Redeemed 2011 Casascius 25 Bitcoin (BTC). Firstbits 1GLVhQYX. Series 2. Gold-Plated Alloy. 44.5 mm. AU-58 (PCGS). This is a redeemed and non-active cryptocurrency coin that is not loaded with any cryptocurrency. Measuring 44.5 mm wide, 3 mm thick, and weighing about 1.2 ounces, this piece is as physically impressive as it is historically significant. As one of just 487 issued, this Choice AU example combines absolute rarity with a colorful history that includes educational demonstrations and use as actual currency. <p><p>Despite being dated 2011, this piece was loaded on November 29th, 2012. Just a few days after it was purchased, the consignor used it to pay rent on their apartment in London, UK. However, within a few weeks, the price of Bitcoin had increased so dramatically that it was now worth twice as much and the landlord sold it back at a sizeable profit! Shortly thereafter, the consignor was using it as an educational tool on the topic of money, allowing children to spin and roll it around on an ancient floor in a castle festival. It then became a cherished pocket piece, but was nearly lost in April 2013 when it fell out during a car ride to the airport in Cork, Ireland. Thankfully, it was returned some weeks later. Eventually, the value had grown to a significant amount and it was used as a deposit on another apartment before being returned and eventually redeemed in July 2014. <p>While the vast majority of these 25 Bitcoin pieces have served as gifts, collector items, or speculative investments, the fact that this piece was actually used as currency on multiple occasions makes it a unique treasure in this exciting category. <p>On the obverse, much of the original gilding has been worn away from the high-points, revealing shades of tan and bronze color throughout. The black lacquer of the date, denomination, and motto remains nicely preserved and clear. A dramatic binary code of 1s and 0s on the reverse actually spells out "You asked for change, we gave you coins.". Specialist Elias Ahonen notes that this is "a reference to the change Bitcoin might bring to the world economy and [Mike] Caldwells role in advancing it by this production of coins." At the center of the reverse is the holographic sticker that has been peeled and replaced, revealing the honey-comb pattern as a security feature.* <p>Public Address: 1GLVhQYXvBbbdgkySXKpifA74PrnhGejcb<p> PCGS# 899737. PCGS Population: 1; 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 1% fee after authorization by Stack’s Bowers Galleries prior to the sale. Additional terms and conditions apply.
