Mintage: 11,000 Total
Series: 1
Composition: Brass
Overview: This 2011 Casascius 1 Bitcoin is a truly historic piece, representing the very first funded physical bitcoin ever produced. Announced on September 6th, 2011, the issue served as the prototype for the category which would eventually expand to around 60 different iterations of physical cryptocurrency. This piece is found with both the CASACIUS Spelling Error and the Double Casascius Error.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auctioneers is the Leader in
Physical Cryptocurrency & Physical Bitcoin Auctions
Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ initial offering of physical Bitcoins in November 2021 was met with great excitement from the numismatic world, as well as the crypto world. Since then, we have continued to pursue consignments within the physical crypto space with great success. There are currently around 60 different physical cryptocurrency iterations that span a wide range of denominations and materials. Our auctions of physical cryptocurrency offer something for every collector. Many of the prices realized rely on the denomination, whether the Bitcoin is Funded or Unfunded, and whether the coin has been redeemed, or peeled. Below are some of the more popular physical BTC types that we have sold since November 2021, but our physical cryptocurrency experts are always willing to take a look at your collection even if it is not included on the list.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is also excited to offer their clients the ability to pay for their purchases with Bitcoin. The firm has arranged with BitPay to facilitate all Bitcoin payments and a 1% fee will be added to all invoices for this service. Additional terms and conditions apply, and bidders are encouraged to contact Stack’s Bowers Galleries before the sale with any questions relating to payment via BitPay. For questions on this offering of Bitcoins or to consign your physical cryptocurrency to a future auction, contact Stack’s Bowers Galleries today at Consign@StacksBowers.com or 800-566-2580.
Let’s talk about Casascius coins: “physical bitcoins”.
These numismatic items are a great way to diversify without diversifying! What we mean by that is that you can hold some of your BTC – 0.1 BTC, 0.5 BTC, 1 BTC, 5 BTC, 10 BTC – as a physical coin that’s even scarcer than digitally traded BTC!
Casascius coins, the best-known brand of physical bitcoin – made between 2011 and 2013 by Mike Caldwell of Sandy, UT, USA – have their private keys sealed under a holographic, tamper-resistant sticker. Every time someone peels a Casascius Bitcoin to reveal the key and spend the coin’s UTXO, the rarity of the remaining “loaded” coins increases. To own a Casascius coin is to own a piece of art and a piece of Bitcoin history – a coin made by the most trusted maker in the space with over 91k bitcoin ‘loaded’ onto them (including bars and coin up to 1000 BTC each).
Our auction results have proven that these physical cryptocurrencies are increasingly sought after both by Bitcoiners and traditional numismatists.
With trust in centralized exchanges and other custodial options rapidly evaporating, the ideal option is to learn to do cold storage properly: to generate and manage private keys securely and sign transactions off-line. Many trustless options may not be as trustless as they seem. And even when they are, without sufficient understanding and care, it is easy to get one thing wrong and to lose funds – sometimes substantial funds. Physical bitcoins offer a better way. For anyone prepared to accept that their keys were generated by a third party – and therefore that some trust is required – it is a simple, straightforward and satisfying way of owning and holding BTC self-custodially.
The level of trust required for custodial solutions is substantial. The third parties need to:
• manage private keys
• manage secure signing
• mitigate for hacking risk of hot (and cold) wallets
• manage all the funds in their custody
• mitigate regulatory risks
… all on an ongoing basis. And then, even where they manage all that competently and with integrity, when the time comes to withdraw funds, you count on legislation compliance permitting you access to your digital coin.
For physical bitcoins, neither expertise nor permission is necessary. Anyone who knows how to keep their jewelry, precious metals, family heirlooms safe knows how to keep their physical Bitcoin safe. Peeling a Casascius coin to send some or all of your bitcoin anywhere, securely and with no need for permission does require some competency: knowing how to create a transaction including the coin’s UTXO and to off-line sign it.
However, without any expertise, when you own a Casascius coin you can:
• hold it
• give it as a gift
• leave it to heirs,
• sell it.
What Types of Bitcoin Does Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction?
Mintage: Unknown
Series: 1 & 2 Mule
Composition: Brass
Overview: This style planchet was used on the earliest issues of the Casascius series for both the Series 1 and Series 2 varieties. Though dated 2011, these series were actually funded in both 2011 and 2012. This is a desirable 2011 Casascius 1 BTC planchet, with the bare reverse that usually features the holographic sticker on funded coins, with the underlying divot for the private address visible.
