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 Microscope

The Flashery Large Lightbox

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G

Volterra Vario3 Collectors Box

Surgical Scalpel

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The Coins
2011 Casascius 25BTC Coin
Creator: Mike Caldwell (Casascius)   |   Release Thread   |   Statement of Controls by Casascius




Peel Date: December 8, 2011
Public Address: 1PzEGi7a6UEGCAXtGjZj8kBX2VEHcLMrqd
Metal Composition: Gold plated alloy
Ink/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 hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SkK5VPtmTm3mQKYaJQFRZP



2013 Casascius 1BTC Silver/Gilt Coin
Creator: Mike Caldwell (Casascius)   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1Ag5UfMTgpzp4teQgKhvk4j7qJ7rwTgUfR
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver with Gilt
Ink/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 hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SDm6rDSNyBQSDTqzupPBPZjPZ4G5Gk



2013 Casascius 0.5BTC Brass Coin
Creator: Mike Caldwell (Casascius)   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: August 6, 2014
Public Address: 12CcJ6zyScNfz6bSfJk8Ko5EeA3jpnU6gZ
Metal Composition: Solid Brass
Ink/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 hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  S6UCU23LJS9iQS4yQ235wQhQ3UmkJK



2014 Kialara Original
Creator: Max Mellenbruch (Kialara)   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: November 15, 2020
Public Address: 12Jx9tnqRQFtqbso7FP8xAt3hw4eZBq37o
Metal Composition: Stainless Steel / Aluminium
Ink/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  |  5KNSpcPBof2Xx42CkFLBWW8BFThXXDDbmDANVy5uets2FoBNNwk



BTCC Mint 2018 V-Series One Tenth Bitcoin
Creator: BTCC Mint   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1HyYpBU97Ti1dejeKfhUrri3g7vRY1CsFT
Metal Composition: Titanium
Ink/Paper/Printer: The private key is printed on waterproof polyester paper
Tamper 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 minikey



BTCC Mint Black 100k Bits Poker Chip
Creator: BTCC Mint   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: November 12, 2017
Public Address: 17RSmPsHLEw3mHLmfEUpsuVJGHREd7HVHe
Metal Composition: Premium Clay Composite
Ink/Paper/Printer: The private key is printed on waterproof polyester paper. There is adhesive underneath the private key insert holding down the paper
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SdNpaFYxNfTPS5tmMXcYdRjtgQ9oyT aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikey



2017 Denarium Gold Half Ounce Half BTC Coin
Creator: Denarium / Technomage   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 25, 2020
Public Address: 1LAZ9y3y67iLsFbX37tnqsn7JP1hSmXNhU
Metal Composition: .999 Pure Gold
Ink/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SLSbFcpHLG1fLQGRqLNRexK3M2MyEa aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikey



2017 Denarium Custom Silver Coin (Empty)
Creator: Denarium / Technomage   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 25, 2020
Public Address: 1LDbT62sGXWyYU7mhZBN1LMcRhNWwqPNeV
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver
Ink/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SR3MJubBvHszK1GVaEwu8izkWyeKCE aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikey



2016 Denarium 1BTC Silver Coin (Empty)
Creator: Denarium / Technomage   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 25, 2020
Public Address: 1NtVC7hJV9pFtnbZQY73enPoPAcJndnNqM
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver
Ink/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  S4fUCAB2HsYBTPYNmf36SUjiH1Zjqp aswell as QR Code which converts to the minikey



Crypto Imperator Super BTC Coin
Creator: CryptoImperator   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 23, 2020
Public Address: 18591H9fWVskhKRe2WtkMkRofVPdDFQkYG
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver
Ink/Paper/Printer: Laser printer with high quality 100gm2 paper printed on highest quality and definition setting
Tamper Proof Covering: "VOID" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SXGEQBX9Z6fU8TpNMKaKdDknvpiXHT



Crypto Imperator Magic Internet Money Coin
Creator: CryptoImperator   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1K5jt7mCG6AHHahgsAd4u88MCHdAZHSrEv
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver
Ink/Paper/Printer: Laser printer with high quality 100gm2 paper printed on highest quality and definition setting
Tamper Proof Covering: "VOID" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SjsjXuVWH6n73JLPsLz7JrM5x4H2dt



Lealana Brass 0.1BTC (Buyer Funded)
Creator: smoothie (Lealana)   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 18kWfkz1dD5fGF7xEb4DR5GikA9hXVW3TK
Metal Composition: Solid Brass
Ink/Paper/Printer: Laser Printer  /  Standard printer paper
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SEZTf9VJ8otEeds58xvbKmkdJ7G6H6



Lealana 1LTC Brass Litecoin
Creator: smoothie (Lealana)   |   Release Thread
Donated by: Agrawas




