2013 Casascius 1 Bitcoin (BTC). Loaded. Firstbits 1AgyZ2xC. Series 3. Silver. 39 mm. SP-69 (PCGS). This is an active and loaded cryptocurrency coin containing 1 BTC. Produced in a full ounce of .999 fine silver, this Series 3 Casascius 1 BTC is an astounding treasure. The surfaces are brilliant and virtually flawless, boasting intense luster and sharp reflectivity on both sides. The SP-69 grade from PCGS identifies this as a special or specimen striking, which explains the flawless finish. Most significantly, it is also the only example certified by that service. Just 1,817 examples are known in silver for 2013 Series 3, compared to the 6,653 brass coins recorded for Series 2 the same year. These silver 1 BTC are rarely offered publicly, making this a monumental opportunity for the advance collector. <p>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 and the opportunity for a Series 4 was never realized. Nearly a decade later, the silver Series 3 remains heavily prized by both crypto enthusiasts and traditional numismatic specialists. <p>The obverse features the Bitcoin currency symbol at the center with the date, denomination, composition and motto surrounding. The devices are boldly rendered with a rich satin luster, starkly contrasting the mirrored reflectivity in the fields. An entrancing binary code decorates the border on the reverse, set against mirrored fields. A golden holographic sticker sits at the center with the Firstbits address visible through a rectangular window. The edge of the hologram also features a "laser rimming" technique which was intended as an additional security feature. <p><p>Specialist Elias Ahonen reveals that "Casascius [Mike Caldwell] had originally intended to produce 5 BTC silver coins but, though the mold was created, the plan was scrapped in favor of 1 BTC, 0.5 BTC, and 0.1 BTC series 3 silver coins due to the tenfold rise in the bitcoin price over the [prior] four months to 140 USD. "Public Address: 1AgyZ2xCpTvxUDBkKZkaxEEYujxwMNhDZH. PCGS# 902817. PCGS Population: 1; none finer. The only example graded by PCGS. <p>*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 1% fee after authorization by Stack’s Bowers Galleries prior to the sale. Additional terms and conditions apply.<p><p>
