Imported private key into bitcoin-qt, after scanning it just retunred null

[LACSTS]

Per the title I imported a private key into bitcoin-qt (fully updated) and it scanned like normal but then after it got done scanning it just said null.

Does this just mean that there isnt any BTCs on that private key or does it mean there was an error.  It did not give me an error code just null.


http://imgur.com/8CkUb2m


Much thanks in advance

[1715243723]

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[1715243723]

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[1715243723]

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[DannyHamilton]

It means there were no errors importing the private key.

You'll have to look at the wallet balance (and/or transaction history) to determine if there are any bitcoins or transactions associated with the private key.

Why are you importing a private key?  Are you trying to migrate from some other wallet?  Perhaps it would be easier to just send the balance from the old wallet to the new one.

[LACSTS]

I was doing it because I found a physical bitcoin that is one of the aluminum ones made by Casascius.

I contacted the owner of Casascius and he said he made the coin but they were not loaded and he did not make the hologram nor the QR code sticker that was on the back of it.

I couldnt get the QR code to scan because it was so small so I eventually got it to scan on a different app which gave me the key.

So this is probably a scam coin or something.




Thank you for your help though.  I checked my wallet.  No other transactions and no other balance.  (other than my original history / balance)

[miningdude]

I was doing it because I found a physical bitcoin that is one of the aluminum ones made by Casascius.

I contacted the owner of Casascius and he said he made the coin but they were not loaded and he did not make the hologram nor the QR code sticker that was on the back of it.

I couldnt get the QR code to scan because it was so small so I eventually got it to scan on a different app which gave me the key.

So this is probably a scam coin or something.




Thank you for your help though.  I checked my wallet.  No other transactions and no other balance.  (other than my original history / balance)

How much is in it?

Try to import it in blockchain instead.

[LACSTS]

Nothing was on it.

Ill try blockchain again but I couldnt figure it out using blockchain.

Ive read the guides but I never get to a part where there is a spot to import your key.

[HI-TEC99]

Nothing was on it.

Ill try blockchain again but I couldnt figure it out using blockchain.

Ive read the guides but I never get to a part where there is a spot to import your key.

There's probably nothing on the coin, but to be sure try importing your key into electrum, versions 2.6 and later support importing the mini private key format used in casascius coins.

https://github.com/spesmilo/electrum/blob/master/RELEASE-NOTES

Release 2.6

*snip*

Support minikeys as used in Casascius coins for private key import and sweeping

Download electrum from this page and import your key into that.

https://download.electrum.org/2.7.18/

If you are running windows then download the portable version, create a new folder, and run it in that.

https://download.electrum.org/2.7.18/electrum-2.7.18-portable.exe

Use the settings shown in these screenshots.






Import your private key into the window shown below, then just keep clicking the next button on the successive screens and leave the settings at their defaults.




Afterwards electrum should sync almost immediately and show you your casascius coin's balance.

[achow101]

Thank you for your help though.  I checked my wallet.  No other transactions and no other balance.  (other than my original history / balance)

Then there is probably no Bitcoin associated with that private key. If there is supposed to be some, then you imported the key incorrectly, but I don't think that is the case as importprivkey is supposed to return null (or nothing at all) when it is successful.

[LoyceV]

Nothing was on it.

If you "found" it, it could be someone else has the private key, waiting for some innocent finder to fund it!
After importing in Bitcoin Core, you can't delete it from your wallet (unless you imported it into a new wallet or restore a backup). If you keep it in your daily wallet, make sure to label it ("DO NOT USE EVER AGAIN").