Mintage: 487
Series: 2
Composition: Gold-Plated Alloy
Overview: Measuring 44.5 mm wide and weighing about 1.2 ounces, this piece is as physically impressive as it is historically significant. The vast majority of these 25 Bitcoin pieces have served as gifts, collector items, or speculative investments. A dramatic binary code of 1s and 0s on the reverse actually spells out “You asked for change, we gave you coins.” as a nod to the way in which cryptocurrency will change the world.
Mintage: 4,089
Series: 2
Composition: Brass
Overview: While the 2011 and 2013 Casascius 1 BTC appear with relative frequency, the 2012 1 BTC is incredibly elusive on the market. According to researcher Elias Ahonen, only 4,089 2012 1 BTC were issued, which was less than half of the 8,352 that would be issued for the 2013 1 BTC. Over 30% of the 2012 1 BTC have since been peeled and redeemed, making the untouched and loaded examples rare.
Mintage: 675
Series: 1
Composition: Nickel-Plated Brass
Overview: The 2012 Series 1 5 Bitcoin represents the debut of this denomination in the Casascius series. It has earned the nickname “Bitnickel” among crypto enthusiasts for both it’s nickel-plated composition and its similarity to the 5-cent denomination in U.S. coinage. Over 30% of these have been peeled and redeemed. Loaded coins are extremely desirable with only about 445 surviving.
Mintage: Unknown
Series: 1 & 2 Mule
Composition: Nickel-Plated Brass
Overview: According to researcher Elias Ahonen, the Series 1 Casascius 5 BTC funded coins were released in January 2012 with an issue price of 6 BTC, amounting to around US$33 at the time. Mike Caldwell, the creator of the Casascius series, eventually released an unreported quantity of unfunded “bitnickel” planchets for enthusiasts to fund on their own. This example can likely be traced back to this later release.
Mintage: 3,100
Series: 2
Composition: Brass
Overview: According to researcher Elias Ahonen, the Series 2 0.5 BTC were released on February 17th 2013 in response to the significant increase in the price of bitcoin, from around US$14 to around US$30, in just a few weeks. The obverse features the Bitcoin currency symbol at center surrounded by a legend listing the date, denomination, and the Latin phrase “VIRES IN NUMERIS” that translates as “Strength in Numbers.”
Mintage: 8,350
Series: 2
Composition: Brass
Overview: One of the most popular issues of the entire series, just about 8,350 of the 2013 Series 2 1 BTC were funded in 2013 and 2014. Researcher Elias Ahonen notes that a “2014 version would have surely been even more numerous had Casascius not ended the sale of pre-funded coins.” Beneath the holographic sticker is a private address that allows the owner to redeem the value of the coin once the sticker is peeled.
Mintage: 1,817
Series: 3
Composition: 1 Troy Ounce Silver
Overview: The Series 3 Casascius 1 BTC is an astounding treasure. This issue represent the culmination of this denomination that began with the brass Series 1 in 2011. By 2013, the production quality and security features of these coins had been perfected, providing an ideal self-storage solution with a sophisticated and attractive finish. Unfortunately, the Casascius series was ended in 2013 and Series 4 was never created.
Mintage: 700
Series: 3
Composition: 1 Troy Ounce Silver
Overview: This issue represent the culmination of this denomination that began with the brass Series 1 in 2011. By 2013, the production quality and security features of these coins had been perfected, providing an ideal self-storage solution with a sophisticated and attractive finish. Unfortunately, production of the Casascius series was ended in 2013. Nearly a decade later, the silver Series 3 remains heavily prized.
Mintage: 10
Series: 1
Composition: 1/4 Troy Ounce Silver
Overview: This physical Lealana Bitcoin represents a historic revolution in commerce, similar to the first gold coinage issued by King Croesus circa 500 BC. It is the physical manifestation of an entirely digital concept, offering a fusion of numismatic utility and financial technology. This physical coin was issued on a 25mm planchet of ¼ ounce of .999 fine silver and minted by Northwest Territorial Mint.
Mintage: 290
Series: 1
Composition: 1/2 Troy Ounce Silver
Overview: Issued on a 30mm planchet of 1/2 ounce of .999 fine silver and minted by Northwest Territorial Mint, the obverse features the Bitcoin symbol, date, and denomination while the reverse features a holographic sticker with the firstbits address visible at center. This is a very scarce example from the Lealana series with only 290 of this variety issued, according to researcher Elias Ahonen.
