2013 Lealana 0.1 Bitcoin. Loaded. Firstbits 1BTCeSZJ. Serial No. 5398. Buyer Funded. Black Address, Serialized. Silver. Proof-68 Deep Cameo (PCGS).Loaded with 0.1 BTC. A dazzling Ultra Gem Proof with pearly-silver surfaces and a dusting of peach-colored patina in areas. This buyer-funded example with a black firstbits address is a great rarity as one of only 10 issued. It is considered part of the limited Series 1 Lealana coins, offered before the address color was changed to green in May 2014 to comply with regulations. <p><p><p>This variety remains particularly sentimental to our firm because an example was featured as the very first physical crypto coin we ever presented at auction. That coin, Serial Number 3605, sold for $33,600 in our November 2021 sale and kick-started a category that has since gone on to witness over $2 million in prices realized. Bidders are now even more keenly aware of the significant opportunity that the present coin, #5398, represents. <p><p><p><p><p>Issued on a 25mm planchet of ¼ ounce of .999 fine silver and minted by Northwest Territorial Mint, the obverse features a holographic sticker with the serial number at left and the public address visible through a rectangular window. The words "Buyer Funded" are also printed near the top. 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. On the reverse is the Bitcoin currency symbol at center surrounded by a legend listing the denomination, composition, and the Hawaiian phrase "IKAIKA I HELU NUI" that translates as "Strength in Numbers." This phrase is also featured on the Casascius coin series but is listed there in Latin as "Vires In Numeris." <p>First introduced as Lealana Litecoin, the Lealana series was released to collectors and investors in June 2013 as a counterpart to the Casascius physical bitcoins introduced in 2011. It was invented and issued by Noah Luis of Honolulu, Hawaii, who is perhaps better recognized within the crypto community by his internet handle "smoothie." These physical Lealana Bitcoins were produced in both brass and silver compositions and issued in a range of denominations from 0.1 BTC to 1 BTC, corresponding to those of the Casascius series.<p><p> <p><p>Public Address: 1BTCeSZJ4tBWhQwHJTSFb48LHHzQ2WG7Qj.PCGS# 916222.PCGS Population (all 0.1 BTC varieties): 1; 2 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.
