Redeemed 2013 Casascius 0.5 Bitcoin (BTC). Firstbits 124u8JJW. Series 2. Brass. 25.4 mm. MS-62 (PCGS).

This is a redeemed cryptocurrency coin that does not contain any actual cryptocurrency. A charming example with a deep patina of olive gold and scattered bronze shades. According to researcher Elias Ahonen, the Series 2 0.5 BTC were released on February 17th 2013 in response to the significant increase in the price of bitcoin, from around US$14 to around US$30, in just a few weeks. While a staggering increase in value at the time, bitcoin has more recently achieved a high of around $68,000 in 2021. Notably, this example is housed in a single 2-coin PCGS holder with the coin itself encapsulated at the left and the hologram sticker encapsulated in the right of the holder. This allows for an incredibly intimate inspection of the hologram and the private key that is typically hidden beneath the sticker when installed on the coin. Also visible is the lobed cutout of the private key pit on the coin which was a new innovation for this series.

PCGS# 902816.

PCGS Population: 1; 4 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.