2012 Casascius "Bitnickel" 5 Bitcoin. Loaded. Firstbits 1CsZck7t. Series 2. Nickel Brass. MS-66 (PCGS). Loaded with 5 BTC. The 2012 5 Bitcoin is among the rarest denominations in the Casascius series and is one of the only denominations that was not later re-issued in a precious metal. As such, it is a seldom seen treasure that often represents the lynchpin to assembling a full set of Casascius coins or a high-denomination type set.
It boasts attractive silver-grey surfaces with intense frosty luster throughout. Considerable prooflike reflectivity remains in the obverse fields, delivering a fully delightful complexion. This specimen ranks as one of just four coins graded by PCGS, making it among the scarcest Casascius issues certified by that service. Only a single example ranks finer. It is an absolute prize for the advanced collector or PCGS Registry Set participant.
This 5 Bitcoin denomination was first released in January 2012 at a price of 6 BTC each, which was equivalent to around $35 at the time. It has earned the nickname "Bitnickel" among crypto enthusiasts for both its nickel-plated composition and its similarity to the 5-cent denomination in U.S. coinage. Interestingly, all known examples display weakness in the letters of the motto VIRES IN NUMERIS which resulted from a defect in the production process.
The initial Series 1 variety featured a gold-colored security hologram and printed firstbits as seen on the brass 2011 1 Bitcoin. This updated Series 2 version with a silver hologram and clear firstbits window was released around April 2012 and boasts a mintage of about 100 coins less than the Series 1.
Just 587 examples were reported as being funded, though over 48% of these have since been peeled and redeemed. Loaded coins, like the present example, are extremely desirable and are becoming increasingly more rare as examples continue to be redeemed as time goes on. This superior MS-66 (PCGC) specimen represents a truly significant opportunity. Public Address: 1CsZck7tud5ksDTZXttf1UDMVEmWw3DHiP. PCGS# 888206. PCGS Population: 2; 1 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.
