A 1
BTC Bitbills on auction at StackBowers current crypto auction, I do believe this is their first ever Bitbills to be offered in their auctions.
Lets see what the market brings!
https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-18DWT5/2011-bitbills-1-bitcoin-card-loaded-firstbits-16d29xiv-genuine-pcgs As per site...
Current Bid $55,000
LOT DESCRIPTION
Rare and Historic Bitbills 1 Bitcoin Card
The Precursor to the Physical Bitcoin Category
2011 Bitbills 1 Bitcoin Card. Loaded. Firstbits 16D29Xiv. Genuine (PCGS).
Loaded with 1 BTC. A landmark rarity that represents the precursor to the entire physical crypto category. Bitbills was created by Douglas Feigelson of Cincinnati, Ohio and
the first cards were released in May 2011, predating the earliest coins from the Casascius series by about six months. They established the basic format of protecting a private key beneath a security seal that continues to be utilized by physical crypto producers even to this day. Feigelson even filed an application to patent this concept on December 23, 2011.
Specialist Elias Ahonen remarks in his Encyclopedia that " Bitbills were introduced in May 2011 and were the firsrt non-paper object to display bitcoin in physical form...their role in introducing the idea of physical Bitcoin should not be understated."
Just 589 of these 1 Bitcoin cards were originally produced, though the majority have been redeemed in the 13 years since their release. It is estimated that fewer than 200 cards have survived intact and this number continues to dwindle as time goes on and as the value of Bitcoin increases. This particular card was funded on July 26, 2011 and it remains an invaluable relic of the foundational era of collectible crypto. It is the very first example we have had the pleasure of offering to collectors and it is surely destined for a world-class collection. Public Address: 16D29XivzNxUXMEPNLCXAMwtAmQz7Y6A4k
