2012 Casascius "Gold B" 10 Bitcoin. Loaded. Firstbits 1AgRPnVg. Series 2. Silver. Specimen-68 (PCGS). Loaded with 10 Bitcoin. This is truly a landmark offering in the physical cryptocurrency category and among the most important coins--crypto or otherwise--that we will have the privilege of presenting to collectors this year. The 10 Bitcoin denomination was produced in two different varieties including a regular silver and gilt silver "Gold B" finish, with fewer than 490 coins released in total. The "Gold B" variety is thought to comprise fewer than half of this overall mintage with a net production figure of approximately 225 "Gold B" coins released. However, more than 30% of the overall mintage has since been peeled and redeemed as Bitcoin achieved significant value milestones in recent years. Assuming the redemption rate was approximately equal between the two varieties, there are perhaps only about 150 of the present "Gold B" specimens surviving for collectors. <p>Much like early United States gold coins that escaped melting in the 1830s, intact Physical Bitcoins from this period are historic survivors from the foundational era of a new economic system. It is one of only five examples graded by PCGS and will be the very first to be featured in a major live auction when it crosses the block in our August sale.<p>A similar gilt-silver example from the smaller 1 Bitcoin denomination sold for $78,000 in our June 2023 auction, equivalent to 3x the face value at the time of the sale. This Specimen-68 (PCGS) 10 Bitcoin represents a considerably greater rarity and is sure to draw the attention of trophy hunters and advanced collectors across every category of numismatics. It boasts a face value of approximately $300,000 at the time of cataloging (July 2023).<p>Our consignor acquired this coin directly from Mike Caldwell, creator of the Casascius Series, as a birthday gift for their niece who was at the time living in the United States on a soccer scholarship. It was purchased for 16.75 BTC ‎on October 20, 2012 when bitcoin was trading at around US$10, amounting to a total price of about $170. It was the very first item our consignor bought with Bitcoin and was purchased just hours after initially withdrawing the BTC from the ill-fated Mt. Gox exchange.<p>Upon gifting this coin, the consignor included a personalized note that mentioned, among other things, the now-immortal words "My guess is the longer you keep it the more youre likely to get for it." His candid suggestion has certainly proved itself correct many times over. <p>In the decade since, this 10 Bitcoin has provided the consignors niece with the confidence to make decisive financial decisions and build a life as a young adult. Now with a home and family of her own, the time has come for the coin to find its next custodian who will cherish it as warmly as she has. <p>It is also important to consider that the private keys for Casascius coins unlock the same quantity of all related crypto coins-- past and future--that have forked from the Bitcoin blockchain. This could potentially unlock significant additional value, particularly in the larger denominations such as this 10 Bitcoin. <p>While many of these forks like BSV, BTG, BCD, and similar currencies do not presently trade for notable prices, the first forked coin, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), almost tripled in value during the month of June 2023 and is now approaching nearly 1% of the primary BTC price. At the time of cataloging, the 10 BCH contained in this coin represents an additional US$2,750 above the BTC value, delivering a sizeable extra "bonus" to the owner. <p>In the remote chance that such a fork should gain prominence and potentially even overtake BTC, owners of Casascius coins will automatically hold a position in these forks to take advantage of the potential value increase. This just one of the many characteristics that make this 10 Bitcoin an absolutely monumental prize for collectors and investors. Public Address: 1AgRPnVgEyJejCfFP5Qg2AEEM4rtMaYiSF. PCGS# 888205. PCGS Population: 1; just 4 finer. *Loaded cryptocurrency coins will be reserved at their intrinsic cryptocurrency value on the day of the sale. Lots realizing $25,000 or more will be delivered via armored carrier ONLY. An additional shipping charge of five hundred dollars [$500] will be applied to domestic armored carrier deliveries, with additional fees for remote and international deliveries. Winning bidders may also pay their invoice via BitPay for a 2% fee after authorization by Stack’s Bowers Galleries prior to the sale. Additional terms and conditions apply.
