Do you have a backup of Bitcoin Wallet from years ago that used to have an impressive balance? During the height of Bitcoin forks, numerous new coins emerged, often capturing the attention of investors and enthusiasts alike. Your private keys, once the gateway to an impressive balance, may still hold the potential for significant value in these forked coins, which could be worth thousands today.

How Many Bitcoin Forks Are There?

There are numerous Bitcoin forks that have been created over the years, but only a handful have market viability at the moment. While the exact number of forks can vary, many of them are not actively traded or have little to no market presence. The most notable forks with market viability include Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin SV (BSV), and a few others. However, the majority of forks do not maintain significant value or user adoption.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to exchange Bitcoin forks and extract valuable altcoins from your vintage wallets. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a newcomer looking to tap into the hidden potential of your past investments, we’ll provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the process effectively.

Note: We will only be listing hard-forks with active trading volumes as there are too many dead forks to count.

Table of Contents

• Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• eCash (XEC)
• Bitcoin SV
• Bitcoin Gold
• Bitcoin Diamond
• Bitcoin 2 (BTC 2.0)
• ClamCoin (CLAMS)
• Bitcoin File (BiFi)
• Bitcoin Atom
• Super Bitcoin (SBTC)
• Bitcoin God
• Bitcore (BTX)
• BitcoinX
• Lightning Bitcoin (LBTC)
• United Bitcoin (UBTC)
• Bitcoin Private (BTCP)
• Bitcoin Plus (XBC)
• How to Claim Your Bitcoin Forks
  • Bitcoin Fork Claimer Python Script
  • Unstoppable Wallet
  • Coinomi Wallet
  • Electron Cash
  • Electrum ABC
  • Stack Wallet
  • Cashtab
  • Exodus Wallet

Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

It is recommended to start your fork claiming from BCH as it is the most notable one with sustained liquidity on the market. It is easy to claim with Electron Cash or Coinomi Wallet.

Bitcoin Cash was forked at block 478558 on the 1st of August, 2017, with a 1:1 ratio from Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency. This split was primarily driven by a disagreement within the Bitcoin community regarding the scalability of the network and the best approach to handle increasing transaction volumes.

Bitcoin Cash aimed to address these concerns by increasing the block size limit from 1 MB to 8 MB initially, allowing for more transactions to be processed in each block. This change was intended to reduce transaction fees and confirmation times, making it more practical for everyday transactions and enhancing its utility as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.

The creation of Bitcoin Cash was supported by a group of developers and miners who believed that larger block sizes would lead to a more efficient and user-friendly cryptocurrency. Since its inception, Bitcoin Cash has continued to evolve, with subsequent upgrades further increasing the block size and introducing new features to improve transaction processing and user experience.

Bitcoin Cash operates on a decentralized network, similar to Bitcoin, and utilizes a proof-of-work consensus mechanism to secure transactions. It has its own community, development team, and ecosystem of wallets and exchanges, distinguishing it from Bitcoin while still sharing a common heritage. Over the years, Bitcoin Cash has faced its own challenges and controversies, including further forks that led to the creation of Bitcoin SV (Satoshi Vision) in November 2018, but it remains a significant player in the cryptocurrency landscape, advocating for its vision of being a scalable and efficient digital cash alternative.

Exchange Bitcoin Cash

eCash (XEC)

Once you have your Bicoin Cash claimed and you know your private & public keys, you should check to see if you have a XEC balance through the CoinEx Explorer. Once again, import your private keys into a supported XEC client, like Electrum ABC.

eCash (XEC) is a digital cash network that operates on its own blockchain, developed by the team behind Bitcoin ABC, who also created Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Launched on November 15, 2020, eCash aims to improve upon earlier cryptocurrencies by combining two innovative technologies: the traditional proof-of-work (PoW) system and a new feature called the Avalanche consensus.

When eCash was created, it was a fork of Bitcoin Cash, meaning that for every BCH held, owners received 1,000,000 eCash tokens. This large distribution was designed to encourage adoption and use of the new currency.

What sets eCash apart is its unique approach to security and transaction validation. While it primarily uses the proof-of-work method, which involves miners solving complex problems to validate transactions, it also incorporates the Avalanche protocol. This additional layer uses a system called stake-proofs, which helps protect the network from potential attacks, specifically the risk of a single entity gaining too much control (known as a 51% attack). However, unlike traditional proof-of-stake systems, this feature does not generate new blocks or validate transactions directly; instead, it enhances the overall security of the network.

