2013 Casascius 1 Bitcoin (BTC). Brass. Loaded (Unredeemed). Firstbits 13EjAeG9. Series 2. 28.5 mm. MS-66 (PCGS). An impressive example of this historic issue which represents the final year of production by Casascius (Mike Caldwell). It displays lovely olive-gold patina with hints of warmer honey color throughout. Overall lustrous and without any notable abrasions. At a grade of MS-66, this is the sole finest example certified by PCGS and is a true prize for the advanced crypto enthusiast. It remains fully loaded with a face value of 1 BTC, equivalent to approximately US$38,000 at the time of cataloging (February 2022). <p>This is a well-traveled example that was purchased directly from Mike Caldwell (Casascius) by our consignor in May 2013 as part of an original roll of 25 coins. Carried as a pocket piece for several months, it was soon sold to a friend circa June 2013 for 100 EUR while on a trip to Germany. It was only recently re-acquired by our consignor in trade for BTC and we are thrilled to be able to offer it publicly in our April sale. It is accompanied in this sale by a 2013 Casascius 0.5 BTC offered in the previous lot that was acquired as part of the same order from Caldwell. We suggest the possibility that a collector may purchase both lots to keep them together and continue to build upon this shared legacy. </p><p>One of the most popular issues of the entire Casascius 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 [dated] version would have surely been even more numerous had Casascius not ended the sale of pre-funded coins." 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. 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> Acquired directly from Mike Caldwell, the creator of the Casascius series, in May 2013 as part of an original roll of bitcoins.
