the crypto community, debates erupted over the significance of this potential early Bitcoin purchase. Some hailed it as a groundbreaking moment that showcased Bitcoin’s utility beyond mere monetary transactions. Others approached it with skepticism, questioning the intentions and legitimacy of the user Sabunir and the authenticity of the screenshot itself.

Regardless of the outcome, the revelation sparked a wave of nostalgia and reflection on Bitcoin’s humble beginnings. It served as a reminder of the experimental and pioneering spirit that drove early adopters to explore the possibilities of this revolutionary digital currency.

While the true nature and fate of the attempted JPEG sale remain uncertain, it symbolizes the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies. From a simple digital image to multimillion-dollar digital artworks, the concept of ownership and value in the digital realm continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms.

As the crypto community continues to unravel the mysteries of Bitcoin’s early history, one thing is certain — the quest for uncovering the origins of this groundbreaking technology will always be filled with surprises and unexpected twists.