Mintage: 290
Series: 1
Composition: 1 Troy Ounce Silver
Overview: According to researcher Elias Ahonen, just 700 were issued of this denomination and only 290 of this specific variety, making this a very scarce example on the bitcoin market. It is noteworthy for the “partial binary” design on the reverse that lists the silver content of one troy ounce at the edge, which is a radical change from the style seen on the lower denominations, which all had clear rims with no designs.
Mintage: 290
Series: N/A
Composition: Gold-Plated Silver
Overview: This is an elusive and heavily prized 2013 Lealana “Gold B” 1 Bitcoin, one of the key issues to the entire physical cryptocurrency series. According to researcher Elias Ahonen, this issue “can be seen as a direct counterpart competitor to the Casascius 1 BTC “Gold B” Series 3 2013 coin, as both were released in the same year with identical specs”. This piece was minted by Northwest Territorial Mint.
Mintage: 407
Series: 1
Composition: Brass
Overview: The Microsoul series was launched at the end of 2013 by Matthew Rodbourne of the UK. The earliest issues were primarily made in brass and nickel compositions but eventually included silver and gold-plated silver coins as seen in the Casascius and Lealana series. Microsoul shares many similarities with Casascius, but was produced in significantly smaller quantities and offer a tremendous rarity.
Mintage: 480
Series: Unchained
Composition: Copper
Overview: Based in Quebec, Canada and run by Jonathan Leonard, Cryptolator released their first coin in April 2014 featuring a 1 BTC face value struck in 1oz of silver. The popularity of this initial release prompted a follow-up release that featured the same general design but with a 0.1 BTC denomination struck in four different metals including “Merlin” Gold, Antique Bronze, Antique Copper, and normal Copper.
Mintage: 2,000
Series: N/A
Composition: Brass
Overview: The Denarium series debuted in 2015 and was issued by the Finland-based company Prasos Oy. In 2020, Prasos changed its name to Coinmotion Oy and still offers a suite of cryptocurrency related services to both business and individuals. Their Denarium coins were heavily inspired by the Casascius series, featuring similar hologram stickers and overall dimensions.
Mintage: 2,000
Series: Custom Series
Composition: Brass
Overview: The Denarium “Custom Series” is an interesting and scarce type issued by the Finland-based company Prasos Oy. Rather than a specific face value, these coins were offered pre-funded or buyer-funded with any denomination from 0.01 BTC to 5 BTC. An innovative and unique concept from this popular and “classic” physical bitcoin series. One of only 2,000 issued and scarcely offered on the market.
Mintage: 640
Series: V
Composition: Titanium
Overview: This series of Titanium 500K coins debuted in October 2016, making them among the earlier physical cryptocurrency coins issued by BTCC. A limited amount of 640 pieces were issued in total, though about 30% of those have been peeled and redeemed. Beneath the reverse sticker is a QR code with a private address that allows the crypto to be redeemed and added to a digital wallet.
Mintage: 4,000
Series: C, Poker Chip
Composition: Composite Clay
Overview: This series of 1K chips debuted in November 2016 and 4,000 were issued that year. Measuring 39mm, these physical bitcoins were produced out of Clay Composite with their designs boldly printed on the surface of the coin. The maker, BTCChina, rebranded in 2015 to be BTCC and is now headquartered in London, UK. Each of the BTCC Poker Chips were produced in different colors.
Mintage: 1,500
Series: C, Poker Chip
Composition: Composite Clay
Overview: This series of 5K chips debuted in November 2016 and only 1,500 were issued that year, making it among the more scarce physical cryptocurrency coins available. The obverse features the denomination boldly printed at the center and the reverse features a holographic sticker with the public “firstbits” address visible through a rectangular window. Beneath the sticker is a QR code with a private address.
Mintage: 1,300
Series: C, Poker Chip
Composition: Composite Clay
Overview: This series of 10K chips debuted in November 2016 and
is among the more scarce physical coins. Of these, about 20% have been peeled and redeemed. Intended as an affordable and fun way of participating in the cryptocurrency market, these BTCC poker chips remain incredibly popular among both sophisticated bitcoin collectors and those just dipping their toes into this exciting category.
Mintage: 1,500
Series: C, Poker Chip
Composition: Composite Clay
Overview: This series of 25K chips debuted in November 2016. Each denomination is color-coded and represents a fraction of a bitcoin including white 1K (0.001 BTC), red 5K (0.005 BTC), blue 10K (0.01 BTC), green 25K (0.025 BTC), black 100K (0.1 BTC), and purple 500K (0.5 BTC). Most were offered as part of six-coin sets containing one of each denomination, but also in custom configurations.
