Bitcoin Forum

A historical timeline of the Physical Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Coins and Collectibles





Dec 30th 2010

Likely the first ever physical representation of bitcoin (obviously impossible to prove, but I’ve seen nothing to the contrary). Gavin Andresen can be seen here talking about making a loaded version (surely unaware of how big that idea would become one day).

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1v9hI.jpeg
https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vBld.png

 https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2537.0


As stated in second sales thread here.. this was a very prominent picture used in the news when speaking of bitcoin, kind of like the MJB Copper coins that are the most prominent used in the news today.
https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vim5.jpeg
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=676809.0




May 9th 2011

The first ever loaded physical bitcoin item- BitBills.
(BitBills- info thread - https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3334918.0 )

This obviously was a major milestone and marked an important day in Bitcoin’s history. Many incorrectly believe that Casascius was the first to create a loaded physical bitcoin, which as you can see here is not the case. In fact, Casascius can be seen active in this thread, perhaps sparking the idea of Casascius while doing so!

Interesting detail of note:  BitBills actually tried to patent the entire physical bitcoin market, and can be seen here trying to tell Casascius that they were the only ones able to produce these coins- https://letstalkbitcoin.com/477 . They sent several “letters” of the same ilk to other physical crypto makers, not just Casascius.  

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1v8Vz.jpeg

https://i.ibb.co/nnfK2YB/9508-C7-FF-7352-4313-9-BA7-EC04-DA6-DBCF4.png (https://ibb.co/hZHT54c)

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=7724.0



June 23rd 2011

Likely the second version of a physical bitcoin coin made. Unique in that this coin was made with resin.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vKD2.jpeg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=21328



June 24th 2011

The first ever paper wallet (though Bitbills are paper wallets, I kind of see them as wallet cards as well)-  hard to say for sure, but the first version or reference that I can find.
Created by the infamous Casascius.


(image of the actual wallet coming soon..)
https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vpZc.jpeg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=21878.msg275000#msg275000



June 27th, 2011

MJB monitary metals releases the 1g silver coin. Possibly the first silver bitcoin ever made. A precursor for MJB, to the most recognizable bitcoin coin ever made.  Created original by Mick, at MJB Monetary Metals.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vDkP.jpeg
https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vOBq.jpeg
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=23256.0

July 14th 2011

Coinedbits unloaded commemorative coin.  Simply a notable early commemorative coin.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vedj.jpeg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=28706.msg361364#msg361364




Aug 5th 2011 -Released Aug 30th

My Bitcoin Mint 1 oz .999 Silver coins minted.  These coins are likely the first .999 fine silver 1 oz coins produced.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vqFG.jpeg
https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1v0hD.jpeg


https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=40236.msg490350#msg490350




Aug 19th 2011


A coin that needs little introduction...Casascius announces the release of the first ever loaded physical bitcoin coin.  This coin is what really put physical bitcoin collectibles on the map!

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1vllf.jpeg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=38048.msg467209#msg467209


September 2011

Potentially the first ever produced .999 gold coin produced by Gabecoin / My Bitcoin Mint. Note: this coin is a poured coin.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1Y26Z.jpeg?1



Oct 11th 2011

First ever physical bitcoin bar, which was made by Casascius .

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YUV8.jpeg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=47717.msg567203#msg567203



Feb. 9th 2012

MJB Monitary Metals releases a photo of what has become the most recognizable physical bitcoin to date (Casascius is up there, but not as recognizable as these, to the dismay of many long
-time collectors ).

https://i.ibb.co/SxG120J/image.png (https://ibb.co/1njp3Kb)
https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YaD3.jpeg
https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1Ydnw.jpeg

Design was “leased out” in a “gentlemen’s agreement” by Mick, and sadly was subsequently stolen countless times over, which continues to this very day. Countless makers, especially the ones listed below have profited from a design they stole, and to this day falsely claim as their own…

https://i.ibb.co/4Ph27tv/IMG-5250.jpg (https://ibb.co/f4j92F6)

