The Introduction:As collectors of all things bitcoin/cryptocurrency related we put the faith and hope of incredible sums of value in that of a coin creator's hands. The handling of the creation of public/private keypairs and hopefully the destruction thereafter, along with the quality of paper and ink used to create the QR code/Private Key underneath the tamper proof holograms should be something we talk about and even monitor. The chemical composition of the coin/card itself.. will it react adversely after a certain amount of time and shorten the life span of the ink? How long exactly does ink last? I've started to ask people around me and I've never gotten a firm answer.. usually it's the same answer of "I don't know". What if in ten to twenty years we start peeling our Casascius/BTCC Mint/Crypto Imperator coins and we find that underneath the hologram is an illegible blob of ink due to bleeding or fading.
If every coin remained unpeeled we would never know.
Recently I began collecting coins and cards that I, along with others have peeled to serve as a resource for the community aswell as to act as an early warning sign..
the canary singing in the coal mine.. to help aide with the risk of the many with great sums lying in wait underneath a hologram. With the recent NFT(non fungible token) boom we have seen blockchain/cryptocurrency enter more of a mainstream approach with
this recent Christie's auction. It won't be too long until we see some of the coins we trade here in Collectibles being introduced to various auction houses around the world. The question will always remain.. "Are the bitcoin still underneath the hologram?". With this thread we eliminate that question aswell as provide an accurate experiment that will run until the day I exit bitcoin for good (read: never).
In this thread you will find some of the more popular coins, rare coins, not so rare coins, and cards/notes made by many different creators. Some of these coins hold billions of satoshis and some only a few thousand. Remember, one bitcoin is equal to one hundred million satoshis.
With the ever changing fiat value of these coins and the length that I plan to run this thread I won't even begin to talk about the dollar value of one bitcoin or even one satoshi.The Goal:To monitor the paper and ink used underneath the various tamper proof holograms, scratch off portions, or any other form used to conceal the private key or mnemonic seed. Any sort of degradation will be noted either by the naked eye or underneath a digital microscope. High resolution pictures will be provided with each coin listed. The thread will be updated with new pictures/videos(maybe when I learn this microscope) biannually. See something I don't? Let me know in a PM and we can look further.
The Controls:The peel date will be considered the date in which the bitcoin(or other crypto) has been swept from the coin. For unfunded coins I have sent a minute amount of bitcoin to the public address and swept it to show the peel date. These will range in years from 2011 up to 2020 and beyond. The earlier peel dates give us a much greater indication of the quality of the ink underneath the hologram and its ability to withstand being exposed to the air/atmosphere.
As mentioned above, your coin that remains unpeeled will have fared better than a coin that has been exposed to the atmosphere, humidity, heat, cold, and human touch. This is only an early warning sign and if any fading/deterioration happens to the set of coins in this thread I will reach out to other collectors privately to either check their peeled coins or possibly do the deed and peel one of their own. An alarm will never be raised until it is verified by a second and third set of eyes.
Coins will be stored in various airtites and placed inside the collectors box to keep them out of direct light and have less exposure to the elements. For transparency sake this experiment takes place in Canada with a wide range of extreme hots, colds, some inbetweens, and a fair amount of humidity. Our goal here is to not do anything a regular collector wouldn't do. There will not be silica gel packets or any sort of moisture/oxygen removers placed in the box.
New Coins/Cards/Notes will be purchased from the secondary market to make sure the integrity of this experiment can not be gamed.
Nothing in this thread is for sale. Don't even ask. This is a multiyear project/experiment, if you think I would sell anything posted here then you do not understand the importance of this thread.
All pictures should redirect to a higher resolution version when clicked.