Bitcoin SV (BSV)

Bitcoin SV (Satoshi Vision) was forked from block 478558 on August 1, 2017, at a 1:1 ratio from Bitcoin Cash, which itself was a fork of Bitcoin. The creation of Bitcoin SV was driven by a faction within the Bitcoin Cash community that sought to restore what they believed to be the original vision of Bitcoin as outlined by its pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

The primary goal of Bitcoin SV is to provide a scalable and stable blockchain that can handle a high volume of transactions, making it suitable for enterprise-level applications and large-scale use. To achieve this, Bitcoin SV initially increased the block size limit significantly, allowing for blocks of up to 128 MB and later proposing even larger sizes. This approach aims to reduce transaction fees and improve processing times, positioning Bitcoin SV as a viable option for everyday transactions and a platform for decentralized applications.

Bitcoin SV emphasizes a commitment to the original Bitcoin protocol and seeks to maintain a stable and predictable development process. The project is supported by a dedicated community of developers and advocates who believe in the importance of adhering to Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision of a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.

Exchange Bitcoin SV:

• Poloniex
• UpBit
• OKX
• Gate.io
• HTX
• Bithumb
• MEXC
• Bitget
• CoinEx
• Changelly Pro
• DigiFinex
• BingX
• ZKE

Bitcoin Gold (BTG)

Bitcoin Gold was forked at block 491407 on October 24, 2017, with a 1:1 ratio from Bitcoin. The primary motivation behind the creation of Bitcoin Gold was to make cryptocurrency mining more accessible to a broader audience by changing the proof-of-work algorithm used by Bitcoin. This fork aimed to decentralize the mining process, which had become increasingly dominated by specialized hardware known as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

By adopting the Equihash algorithm, Bitcoin Gold allows for GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) mining, enabling individuals with standard computer hardware to participate in the mining process. This shift was intended to promote a more decentralized network and reduce the concentration of mining power among a few large entities, thereby enhancing the security and resilience of the blockchain.

Exchange Bitcoin Gold:

• Bybit
• UpBit
• Bitget
• Gate.io
• Bithumb
• Coinone
• PayBito
• HitBTC
• Changelly Pro
• ProBit Global

Bitcoin Diamond (BCD)

Bitcoin Diamond was forked at block 495866 on November 24, 2017, at a 10:1 ratio from Bitcoin. This fork was initiated to address perceived limitations in Bitcoin’s scalability, transaction speed, and privacy features. The creators of Bitcoin Diamond aimed to enhance the original Bitcoin protocol by implementing several key changes designed to improve user experience and functionality.

One of the most significant modifications introduced by Bitcoin Diamond was the increase in block size, which was expanded to 8 MB. This larger block size allows for more transactions to be processed in each block, thereby reducing congestion and lowering transaction fees. Additionally, Bitcoin Diamond implemented a faster block generation time of 10 minutes, compared to Bitcoin’s 10 minutes, which further enhances transaction speed.

In terms of privacy, Bitcoin Diamond incorporated features such as the use of a new address format and the implementation of a more advanced encryption method to enhance user anonymity. This focus on privacy aims to provide users with greater control over their financial information and transactions.

Bitcoin 2 (BTC 2.0)

Bitcoin 2 should be at the lower end of the priority list to claim coins, as only the official client seems to work. Once you move your valuable coins out of your private address, you may attempt to build the official client and connect to peers to make a transaction.

Bitcoin 2 is a digital currency designed for nearly instant and private payments globally, utilizing peer-to-peer technology to operate without a central authority. Transactions and money issuance are managed collectively by the network, with Bitcoin 2 Core serving as the open-source software that facilitates its use.

Key differences between Bitcoin and Bitcoin 2 include significantly lower transaction fees and a capacity for up to 40 times more transactions per second. Bitcoin 2 features Masternodes, which enhance network speed, connectivity, and redundancy through the Swift TX feature, allowing for near-instant transaction confirmations—ideal for Point of Sale scenarios. Anyone with 1,000 BTC2 can operate a Masternode. Additionally, Bitcoin 2 employs a custom, secure Proof of Stake algorithm, greatly reducing electricity consumption compared to Bitcoin and enabling users to run the core software and create blocks using just a laptop, without the need for specialized ASIC miners.