Peel Date: September 7, 2019
Public Address: Lbfpw7WiUgCmW3hXTnLGgWnso3AJkHtARy
Metal Composition: Nickle Plated Brass
Ink/Paper/Printer: Laser Printer  /  Standard printer paper
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Mini Private Key  |  SGdZSunp838iBy2U83Zwf8gkdBb36n



Ravenbit Node Brass A (Green)
Creator: mrbrt (Ravenbit)   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: July 15, 2020
Public Address: 165ahq6FowBZ2Pty18A3hUDxaab8b7u9Bq
Metal Composition: Solid Brass
Ink/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "Honeycomb" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: Standard Private Key with blank rarity colored insert  |  5KTbqMLhgxtiLimiQnaBYeWqhQDZBofpVbXN1w5kr5o4sMXt57c



NastyFans Silver One Seat
Creator: OgNasty   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: September 7, 2019
Public Address: 1Nasty4QaGHffp2kuKSQL8xwdrRJeYm1JE
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver
Ink/Paper/Printer: Irrelevant, this coin has an engraved public and private key
Tamper 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  |  5J81AWTECctKvQj7ThT7nr49PybTWRxrN3MHxNr3o6eVY9SusFH



NaTTyMiNd's 5oz Silver Goddess by Eleutheria
Creator: NattyLiteCoin   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 23, 2020
Public Address: BTC: 1NaTTy3oXxKVEVnXJ3UBsPfd76X7oNxcyF   |   LTC: LMiNd3oXHxErDe3AXVHjmcuqoCEtoGK9uW
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver
Ink/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 film
What Is Underneath: Engraved standard private keys. BTC: 5KHLjDUHWFoyTnX83kjZd2QtZWTxfviK7W1ndPB56cS6X3BXtej   |   LTC: 6vb4b8GrhgSyyPqmudo7xq7VEHHsXgnWKLzkgwdHoVpjSbFYBWR



Sol Noctis Bull Coin
Creator: Mint21 commissioned by TopWorldCoins  |   Read about bad private key creation




Peel Date: October 10, 2020
Public Address: 17tFfGghSJtt5uMgC3bYvnvxn7GUPsrWNv
Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver
Ink/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 hologram
What 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: Ky2R1FXAa8j4tdaPPZ53BwU8HGiRHPuaxSqxYh3Y5WuxCfR1TQXB



Satori 0.001BTC Poker Chip
Creator: Raimu Inc.   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1DSryWwEjnTF85eJw9B4f5z2HGG6K4omqv
Metal Composition: Plastic
Ink/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 L2whq8awaXojFRW2c6EKHmVmLAFWrHuJ9v596BN222GwBWpLwSQD



BitPiece 0.25BTC Coin
Creator: miffman / bigtimespaghetti   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1KRPCA4SUV3dZzRBvrR89Yxnaw99hHgp6B
Metal Composition: Solid Brass
Ink/Paper/Printer: Awaiting more info
Tamper Proof Covering: "VOID" style tamper proof hologram
What Is Underneath: QR code  |  QR leads to 5JRTtUEc6HYZFrJfgR9MTcrhqFAzDDTSY9p4Bw6V8mw7togVhw1



Alpen Coin 2020, brillant
Creator: Alpen Coin   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: November 7, 2020
Public Address: 1gVYEx63sYFbrPpndNnJfMaRJHyM2h9vz
Metal Composition: Zinc Alloy
Ink/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

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The Cards
Coldkey Genesis Edition
Creator: yogg (Coldkey)   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: bc1qckqgzsvk4dyuwr3zpha87jd9g0pefxcjftpe7l
Card 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 knife
What Is Underneath: QR code  |  QR leads to L4gasuxYuFPbVvniJC2kvpiBg2HitorQ8MfVKGrnBxumNQYo6dY2



Bitcoin Loaded Coldkey 1mBTC
Creator: yogg (Coldkey)   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: bc1qckqpfw38hv0d9rkvpxnpzuev5rsaftrs7tyhta
Card 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 knife
What Is Underneath: QR code  |  QR leads to L5a5h5T7jfLemAXQMHD2UmhxT5RHTN2KjYAnHAocJJxfeE7G9WLF



Ballet "Real Bitcoin" Card
Creator: Ballet (Bobby Lee)   |   Release Thread   |   Ballet Private Key Security




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1LqfVF99srocFTwyKrgyY9JwiN3QwFC7wZ
Card Composition: 304 stainless steel
Ink/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 key
What 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 Notes
Bitcoin Suisse 100mBTC Loaded Note Series I
Creator: Bitcoin Suisse   |   Release Thread   |   Bitcoin Suisse Info and Security