The Equipment:National Optical DC5-420TH Digital Stereo Zoom MicroscopeThe Flashery Large LightboxSamsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5GVolterra Vario3 Collectors BoxSurgical Scalpel
The Coins2011 Casascius 25BTC CoinCreator: Mike Caldwell (Casascius) | Release Thread |
Statement of Controls by Casascius
Peel Date: December 8, 2011Public Address: 1PzEGi7a6UEGCAXtGjZj8kBX2VEHcLMrqdMetal Composition: Gold plated alloyInk/Paper/Printer: "Inkjet, off-black color to ensure that C+M+Y+K ink all contribute to the color, so they would all have to fade to blank for this to be an issue."Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SkK5VPtmTm3mQKYaJQFRZP2013 Casascius 1BTC Silver/Gilt CoinCreator: Mike Caldwell (Casascius) | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1Ag5UfMTgpzp4teQgKhvk4j7qJ7rwTgUfRMetal Composition: .999 Fine Silver with GiltInk/Paper/Printer: "Inkjet, off-black color to ensure that C+M+Y+K ink all contribute to the color, so they would all have to fade to blank for this to be an issue."Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SDm6rDSNyBQSDTqzupPBPZjPZ4G5Gk2013 Casascius 0.5BTC Brass CoinCreator: Mike Caldwell (Casascius) | Release Thread
Peel Date: August 6, 2014Public Address: 12CcJ6zyScNfz6bSfJk8Ko5EeA3jpnU6gZMetal Composition: Solid BrassInk/Paper/Printer: "Inkjet, off-black color to ensure that C+M+Y+K ink all contribute to the color, so they would all have to fade to blank for this to be an issue."Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | S6UCU23LJS9iQS4yQ235wQhQ3UmkJK2014 Kialara OriginalCreator: Max Mellenbruch (Kialara) | Release Thread
Peel Date: November 15, 2020Public Address: 12Jx9tnqRQFtqbso7FP8xAt3hw4eZBq37oMetal Composition: Stainless Steel / AluminiumInk/Paper/Printer: "All private keys were generated securely, offline, and transferred via SD card to an offline printer with Dye-sublimation technology. Heat is used to transfer ink to the paper, then a clear protective coating is added which helps prevent against damage from light, water and gases - so your key will be safe for generations." Tamper Proof Covering: "I wanted a security hologram, but I wanted to avoid the sticker look if possible. My solution was a clear hologram placed perfectly on top of an engraved disc bearing identical artwork." Important to note that with Kialara Bars the art is the security. The art has to be destroyed in some sort of way to get to the private keys underneath.
What Is Underneath: The serial number of the bar along with a standard private key | 5KNSpcPBof2Xx42CkFLBWW8BFThXXDDbmDANVy5uets2FoBNNwkBTCC Mint 2018 V-Series One Tenth Bitcoin Creator: BTCC Mint | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1HyYpBU97Ti1dejeKfhUrri3g7vRY1CsFTMetal Composition: TitaniumInk/Paper/Printer: The private key is printed on waterproof polyester paperTamper Proof Covering: Custom BTCC Mint Hologram(does not follow the industry standard Honeycomb style). Leaves more of a crinkle/fold when reapplied.What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SAf6MD7KLYkFS4pDas2V1gSkm4TqH8 aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikeyBTCC Mint Black 100k Bits Poker Chip Creator: BTCC Mint | Release Thread
Peel Date: November 12, 2017Public Address: 17RSmPsHLEw3mHLmfEUpsuVJGHREd7HVHeMetal Composition: Premium Clay CompositeInk/Paper/Printer: The private key is printed on waterproof polyester paper. There is adhesive underneath the private key insert holding down the paperTamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SdNpaFYxNfTPS5tmMXcYdRjtgQ9oyT aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikey2017 Denarium Gold Half Ounce Half BTC CoinCreator: Denarium / Technomage | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 25, 2020Public Address: 1LAZ9y3y67iLsFbX37tnqsn7JP1hSmXNhUMetal Composition: .999 Pure GoldInk/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SLSbFcpHLG1fLQGRqLNRexK3M2MyEa aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikey2017 Denarium Custom Silver Coin (Empty)Creator: Denarium / Technomage | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 25, 2020Public Address: 1LDbT62sGXWyYU7mhZBN1LMcRhNWwqPNeVMetal Composition: .999 Fine SilverInk/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SR3MJubBvHszK1GVaEwu8izkWyeKCE aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikey2016 Denarium 1BTC Silver Coin (Empty)Creator: Denarium / Technomage | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 25, 2020Public Address: 1NtVC7hJV9pFtnbZQY73enPoPAcJndnNqMMetal Composition: .999 Fine SilverInk/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | S4fUCAB2HsYBTPYNmf36SUjiH1Zjqp aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikeyCrypto Imperator Super BTC CoinCreator: CryptoImperator | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 23, 2020Public Address: 18591H9fWVskhKRe2WtkMkRofVPdDFQkYGMetal Composition: .999 Fine SilverInk/Paper/Printer: Laser printer with high quality 100gm2 paper printed on highest quality and definition setting
Tamper Proof Covering: "VOID" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SXGEQBX9Z6fU8TpNMKaKdDknvpiXHTCrypto Imperator Magic Internet Money CoinCreator: CryptoImperator | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1K5jt7mCG6AHHahgsAd4u88MCHdAZHSrEvMetal Composition: .999 Fine SilverInk/Paper/Printer: Laser printer with high quality 100gm2 paper printed on highest quality and definition setting
Tamper Proof Covering: "VOID" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SjsjXuVWH6n73JLPsLz7JrM5x4H2dtLealana Brass 0.1BTC (Buyer Funded)Creator: smoothie (Lealana) | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 18kWfkz1dD5fGF7xEb4DR5GikA9hXVW3TKMetal Composition: Solid BrassInk/Paper/Printer: Laser Printer / Standard printer paper
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SEZTf9VJ8otEeds58xvbKmkdJ7G6H6Lealana 1LTC Brass LitecoinCreator: smoothie (Lealana) | Release ThreadDonated by: Agrawas
Peel Date: September 7, 2019Public Address: Lbfpw7WiUgCmW3hXTnLGgWnso3AJkHtARyMetal Composition: Nickle Plated BrassInk/Paper/Printer: Laser Printer / Standard printer paper
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Mini Private Key | SGdZSunp838iBy2U83Zwf8gkdBb36nRavenbit Node Brass A (Green)Creator: mrbrt (Ravenbit) | Release Thread
Peel Date: July 15, 2020Public Address: 165ahq6FowBZ2Pty18A3hUDxaab8b7u9BqMetal Composition: Solid BrassInk/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: Standard Private Key with blank rarity colored insert | 5KTbqMLhgxtiLimiQnaBYeWqhQDZBofpVbXN1w5kr5o4sMXt57c
NastyFans Silver One SeatCreator: OgNasty | Release Thread
Peel Date: September 7, 2019Public Address: 1Nasty4QaGHffp2kuKSQL8xwdrRJeYm1JEMetal Composition: .999 Fine SilverInk/Paper/Printer: Irrelevant, this coin has an engraved public and private keyTamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram. Hologram residue makes private key hard to read. Rubbing alcohol may be required.What Is Underneath: Engraved standard private key | 5J81AWTECctKvQj7ThT7nr49PybTWRxrN3MHxNr3o6eVY9SusFHNaTTyMiNd's 5oz Silver Goddess by EleutheriaCreator: NattyLiteCoin | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 23, 2020Public Address: BTC: 1NaTTy3oXxKVEVnXJ3UBsPfd76X7oNxcyF | LTC: LMiNd3oXHxErDe3AXVHjmcuqoCEtoGK9uWMetal Composition: .999 Fine SilverInk/Paper/Printer: Irrelevant, this coin has an engraved public and private key Tamper Proof Covering: Clear plastic sticker the size of the holo, when peeled back the private keys are under a scratch off filmWhat Is Underneath: Engraved standard private keys. BTC: 5KHLjDUHWFoyTnX83kjZd2QtZWTxfviK7W1ndPB56cS6X3BXtej | LTC: 6vb4b8GrhgSyyPqmudo7xq7VEHHsXgnWKLzkgwdHoVpjSbFYBWRSol Noctis Bull CoinCreator: Mint21 commissioned by TopWorldCoins | Read about bad private key creation