 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5351100.msg58484556#msg58484556 ) -> https://coldstoragecoins.com/  and here -> https://hotco.co/search?type=product&q=bitcoin


https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=15672.msg267351#msg267351 - https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=63259.msg739922#msg739922 .  This page is where they speak about how the design was stolen by the owner of the Cold Storage Coin company ( https://coldstoragecoins.com https://coldstoragecoins.com/ ) -https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=23256.240




June 22nd 2013

Serp Coin - Likely the first maker to release their own specialized coin using the Casascius aluminum DIY coins. This coin making idea has caught on and spawned quite a few others somewhat like it.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1Yuk9.jpeg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=240768.0



July 6th 2013

Lealana announces coin sales- first coin a 2013 1 Litecoin coin.  Lealana is considered the 2nd "great" Crypto Coin maker behind Casascius.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YwgN.jpeg

http://www.lealana.com/
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=251073.msg2666568#msg2666568




August 2013

Finite By Design releases a number of first coins/collectibles in the year, starting with Primecoin followed by Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Darkcoin, Vertcoin, Peercoin, Primecoin, CGB, Namecoin, etc

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YHua.jpeg

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=278470.msg2975136#msg2975136


March 2014

Bitcoin Suisse AG Notes announced and went through trial run.  Online ordering opened in Oct of 2014.  One of the most sought after BTC notes/wallets today for their gorgeous appeal, trusted company, and varied denominations.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YSFo.jpeg

https://www.bitcoinsuisse.com/assets/pdf/BTCS_BitcoinCertificates_EN.pdf




April 2014

Chinese business man releases photos of what was to be the first ever physical gold backed cryptocurrency.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YZoT.jpeg

https://www.chainnode.com/post/6156



June 2014

Alitin Mint releases first coin.  Notable for being the first known major bitcoin coin maker to breach their coins.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1Ynll.jpeg

(www.alitinmint.com no longer active-image sourced from google)




August 20th 2014

Kialara (Max) Introduces the first ever Kialara bar.  This set a whole new standard for physical bitcoin collectibles!

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YQ61.jpeg

https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2e32dg/as_an_artist_and_collector_of_casascius_coins_i/

Kialara in the news:
Kim Kardashian is gifted a 1BTC funded Kialara, posts about it on her instagram account

https://i.ibb.co/6yWTkTs/IMG-5253.jpg (https://ibb.co/wdzPfP6)
https://i.ibb.co/gRVHkJW/IMG-5254.jpg (https://ibb.co/0Gt8Hr9)
( https://thebitcoinnews.com/kim-kardashian-receives-her-first-physical-bitcoin/ )
Matthew Roszak gifts funded Kialara’s to other prominent individuals (US President Bill Clinton and Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak

https://i.ibb.co/wsFXx0T/IMG-5255.jpg (https://ibb.co/8cLpSKJ)
https://i.ibb.co/BZf4NXM/IMG-5256.jpg (https://ibb.co/Kq5NwMv)




July 28th 2017

First known cryptocurrency stamp was created and used in the US mail circulation.  Created by bitcointalk member Krogothmanhattan.

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YGjm.jpeg

http://www.crypto-stamps.com/private2.html




May 15th 2018

First government produced cryptocurrency backed postal stamps -from the Royal Gibraltar Post

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/05/17/1YMDW.png

http://www.gibraltar-stamps.com/index.php?controller=stamps&action=issue&id=640

Note: All images are not my own, and sourced from google, bitcointalk.org and other sites listed here.


