What is "Physical" Cryptocurrency
Reflecting the characteristics of its digital counterpart, physical Bitcoins manifest as tokens etched with the initial segment of a public address and a corresponding private key. The public address is visibly displayed on the physical coin or documented on an accompanying certificate , whereas the private key is subtly placed within a recess on the flip side of the coin and remains safeguarded beneath a tamper-evident hologram.
"To Peel or Not to Peel"
'Peeling' in physical cryptocurrencies refers to uncovering the concealed digital value within these tangible tokens. The unique code inserted in a small 'pit' behing the tamper proof hologram on the coin represents the digital access key to the bitcoins. With the hologram intact, the owner can be assured that the private key has not been compromised, and therefore, the stored value in Bitcoin remains unredeemed. While 'peeling' invariably compromises the physical token by rendering it visually defaced and the concealed bitcoins accessible, it serves as the crucial bridge connecting the tactile world of numismatic collectability and the enchanting expanse of virtual, cryptographic wealth. The action is laden with mixed anticipation and pang, as it simultaneously unlocks the digital wealth for redeeming the Bitcoin, yet marks the end of the physical coin's intact aesthetic and resale value, which in most cases is thousands of dollars above actual BTC value.
Casascius Bitcoins
Casascius Bitcoins are physical metal coins created by Bitcoin user Casascius (Mike Caldwell, Sandy, Utah) and sold until Nov 26, 2013. Starting with simple brass 1 btc coins, he expanded production until ending sales over two years later due to allegations by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FINCEN, of running a ‘money transmitting’ business which requires various special licences.
2011 Casascius 1.0 BTC Brass - Loaded - w/Error Graded MS67
Verify Full Address: 19rdNxiubVmCjsYMjokxL6EXkjPAj3jizV
This is a series 1 Casascius 1 BTC Brass w/error. Announced on September 6th of 2011, this coin is one of the first batch of physical Bitcoins ever produced. Sought after both for their significance as the first coin of their type in the crypto universe, but also due to the added perception of rarity due to a spelling error (Casascius is spelled as ‘CASACIUS’) in the small hologram text.
2013 Casascius 1.0 BTC .999 Silver - Loaded - Graded MS69
Verify Full Address: 1AgiJMiJahNDPUef4Z7SQGD2aXNwXSKErd
This is a 2013 Series 2 Casascius 1 BTC on 1 oz .999 Silver. Notable in this coin is the ‘laser rimming", the first of it's kind which appears on the edges of the hologram as a golden texture. Mike theorized that the process would create an interesting obstacle to anyone attempting to tamper with the coins. This is also professionally graded an outstanding MS69 by ANACS. WOW.
2013 Casascius 0.5 BTC Brass - Loaded - Graded MS67
Verify Full Address: 12CDrJVn55VrCe7fByxGXpyNoYsfuQkdxd
This is a 2013 Series 2 Casascius 0.5 Bitcoin Brass Edition.On February 17, 2013, Casascius released these coins saying “This is being added due to the rise in BTC value”. The price of Bitcoin had risen from 14 USD to nearly 30 USD within a couple of weeks. This particular token was funded on December 3, 2013. Also professionally graded by ANACS to be MS67.