MicroBitcoin (MBC)

Microbitcoin (MBTC) was forked at block 525000 on May 28, 2018, at a ratio of 10,000:1 from Bitcoin. The primary motivation behind the creation of Microbitcoin was to provide a more accessible and practical unit of value for everyday transactions, particularly in an era where Bitcoin’s price had risen significantly, making it less feasible for small-scale transactions.

Exchange MicroBitcoin: Exbitron

ClamCoin (CLAMS)

Clamcoin (CLAMS) was the original “airdrop” cryptocurrency and a proof-of-stake (PoS) coin that forked from Bitcoin at block 300377 on May 12, 2014. It was designed to introduce a new approach to cryptocurrency distribution and consensus mechanisms, distinguishing itself from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies of its time.

The concept of an airdrop was innovative, as it allowed for the distribution of Clamcoin to existing Bitcoin holders without requiring them to mine or purchase the new coin. This method aimed to create a more inclusive and equitable distribution of wealth within the cryptocurrency community, enabling a broader range of participants to engage with the new digital asset.

Clamcoin operates on a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, which differs from Bitcoin’s proof-of-work model. In a proof-of-stake system, validators are chosen to create new blocks and confirm transactions based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to “stake” as collateral. This approach reduces the energy consumption associated with mining and allows for faster transaction processing times.

Bitcoin File (BiFi)

The Bitcoin File (BIFI) coin is backed by the fork claimer script.

Exchange Bitcoin File: Gate.io

Bitcoin Atom

Bitcoin Atom (BCA) was forked at block 505888 on 2018 at a ration of 1:1. Bitcoin Atom (BCA) is a cryptocurrency that was created as a result of a fork from the original Bitcoin blockchain. This fork occurred at block 505888 in January 2018, and it was established at a 1:1 ratio, meaning that for every Bitcoin held, an equivalent amount of Bitcoin Atom was issued to the holders.

The primary motivation behind the creation of Bitcoin Atom was to enhance the functionality and scalability of Bitcoin. BCA aimed to address some of the limitations associated with Bitcoin, particularly in terms of transaction speed and privacy.

Bitcoin atom is yet another coin that should be forked using the Bitcoin Fork Claimer Python Script.

Super Bitcoin (SBTC)

Bitcoin God (GOD)

Bitcoin God (GOD) coin is supported by bitcoin_fork_claimer, so

Exchange Bitcoin God (GOD): Gate.io

Bitcore (BTX)

Even though it’s a token, it can be claimed using the Bitcoin Fork Claimer Python Script.

Exchange Bitcore: Pancake Swap v3

BitcoinX (BCX)

Bitcoin X (BCX) was forked at block 498888 on December 12, 2017, at a ratio of 10,000:1 from Bitcoin. The creation of Bitcoin X was driven by a desire to enhance the original Bitcoin protocol by introducing features aimed at improving transaction speed, scalability, and user experience.

BCX is one of the many forks that can be claimed using the Bitcoin Fork Claimer Python Script.

Exchange BitcoinX:

• Gate.io

Lightning Bitcoin (LBTC)

Exchange Lightning Bitcoin: MEXC

Bitcoin Private (BTCP)

Bitcoin Private (BTCP) is a cryptocurrency that was created as a result of a fork from both Bitcoin (BTC) and Zclassic (ZCL) in March 2018. The primary goal of Bitcoin Private was to combine the features of Bitcoin, such as its widespread adoption and security, with the privacy features of Zclassic, which is a fork of Zcash that allows for private transactions.

Regarding the original BTCP to BTC ratio, when Bitcoin Private was launched, holders of Bitcoin and Zclassic were able to claim Bitcoin Private at a specific ratio. The original ratio was 1 BTC to 1 BTCP for Bitcoin holders, and 1 ZCL to 1 BTCP for Zclassic holders. This means that for every Bitcoin held, a user would receive one Bitcoin Private token upon the fork.

Exchange Bitcoin Private: TradeOgre

Bitcoin Plus (XBC)

Bitcoin Plus (XBC) was created as a fork of Bitcoin (BTC), and the typical ratio for such forks can vary based on the specific implementation and decisions made by the developers. In the case of Bitcoin Plus, the initial distribution often involved a ratio where holders of Bitcoin received a certain amount of Bitcoin Plus coins.

For Bitcoin Plus, the common ratio was 1 BTC to 10 XBC. This means that for every Bitcoin held at the time of the fork, a user would receive 10 Bitcoin Plus coins. However, it’s important to note that the specifics of the distribution and the ratio can vary depending on the fork’s rules and the decisions made by the development team.