2018 (exact date unknown)
Famed baseball card maker Topps releases Cryptocurrency “RC’s” in their Allen & Ginter boxes
https://i.ibb.co/YQ44fjh/IMG-5252.jpg (https://ibb.co/RbGGQHc)

(Info Thread - https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4906420.0 )


Other Notable Physical Crypto News/Milestone's


*News outlets (virtually every prominent one, including TMZ, report on “most valuable coin ever “found”- 1k Gold Casascius coin- https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/06/bitcoin-gold-cas-crypto-million/

https://i.ibb.co/Z6vSWfX/IMG-5257.jpg (https://ibb.co/bgYFz6m)

*Pawn Stars- Man tries to sell Casascius coin to infamous Pawn Star owner Rick - https://youtu.be/ok7kPpA7NN0?si=lNIbtKAzDRi735cD

https://i.ibb.co/BCHm6sJ/IMG-5259.jpg (https://ibb.co/71xHpyD)

*Stacks Bowers- a major auction house has first physical cryptocurrency lot - Nov 2021 (all subsequent auctions and values listed here ) https://stacksbowers.com/cryptocurrency/

https://i.ibb.co/k4gFnR3/IMG-5258.jpg (https://ibb.co/48Zxy6s)

*Heritage Auction House- holds its first sale physical bitcoin auction- https://coins.ha.com/information/physical-cryptocurrency.s

Master List of Physical Crypto Info- https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5124662.0

Great job, well done my friend :)

Excellent job Chi!

My 1 oz silver coins are the first bitcoin collectible coins to be hand struck.

Nice work thanks @ChiBitCTy!

Thx guys, thought it would be kinda cool to see it all play out in order. Plus I was bored when I did most of this ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Old but very cool thread!

I loved seeing the comments by Gavin Andresen that you dug up from 2010.

It's going to be interesting to see where the next generation of collectibles take us... Smart contracts on a coin? Who knows...

What about Nolacoin Bitcoin coins (6 different versions) that came out in 2012? They are really nice looking coins and almost hard to find anymore.

Nice work ChiBitCTy.
Thanks for the Glimpse in the history of bitcoin.

Nice summary of the history of collectables. I think the encyclopedia should be mentioned here too.

Thx bud. Was board and thought it could be kinda cool to see how it played out. 

I’ll be honest I don’t like the encyclopedia or it’s author very much. It’s filled with misinformation ( I’ve got pen marks all over mine) and it’s really more so the work of the community. He’s not really even a collector, it’s all about money. Same with his cronies. It needs to be redone.

Gavin’s comments and that thread is a great read.  Gavin was seemingly a good dude who had plenty of good ideas, however his fallout with BTC was unfortunate.

ColdKey actually did create a SC collectible

https://i.ibb.co/swpWy5b/14-F4-ED6-B-B6-D1-47-F4-978-E-F81-CF2-E21417.jpg (https://ibb.co/0MpshBm)

Smart contracts are highly limited right now which most don’t seem to understand ( smart contract finance is a scam, for example,) but when/if they advance I think there could definitely be some cool stuff made. Though I do love what coldkey did.

I wish Elias creates an encyclopedia for notes and wallet cards. I will be looking forward to that.

Let's face it, there will never be current, or thoroughly correct "book" .... We should all make our own encyclopedia, using a site kinda like discogs.com. ;)

https://wiki.coin.community was designed for this purpose. A couple of people have helped a little bit, but it's mainly just been me working on it and there's still a lot missing, feel free to make any edit/additions  ;D

I use https://wiki.coin.community all the time to purchase my items. Very well done database. I like it. More info better buying decision.  ;D ;D ;D

Well that's not even what I'm referring to. The current encyclopedia is just filled with misinformation such as things like mint totals.  Then there's things such a praise for Infinitum Coin saying it's one of the most well established business etc etc and they are nothing but a scam.  Like how does dude not have BitBills in the first version.


I am one of those that helped a LITTLE lol.  I just had too hard of a time trying to code in all the information.  Some of us started a website few years ago and I was much better at creating on that site.  For some reason the wiki site was just much more confusing.  If I could more easily add to the site I would help out a lot more.

