?We are pleased to present an impressive Casascius 1 Bitcoin in our June 2022 Auction. This is an active and loaded cryptocurrency coin containing 1 BTC, equivalent to roughly US$38,000 at the time of cataloging (May 2022). It represents the final year of production by Casascius (Mike Caldwell) and is one of the most popular issues of the entire Casascius series with just about 8,350 of the 2013 Series 2 1 BTC funded in 2013 and 2014. This example displays vibrant honey-gold patina with hints of bronze and olive throughout. The piece is overall lustrous and without any notable abrasions, showcasing incredible reflectivity in the peripheral obverse fields. This virtually perfect specimen was purchased directly from Mike Caldwell (Casascius) by our consignor in May 2013 as part of an original roll of 50 1 BTC coins. The same purchase also included a roll of 50 0.5 BTC coins and the total purchase price was 100 BTC, which was, at the time, equivalent to roughly US$12,000. Many of these coins were later peeled and redeemed in 2014 and 2015 when the price of Bitcoin was averaging around $300 to $400. At a grade of MS-68, this is the sole finest example certified by PCGS across any Casascius 1 BTC date or variety. It is superior even to the Gem MS-66 (PCGS) example that sold for $66,000 in our April 2022 sale and we anticipate another price record to be set once this piece crosses the auction block.
This example is accompanied in the June sale by a MS-66 (PCGS) 0.5 BTC that was acquired as part of the same order from Caldwell. A collector may wish to purchase both coins to keep them together and continue to build upon this shared legacy. Both lots feature signed sale certificates from Mike Caldwell that can be provided to the winning bidder upon request at the close of the auction.
For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries June 2022 auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our Showcase auctions or to our Collectors Choice Online auctions call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.