United Bitcoin (UBTC)

United Bitcoin (UBTC) was created through a hard fork of Bitcoin (BTC) on December 12, 2017. The ratio for the distribution of UBTC to Bitcoin holders at the time of the fork was set at 1:1. This means that for every 1 Bitcoin (BTC) held in a wallet at the time of the fork, the holder would receive 1 United Bitcoin (UBTC).

United Bitcoin represented an attempt to build upon the foundational principles of Bitcoin while addressing some of its limitations. By focusing on smart contracts and scalability, UBTC aims to carve out its niche in the cryptocurrency landscape. As with any investment in cryptocurrencies, it is crucial to approach with caution and perform due diligence.

This project is scantly used so you are basically on your own to tinker with the source code, or use the Bitcoin Fork Claimer to send it to any exchange or collector ready to take it off your hands.

Exchange United Bitcoin: YoBit

How to Claim & Manage Bitcoin Forks

Bitcoin Fork Claimer Python Script

To ensure security and stability, it is advisable to run this script within a Linux virtual machine or a sandboxed environment. This approach helps mitigate potential risks and protects your system from any unintended consequences.

The Bitcoin Fork Claimer program is designed to facilitate the transfer and claiming of cryptocurrencies without download their respective blockchains, specifically focusing on Bitcoin forks. Currently, it supports standard Pay-to-Public-Key-Hash (P2PKH) and Segregated Witness (Segwit) Pay-to-Script-Hash (P2SH-P2WPKH) addresses. The Segwit mode has been verified to work with a variety of coins, including Bitcoin Gold (BTG), Bitcoin Private (BTCP), and several others, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of digital assets.

Additionally, the program offers experimental support for bech32 Pay-to-Witness-Public-Key-Hash (P2WPKH) addresses. However, this feature has only been tested on a limited number of networks, including BTG and BTN, among others. Users can also utilize an old-style Pay-to-Public-Key method, which was prevalent in the early days of Bitcoin (2009-2010), by using the command line switch --p2pk, although this functionality remains untested.

The program operates in two distinct modes: blockchain.info assisted mode and standalone mode. In blockchain.info mode, it leverages the blockchain.info API to query and validate transaction information, which is particularly useful for transferring or claiming coins that existed on the Bitcoin main chain prior to any forks. Conversely, standalone mode requires users to manually input all necessary information, including the transaction source output index and the number of satoshis in the source output. While this mode does not provide verification, it allows for the transfer of coins that are entirely on-fork.

Important Note: The usage of this script carries inherent risks. Any typographical errors during operation can result in the permanent loss of all associated coins. Users are strongly advised to exercise caution and ensure accuracy when using the program.

Unstoppable Wallet

Unstoppable Wallet is a decentralized cryptocurrency management tool designed for privacy-conscious users who want to manage and invest in various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, in a secure and independent manner.

In the case of Bitcoin fork hunters, this is the only open source wallet in the F-droid repository to store your Bitcoin Cash.

Coinomi Wallet

You can easily tick off several coins on this list and exchange your forked coins for other altcoins with the (closed source) Coinomi Wallet. This includes: Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Bitcoin SV, and Bitcoin Private.

Following their official guide, you should sweep in your Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash private keys to accumulate any potential forks that their wallet currently supports.

Availability of Coinomi Wallet

Coinomi Wallet for Android

• Download Options: Users can get the latest version of Coinomi Wallet for Android for free from Google Play or download the .apk file directly from the Coinomi website.
• System Requirements: The app requires Android Marshmallow (6.0) or higher to function properly.
• Current Version: The latest version available on the website is v1.30.2, and users can verify the integrity of the file using the provided SHA256 checksum.

Coinomi Wallet for iOS

• Download Options: The Coinomi Wallet for iOS is available for free on the Apple App Store.
• System Requirements: The app requires iOS 12.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

Coinomi Wallet for Desktop

• Current Status: Coinomi is currently undergoing a major update for its Desktop application, with a new and improved version expected to be released in the coming weeks.
• Previous Versions: Users can still download earlier versions of the desktop wallet. The available downloads include:
  • v1.3.0 for Windows (.exe)
  • v1.2.4 for macOS (.dmg)
  • v1.3.0 for Linux (.tar.gz)
• Checksum Verification: Each download option includes a SHA256 checksum for users to verify the integrity of the files.

