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From Landfill to Launch: James Howells' Bitcoin Saga Takes a New Turn with Ceiniog Coin

· By Dave Wolfy Wealth · 3 min read

In a remarkable twist of fate, James Howells, a man who became notorious for his relentless quest to recover a hard drive believed to contain 8,000 lost bitcoins, has shifted gears from landfill to launch.

After nearly a decade of legal battles against the Newport council, which included a staggering £117,000 in legal fees and fruitless negotiations over access to the landfill where his hard drive lies buried, Howells is now pivoting his focus towards a new cryptocurrency—Ceiniog Coin.

This article explores Howell's tumultuous journey, his ongoing struggles with the authorities, and the broader implications for investors in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency.

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From Landfill to Launch: James Howells

Key Takeaways

  • James Howells has abandoned efforts to retrieve his lost hard drive containing 8,000 bitcoins valued at £620 million.
  • After a lengthy legal battle against the Newport council, Howells is pivoting to launch a new cryptocurrency called Ceiniog Coin.
  • The council has faced criticism from Howells for its lack of transparency regarding the landfill site and his financial requests.

The tale of James Howells and his battle to recover a hard drive believed to contain a fortune in bitcoins is a captivating saga within the cryptocurrency world.

Howells, who first lost the device in 2013 when it was accidentally disposed of by an ex-girlfriend, has navigated a complex and often disheartening legal journey in pursuit of approximately 8,000 bitcoins, accumulated at a value close to £620 million.

His offers, including a substantial multi-million pound bid to buy the Newport landfill where he believes the drive was buried, have been met with silence from local authorities.

This lack of response, coupled with a judge deeming his claims as unlikely to succeed, led to a considerable legal bill totalling £117,000 for Howells.

As the Newport council plans to close the landfill in the 2025-26 financial year, the hope of recovering the drive dims further.

In a compelling twist, Howells has shifted his focus to launching Ceiniog Coin, a new cryptocurrency that aims to capitalize on the estimated value of his lost assets.

He describes the council's financial demands as 'coercion,' emphasizing the need for transparency.

This story not only underscores the complexities of cryptocurrency ownership and recovery but also highlights the volatile nature of bitcoin, a digital currency that has captured global attention since its creation in
2009.

As Bitcoin continues to evolve, Howells' story adds to the ever-deepening narrative surrounding the potential and peril of cryptocurrencies.

Launching Ceiniog Coin: A New Chapter in Cryptocurrency

With the launch of Ceiniog Coin, James Howells aims to transform his misfortune into an opportunity within the burgeoning cryptocurrency landscape.

This innovative endeavor hinges on the controversial value of the 8,000 bitcoins he lost, which he hopes will provide a foundation for his new venture.

By leveraging the story of his dramatic legal battle and the intriguing premise of his lost asset, Howells is not only seeking to create a new cryptocurrency but also to engage potential investors and supporters who may resonate with his journey.

The marketing strategy behind Ceiniog Coin emphasizes transparency and community involvement, with Howells advocating for a clear framework and fair practices in a market often riddled with uncertainty.

As this new coin enters the fray, it will be interesting to observe how it positions itself amidst established giants like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and whether it can capture the attention of a community eager for fresh narratives in the cryptocurrency space.

By Wolfy Wealth - Empowering crypto investors since 2016

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About the author

Dave Wolfy Wealth Dave Wolfy Wealth
Updated on Aug 8, 2025