Peel Date: October 10, 2020Public Address: 17tFfGghSJtt5uMgC3bYvnvxn7GUPsrWNvMetal Composition: .999 Fine SilverInk/Paper/Printer: Private key is printed straight onto the metal with what appears to be black ink or could be lasered on.Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: 4dG8mtGXciH1EBDcQ4JSJpksQR6mBYXZK6NEvs6Y5nzT | This key is not recognizable to sweep the wallet. cwil has worked out how to turn that string into the actual private key What Should Be Underneath: Ky2R1FXAa8j4tdaPPZ53BwU8HGiRHPuaxSqxYh3Y5WuxCfR1TQXBSatori 0.001BTC Poker ChipCreator: Raimu Inc. | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1DSryWwEjnTF85eJw9B4f5z2HGG6K4omqvMetal Composition: PlasticInk/Paper/Printer: Information not available Tamper Proof Covering: Hologram that partially detaches with the paper insert. No visible honeycomb or void but when laid back down definitely looks peeled unless perfectly placed.What Is Underneath: QR Code and Serial Number | QR leads to L2whq8awaXojFRW2c6EKHmVmLAFWrHuJ9v596BN222GwBWpLwSQDBitPiece 0.25BTC CoinCreator: miffman / bigtimespaghetti | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1KRPCA4SUV3dZzRBvrR89Yxnaw99hHgp6BMetal Composition: Solid BrassInk/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info Tamper Proof Covering: "VOID" style tamper proof hologramWhat Is Underneath: QR code | QR leads to 5JRTtUEc6HYZFrJfgR9MTcrhqFAzDDTSY9p4Bw6V8mw7togVhw1Alpen Coin 2020, brillantCreator: Alpen Coin | Release Thread
Peel Date: November 7, 2020Public Address: 1gVYEx63sYFbrPpndNnJfMaRJHyM2h9vzMetal Composition: Zinc AlloyInk/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info Tamper Proof Covering: Hologram that partially detaches with the paper insert. No visible honeycomb or void but when laid back down definitely looks peeled unless perfectly placed.What Is Underneath: QR code | QR leads to KwpnYYdGZxULk7AL5ML5jJntsWviRbXby849LVYkoGUrsQQsWvM1
The CardsColdkey Genesis EditionCreator: yogg (Coldkey) | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: bc1qckqgzsvk4dyuwr3zpha87jd9g0pefxcjftpe7lCard Composition: PVC (polyvinyl chloride)Ink/Printer: The "ink" is a proprietary secret Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram with an additional layer overtop that needs to be cut into with a sharp knifeWhat Is Underneath: QR code | QR leads to L4gasuxYuFPbVvniJC2kvpiBg2HitorQ8MfVKGrnBxumNQYo6dY2Bitcoin Loaded Coldkey 1mBTCCreator: yogg (Coldkey) | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: bc1qckqpfw38hv0d9rkvpxnpzuev5rsaftrs7tyhtaCard Composition: PVC (polyvinyl chloride)Ink/Printer: The "ink" is a proprietary secret Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram with an additional layer overtop that needs to be cut into with a sharp knifeWhat Is Underneath: QR code | QR leads to L5a5h5T7jfLemAXQMHD2UmhxT5RHTN2KjYAnHAocJJxfeE7G9WLFBallet "Real Bitcoin" CardCreator: Ballet (Bobby Lee) | Release Thread |
Ballet Private Key Security
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1LqfVF99srocFTwyKrgyY9JwiN3QwFC7wZCard Composition: 304 stainless steelInk/Printer: Laser etching with tamper-evident scratch-off material | Awaiting more info Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram aswell as a "scratch off" portion for the BIP38 decode keyWhat Is Underneath: QR code and BIP38 Encrypted Private Key - 6PnTJetRSB1FrPKAfSEQJFA46yowxQ7UU6HLzGZvyavLMhuhUWNf7a8HKA | Scratch off portion reveals code to decrypt wallet 792W-ER97-42AR-4ZH5-AZFT | Decrypted Private Key - Kywvhr7DcATkjNKL2QkW6kQMV3PaTrKc66sHVY8n9dpdTzP8Wvmj
The NotesBitcoin Suisse 100mBTC Loaded Note Series ICreator: Bitcoin Suisse | Release Thread |
Bitcoin Suisse Info and Security