Electron Cash

Electron Cash is a lightweight wallet specifically designed for Bitcoin Cash (BCH). It operates as a Simplified Payment Verification (SPV) wallet, meaning it does not download the entire Bitcoin Cash blockchain or run a full node. Instead, it connects to remote servers to verify transactions, making it efficient and user-friendly. Electron Cash allows users to manage their BCH holdings, send and receive transactions, and claim BCH that originated from Bitcoin (BTC) holdings prior to the Bitcoin Cash fork on August 1, 2017.

If you held Bitcoin (BTC) in an Electrum wallet before the fork, you can claim an equal amount of Bitcoin Cash (BCH) using Electron Cash. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Verify Your Electrum Seed Phrase

Ensure you have your Electrum seed phrase, which is a 12-word string used to recover your wallet. To view it, go to Wallet > Seed in Electrum, enter your password, and write down the seed phrase.

Step 2: Move Your Bitcoin (BTC)

Before exposing your private keys, Electrum recommends moving your BTC to a new Electrum wallet. This creates a new seed phrase and private keys, ensuring that your BCH remains secure. Wait for the transaction to confirm.

Step 3: Export Your Private Keys

In your original Electrum wallet, navigate to Wallet > Private keys > Export. Enter your password, and select the format as CSV to export your private keys to a file. Save this file securely, as anyone with access to these keys can control your funds.

Step 4: Download and Install Electron Cash

Download Electron Cash from the official website (verify the link through BitcoinCash.org). Install it on a separate computer to enhance security. Launch the installer and follow the prompts to set up a new wallet.

1. Choose Auto connect to a server.
2. Select Standard wallet.
3. Choose Use public or private keys.
4. Open the CSV file with your private keys and copy each private key into the input field.
5. Encrypt your wallet with a password (note that this password cannot be recovered).

Step 5: Launch Electron Cash

Once the wallet is set up, Electron Cash will display your BCH balance, which should match the amount you held in BTC before the fork. Remember that Electron Cash is exclusively for BCH; do not send BTC to this wallet.

Electrum ABC

Electrum ABC is a lightweight cryptocurrency wallet specifically designed for Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and its associated tokens. It is a fork of the original Electrum wallet, which is well-known for its speed and simplicity in managing Bitcoin transactions. Electrum ABC retains many of the features that made Electrum popular while adding support for Bitcoin Cash and its unique functionalities.

Stack Wallet

Stack Wallet is the first open-source, non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet designed for privacy-conscious users and crypto enthusiasts. It empowers users by keeping all private keys in their control, ensuring that the wallet provider never has access to their funds. With a fully open-source codebase, Stack Wallet offers enhanced security, stability, and transparency, allowing users to trust the integrity of the application.

The wallet supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, but in this case it is a means of storing & swapping Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin. Clients are available for Linux, MacOS, Windows and mobile users.

Cashtab

The Cashtab XEC wallet is a digital wallet specifically designed for managing Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and its associated tokens, including Bitcoin Cash’s native token, eCash (XEC). Cashtab aims to provide users with a user-friendly interface and a range of features that enhance the experience of using cryptocurrency.

Exodus Wallet

Exodus is a popular cryptocurrency wallet known for its user-friendly interface and support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin Cash (BCH). It is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, allowing users to manage their digital assets conveniently.

Follow these steps to claim Bitcoin Cash in your Exodus wallet:

1. Download and Install Exodus:
   • If you haven’t already, download the Exodus wallet from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Create or Restore Wallet:
   • Open the app and either create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase.
3. Access Bitcoin Cash:
   • Once your wallet is set up, navigate to the wallet section. You should see Bitcoin Cash listed among your assets. If it’s not visible, you can enable it by going to the “Assets” tab and toggling BCH on.
4. Claiming Bitcoin Cash:
   • If you are claiming Bitcoin Cash from a fork or airdrop, ensure that you have the private keys or recovery phrase from the wallet that held your Bitcoin (BTC) before the fork. You may need to import this wallet into Exodus to access your BCH.
5. Receive Bitcoin Cash:
   • To receive BCH, click on the “Receive” button next to Bitcoin Cash. You will see your wallet address, which you can share with others or use to transfer BCH from another wallet.
6. Manage Your Assets:
   • Once you have Bitcoin Cash in your Exodus wallet, you can easily manage, exchange, or send it to other wallets as needed.

Note: Always ensure that you are using the official Exodus wallet and keep your recovery phrase secure to protect your assets.