Mintage: 400
Series: C, Poker Chip
Composition: Composite Clay
Overview: A paltry 400 examples of these Black 100k chips were issued in 2017, and nearly 50% have been peeled and redeemed. Unpeeled examples are incredibly rare. The issuer BTCC was founded in June 2011 as BTCChina and it was the first bitcoin exchange in that country. By October 2014 it had become the world’s second largest bitcoin exchange by volume, and has since relocated to the UK.
Mintage: 100
Series: HODL
Composition: Silver
Overview: The Crypto Imperator series is produced in Spain and debuted in 2014 with the iconic Dogecoin series. While the earliest issues were struck in a zinc alloy, later issues includes silver and gold compositions. These HODL coins were released and traded on the popular cryptocurrency forum, BitcoinTalk.org, on August 9, 2017 to commemorate the recent fork in Bitcoin that created the altcoin Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Mintage: 50
Series: 3
Composition: Antiqued Finish Alloy
Overview: This type represents the third entry from the Genesis Coins series, produced by the respected BitcoinTalk.org forum member wheelz1200.
For the 2017 Series 3, coins were issued in a variety of colors and finishes across the Bitcoin, Litecoin, Viacoin and Dash cryptocurrencies. Each currency was offered in both Antiqued and Polished finishes with just 50 coins issued of each currency/finish combination. In total, only 400 coins were struck.
Mintage: Unknown
Series: Poker Chip
Composition: Plastic
Overview: Released in Japan in 2016, the Satori series was intended to generate more awareness about the bitcoin technology in a fun and accessible way. The low face value was also a deliberate choice to discourage use in illegal markets like the drug trade or terrorism. A quote on the coin says “Value does not exist outside the consciousness of man” from Austrian Economist Carl Menger, along with the denomination of the coin.
Mintage: 1,000
Series: N/A
Composition: One Troy Ounce Silver
Overview: Titan Mint was launched in October 2013 by Tim Fillmore based in California. The Titan Mint series is notable as only the second to debut a 1oz gold bitcoin after Casascius. Titan Mint “introduced a new and unique design aspect in their holograms. They expanded Casascius’ design of using a hologram window to verify the coin’s contents by adding a much larger window and a QR code by which anyone could check the status.
Mintage: 100
Series: Pumpkin Coin
Composition: Silver
Overview: Struck to commemorate the October 2018 World Crypto Conference held in Las Vegas, it features a jack-o-lantern pumpkin and the iconic Las Vegas WELCOME sign as prominent designs on the obverse. Only 100 of this type were struck, making this an important opportunity for specialists in this category. The Crypto Imperator series is produced in Spain and debuted in 2014 with the iconic Dogecoin series. Coins were struck in zinc, silver, and gold.
Mintage: 1,000
Series: N/A
Composition: Brass-Finish Alloy
Overview: Produced in Germany, they were originally issued as an introductory price of 22 EUR for each, plus an additional 0.001 BTC to fund the coin. They were available both as individual chips and in boxes of 25 pieces. Special emphasis was placed on the security features including a hologram that boast several advanced features including nano text and several forms of color shifting patterns.
Mintage: 2,000
Series: N/A
Composition: Silver-Finish Metal Alloy
Overview: In 2019, two distinct types of 1K Bits were issued including the Brass Finish and Silver Finish. Only 2000 of the Silver Finish coins were released, spanning the serial number range T4001 through T6000. Examples seldom trade on the secondary market and they are heavily prized among advanced collectors. The MoonBits series was first introduced as a premium counterpart to the Satori “Chips”.
Mintage: 2,019
Series: Binary Bull
Composition: Silver
Overview: Latin for “Nighttime Sun”, the Sol Noctis series was introduced in 2014 by the Mint of Poland, which was originally founded on February 10th, 1766. The present Binary Bull type was stuck to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the creation of the bitcoin network. Just 2,019 examples were struck and they continue to be very popular among collectors. The bull motif on the obverse is decorated in binary code.
Mintage: 240
Series: N/A
Composition: Brass
Overview: Developed and produced in Switzerland, these coins take inspiration from the historic Swiss 20 Franc gold coin which features the Swiss coat of arms. The Alpen Coin name is an obvious homage to the Alps mountain range which is virtually synonymous with Switzerland itself. This is a loaded and active cryptocurrency coin containing 0.001 BTC and boasting high-relief designs and a lovely matte brass finish.