I think that encyclopedia was created mainly for coins. That is why I said several times there is a need for to create an encyclopedia for Wallet Cards (Plastic, metal and other forms).

So, someone can come up with a collectible item now - 1st ever encyclopedia for top wallet cards since 2009.
1st version will be only 21 serialized with private and public key. This encyclopedia will be only 21 pages and each page will mention one wallet card. So, there will be top 21 wallet cards of all time. Lets do this for this Christmas.

Truly, there is need  for encyclopedia both for wallet cards and poker chips.  


Thank you, Rainbowsky

I love this thread!

It would be nice if anyone here could reach Andresen and suggest he submit the first loaded coin he made to a grading service. This would be overall good for BTC, and huge for the hobby to have an identified first monster coin. It would bring more adoption to collecting, Elias' encyclopedia, etc.

Steeley

Why skip over NastyFans Minted Seats?  These were such a massive innovation on physical crypto collectibles at the time that hasn't been matched nearly a decade later...  There are still only a handful of coins with engravings and vanity addresses, and no coins ever produced tied to an organization that generates revenue for the coins (as far as I'm aware)...  Given that hundreds have been sold here, you'd think that would be a tough one to miss as an oversight...  There are even still some available for sale at https://nastyfans.org/mint for anyone who wants a piece of the longest publicly traded Bitcoin organization in existence, a title that can never be taken so long as trading continues unabashed.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=352515.0

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/01/11/seHWH.jpeghttps://talkimg.com/images/2024/01/11/seZCg.jpeg

I agree. One of the early coins still obtainable; although a few Finite Design are still for sale too on their site.

Steeley

This was a great read. Thank you for doing this.  We definitely need a updated version of the encyclopedia. Thats for sure..

Excellent thread, here are a couple of Physical Bitcoin collectibles that are not in the original post, using a similar format:


April 11, 2015

Denarium coins are presented in this forum. They recently had started their company in Finland with the intention to provide affordable Bitcoin physical coins worldwide. These were available from 2015 to 2020.

https://i.imgur.com/szTpitR.png

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1021159.0

There's even a collectible about this collectible, The Denarium Souvenir Book (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5298216.0). It tells the story of these coins over the years, full of images.

https://i.imgur.com/6yJZG1T.jpg



November 09, 2021

Frank from Alpen Coin, who has been producing great collectible coins from Switzerland, announced the Alpen Coin 1 Million Satoshi Gold Plated Bar in this forum as a raffle. A total of 100 bars were sold here in this forum.

https://i.imgur.com/YRTTGx7.png

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5369780.msg58378182#msg58378182

I have been saying this for a while, though I'd like actual collectors to do it this time around.  If I could get MinerJones and Tweetious to help me I'd be down for doing so. 



Thank you everyone else for your posts and interest in this thread.  I've had requests to add quite a few more things to this timeline and plan to eventually get around to doing so I just either haven't had the time or forgot about doing an update.  I will here in the next couple weeks.  Just happy people are interested in the thread, wasn't sure anyone would be when I was putting it together. 

Very odd to leave out one of the most innovative offerings in the space attached to such a long running community organization here.  Luckily, flying under the radar is what would allow someone to still be able to purchase these historical pieces (https://nastyfans.org/mint) before they completely sell out and are subject to secondary market price increases.  :)  For those wondering about these coins receiving Bitcoin distributions on a weekly basis, here are some links that you might find useful or might be valuable to add to such a historical timeline with information about these products.

https://nastyfans.org/mint.json - This gives you a list of all Minted Seats, their addresses, and the amounts held under the payout threshold for each.

https://nastyfans.org/distribution.summary.csv - This is a list of weekly distributions made by NastyFans dating back to 2012 (earlier payouts when NastyMining was traded on the GLBSE can be viewed here: https://pastebin.com/XR7zjXNA)

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=86854.0 - Forum discussion thread.