2011 Casascius 1 Bitcoin (BTC). Brass. Loaded (Unredeemed). Firstbits 13CEMJaT. Series 1. CASACIUS Error. 28.5 mm. MS-63 (PCGS). The 2011 Casascius 1BTC Series 1 is the very first funded physical bitcoin produced and it served as a successful prototype for the overall category of physical crypto. This MS-63 (PCGS) is a charming piece with vibrant lemon-yellow coloration and areas of rich honey-gold and crimson patina. Colorful rainbow overtones are also visible under certain lighting. A few minor marks are noted at the central obverse but these go largely unnoticed in-hand. Fully loaded with a face value of 1 BTC, equivalent to approximately US$38,000 at the time of cataloging (February 2022). Among the finest seen by PCGS, just 3 coins rank higher including the MS-66 offered in the previous lot. <p>Issued on a 28.5mm brass planchet, 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." This phrase is also featured on the popular Lealana coin series but is listed there in Hawaiian as "IKAIKA I HELU NUI". The reverse features a holographic sticker with the firstbits address printed at the center. This piece is readily identified as the CASACIUS Error variety by the misspelling of Casascius at the right and left borders of the hologram. A parallel could be drawn to the misspelling of CURRENCY as "CURENCY" on the historic "1776" Continental Dollar. Beneath the holographic sticker is the private address that allows the owner to redeem the value of the bitcoin once the sticker is peeled away.</p><p>Stack’s Bowers Galleries is also excited to offer our clients the ability to pay for their purchases with Bitcoin. We have 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 required to contact Stack’s Bowers Galleries before the sale with any questions relating to payment via BitPay. Clients who would like to settle an invoice via BitPay must contact our accounting department to arrange for a payment request.<br></p>
