Sorry, I can't risk 0.5BTC for your story.
BUT, I hope your leg gets better! 

I know there's not much you can do...
But, if you can find a way to get them shipped internationally for a considerably cheaper amount then it'd increase interest.
You could try and find some distributors in different countries/continents which would make shipping cheaper. Of course they'd have to be trustworthy too... They could be the official distributor in each continent, saving you hassle and boosting sales.

That's not below the starting bid

You'll have to hang on a while. It's a lengthy project that requires time and effort. Should be rewarding though in the end
Just be patient, or forget about what I said until I release it

Got some good news for all shibes coming soon...
It's going to be very wow... Much excitement...

PMed. Thanks.

P.S See the last part of my PM. I'd sort that out quite urgently if I were you!

Is there any other shipping method that doesn't include tracking but is still insured?
£29 adds quite a bit to the total. It adds on just under 50% of the total.
It's really the only thing stopping me from buying it.

I'm thinking about buying one, but $50 international shipping is just a bit over the top IMO!

What's the fun in that?  

It's going to be hard to implement.
Say it's used as a collateral in the current position BTC is in now, which bank would allow it to be used? Due to its volatility I doubt any financial institution would be willing to accept it's use. Besides, even if they would, they'd undervalue it tremendously and ask for a ridiculous amount of BTC in the event that they'd need to liquidate it. BTC is currently defined as an 'asset' and it's 'irregular' in the sense that it fluctuates more than other types of 'assets' such as property, art etc. The bank/financial institution wouldn't accept it as the value of the collateral could become worthless at any stage throughout the duration of the loan.
If the collateral is being backed on a personal loan/sale then I'd assume that'd depend entirely on whether or not the seller/person granting the loan would allow it.
From a legal point of view, I don't see any issues with it though.

How much did you sell this for?

You mean 20% off then.
80% off would mean you pay $20 for a $100 GC.

He never mentioned it being a scam.  He just said that he thinks it's a good deal.
Nothing wrong with that 

How much for the aluminium casascius blanks?

Thanks

I want to vouch for OP.
He's trustworthy and a well respected member of the community.
He has a valid reason for what he is asking for.

Good luck!

Bribing the 3 pools is actually pointless. Ultimately, they'd be the ones losing out as after a 51% attack nobody would want to mine anymore. They lose miners, they lose fees... Won't benefit them really. (Unless the bribe is HUGE).
Still, won't actually happen!

What's Black Thursday?
Regardless of the day/month, I always 100% hold. That's what believing in BTC is about. Buy & Hold, then repeat 

When the coins are sold, they'll probably be sold off in smaller amounts. It wouldn't be possible for them to sell the coins in one go as who'd buy them all?
I'd say they'll be sold off over a period of a couple of weeks.
With the ease of supply, the price won't be affected too much. In this case it's not about an increase in supply as the coins are already in circulation. It would be more of a case of buyer confidence that would determine whether or not the price level would be affected. If people believe in BTC for what it is, it'd get snatched up at the market rate. If you only look at BTC in terms of its USD parallel then yes, price may fall quite a bit.
Remember, when you're valuing the coins at 12.5m, that's at the current market price. Who'd spend 12.5m if they know as soon as they'd buy it, it would drastically drop in price 

IMO, there's no need to be concerned.

That markup is pretty big.
Other members are trying to sell them for double FV and are still trying to find buyers.
Just some advice, not looking to criticise.

Yes. How much are you offering