Peel Date: November 13, 2020Public Address: 1MXgK7JtswjLFydh9LL2NivJi7kbRnkrp1Note Composition: Printed on synthetic polymer paper, resistant to water, wear and tear.Ink/Printer: Usage of metallic silver ink on the bill, which cannot easily be replicated. Tamper Proof Covering: Private key underneath a perforated pullback strip which then reveals a scratch off area as a second security layer.What Is Underneath: Serial Number, QR Code, and Printed Private Key. QR leads to 5KKvHzmCbgwYBHBg5KLpZZpkTw7dDgGDMXnxfAEk8o3Hm1hTHdBBitcoin Suisse Generic BTC Note Series IICreator: Bitcoin Suisse | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1bSGgxAy26u5jBgPy1vFNdQvhkSj3tiXwNote Composition: The premium bank bill paper consists of 100% cotton for the optimal balance between a durability and a superior haptic feelInk/Printer: Optically variable OptiSafeŽ security printing colors and the use of UV-ink Tamper Proof Covering: The QR Code is hidden behind an opaque scratch off areaWhat Is Underneath: QR code | QR leads to 5JB8nqZwp5Q7c41gwQjz9qGf5VS2vEW3HGbx58Bog6WYZgDALBcPolymerbit 5mBTC Northern Cardinal NoteCreator: Polymerbit | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 1FrRGPNwbMJZDnZ1mvEmPrFgEYDSb3aGU5Note Composition: STC security paperInk/Printer: Water resistant ink
Tamper Proof Covering: Custom polymerbit hologram. Aluminium foil insert to block light from shining through. Hologram leaves residue when peeled and will appear damaged if attempted to be placed back.What Is Underneath: QR code | QR leads to L1nftzvp9evQa1gFMH2szFza1VRjNDWmBSuBK8m5yz43naD6mUiDSpesmonerujo 100mXMR Boron Butterfly NoteCreator: phishead | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 44MryqXT4mgJHziJsseJm1UGyqAW4MazqErcmy4LwzQfP3aGLWNo356hkJhoSs5JQNKC93QfUsAYqMN MwYm3BbtANFutPa3
BbNote Composition: Polymer
Ink/Printer: Water resistant ink
Tamper Proof Covering: Custom polymerbit hologram. Aluminium foil insert to block light from shining through. Hologram leaves residue when peeled and will appear damaged if attempted to be placed back.What Is Underneath: 25 word mnemonic seed in a folded paper slip | upper thumbs exotic heron opposite large delayed custom reef tidy spying sash fossil baptism hookup rarest dusted selfish camp atom erase serving jewels jump selfishSpesmonerujo 150mXMR Carbon Chamaeleon NoteCreator: phishead | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 43c5UkX2eyqYrnXTCepPuTjQMANhUSCt7LEPUGUkACtq8PkszbCVvQG34aLbaMww7aQ4o6YbdhEitjE SNUXBRdwhMQSTaC3
BbNote Composition: Polymer
Ink/Printer: Water resistant ink
Tamper Proof Covering: Custom polymerbit hologram. Aluminium foil insert to block light from shining through. Hologram leaves residue when peeled and will appear damaged if attempted to be placed back.What Is Underneath: 25 word mnemonic seed in a folded paper slip | avoid rogue epoxy nodes casket cell womanly hockey birth omega muddy muppet axes typist zoom germs fuel sulking guarded industrial playful dosage misery musical epoxyPapersafe Genesis Block Satoshi Note Creator: BG4 | Release Thread
Peel Date: October 24, 2020Public Address: 12Jx9tnqRQFtqbso7FP8xAt3hw4eZBq37oNote Composition: Security paper that bonds to the laser toner.Ink/Printer: Printed with a laser printer. Many UV secrets hidden amongst the front and back of these notes. Try using a blacklight. Tamper Proof Covering: Hologram which covers a scratch off security strip. Underneath is a 10 digit code to decrypt the BIP38 private key.What Is Underneath: Uncovered Private Key - 6PfMgKTkhRk3DitrPpG7LVbfn5b2oVg2o82T8gy9hN4BRHgKhkPW1BQsA9 | Underneath scratch off strip - 38B84038EC | Decrypted Private Key - 5K3811VmeYyYvqQNJ34vT6bvegjewph7nhLGEJyiERmNE1ra82E*Disclaimer:* With this particular note I peeled the hologram back and got down to the scratch security layer. Without thinking about it I started to use my scalpel to peel off the scratch layer. This caused some of the paper to lift with the scratch off portion. I spoke with BG4 after and realized I was supposed to scratch off this layer rather than try to peel it off. His advice is to heat the hologram beforehand even just by rubbing it with your fingers.. it will make the process a lot easier.
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