A story of what could have been: the case of PENGUIN

A story that illustrates the dangers of timing in crypto investments. A trader known as Cooker.hl finds himself at the center of one of those narratives that regularly resurface in cryptocurrency communities: the investor who almost hits the mark but withdraws just before the explosion.

The initial move: investment in PENGUIN

It all started with a relatively modest bet. Cooker.hl invested 6 SOL (approximately $690 at that time) to acquire 16.5 million PENGUIN tokens. The purchase was executed, possibly with the hope that the token would gain traction in the secondary market. At that entry price, each PENGUIN token was worth less than a cent.

The decision that changed everything

It wasn’t long before Cooker.hl decided to liquidate his position. He sold all 16.5 million PENGUIN for 6.12 SOL, making a profit of just 0.12 SOL, equivalent to $18 in terms of return. Although technically a profitable operation, it was one of those wins that actually represent monumental defeats.

The real cost: a missed opportunity of $1.4 million

The unexpected turn came when PENGUIN started to appreciate. At the current price of $0.06 per token (data as of January 31, 2026), those 16.5 million tokens that Cooker.hl once sold would be worth approximately $1.4 million.

The difference is brutal: a gain of $18 versus a missed opportunity of $1.4 million. It’s not just about poor timing, but a lesson on patience in crypto markets, where decisions made under pressure or prematurely can turn modest gains into costly lessons. This story of what could have been is constantly repeated in crypto communities, reminding us that sometimes, holding the position is more important than securing immediate gains.