Peel Date: November 13, 2020
Public Address: 1MXgK7JtswjLFydh9LL2NivJi7kbRnkrp1
Note 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 5KKvHzmCbgwYBHBg5KLpZZpkTw7dDgGDMXnxfAEk8o3Hm1hTHdB



Bitcoin Suisse Generic BTC Note Series II
Creator: Bitcoin Suisse   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1bSGgxAy26u5jBgPy1vFNdQvhkSj3tiXw
Note Composition: The premium bank bill paper consists of 100% cotton for the optimal balance between a durability and a superior haptic feel
Ink/Printer: Optically variable OptiSafe® security printing colors and the use of UV-ink
Tamper Proof Covering: The QR Code is hidden behind an opaque scratch off area
What Is Underneath: QR code  |  QR leads to 5JB8nqZwp5Q7c41gwQjz9qGf5VS2vEW3HGbx58Bog6WYZgDALBc



Polymerbit 5mBTC Northern Cardinal Note
Creator: Polymerbit   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 1FrRGPNwbMJZDnZ1mvEmPrFgEYDSb3aGU5
Note Composition: STC security paper
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: QR code  |  QR leads to L1nftzvp9evQa1gFMH2szFza1VRjNDWmBSuBK8m5yz43naD6mUiD



Spesmonerujo 100mXMR Boron Butterfly Note
Creator: phishead   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 44MryqXT4mgJHziJsseJm1UGyqAW4MazqErcmy4LwzQfP3aGLWNo356hkJhoSs5JQNKC93QfUsAYqMN MwYm3BbtANFutPa3
Bb
Note 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 selfish



Spesmonerujo 150mXMR Carbon Chamaeleon Note
Creator: phishead   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 43c5UkX2eyqYrnXTCepPuTjQMANhUSCt7LEPUGUkACtq8PkszbCVvQG34aLbaMww7aQ4o6YbdhEitjE SNUXBRdwhMQSTaC3
Bb
Note 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 epoxy



Papersafe Genesis Block Satoshi Note
Creator: BG4   |   Release Thread




Peel Date: October 24, 2020
Public Address: 12Jx9tnqRQFtqbso7FP8xAt3hw4eZBq37o
Note 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.

Bravo TeeGumes.....job well done..we needed someone to do this...Thankyou

teeGUMES.
Phenomenal work. If I ever peel anything I'll be more than happy to send some of the items I peel to you regardless if you already have that coin or not listed. That's if you want it of course for the added variation! The reason being is just because 1 coin/item looked fine maybe another coin or collectible from the same lineup or version might not fare as well or might be much better having maybe been stored differently or exposed more or less to the elements etc.....

iBHK8

a very very good thread and i take my hat off to you when i read and see what you have in mind.
teeGUMES, i thank you already now for all your work and i think that all cryptocurrencies collectors will support your work here in some way.💪
i personally find the whole preparation and all the information that will come to light very interesting for all of us

wow so many wonderful items on this page ! 

I'm more and more attracted to these collectibles...is this a serious problem, doctor ?

Bookmarked thread 

Awesome thread thanks so much for putting in all this effort to help all collectors sleep better. Is there a best and worst option so far in your opinion?

amazing work and fantastic quality, i am astounded by the quality of work produced by the collectible community.

I sent you all the merit I had left. Thanks for the informative thread, extremely well put together!

EDIT: Regarding the Satori coin, I have some old emails from one of their employees. I'll contact him to see if he can share information about the paper/ink they used.

Great thread, thank you so much for this.

Its been on my mind a bit lately on how the quality of the ink may degrade over time, so this thread has been a god send

Thanks!

Let me preface my answer with the fact that I am not an expert in any field associated with ink or paper, just a guy with a microscope and an idea for a thread.

The first part of your question is exactly what we'll be testing here. Everything unpeeled should technically last longer than the peeled coins on display here. It really starts to come together when you have the data that we already have with the Casascius coins I currently have. 2011 | 2014 | 2020 peel dates and they all look like they were peeled yesterday. Mind you they were all stored in an "unpeeled state" with the private key insert facing the metal and the hologram loosely reapplied to the best of the once-peeled adhesive's ability to hold it down. I've been thinking about this and I have a 2013 Casascius Brass 1BTC on its way to me in the mail right now. I am going to leave the insert and hologram facing upwards like you see in the third picture of each coin here just as a side project.. I believe the more data we have out in the open will benefit the whole Collectibles area. I might do this with a few popular duplicate items, have an "Outlier" section of this project.

Laminating could prove beneficial but there are always the different pros and cons with each new step added to making coins. You may extend the life yes, if you choose the right laminating material.. as we've seen with different top loading sleeves we never really know whats good and whats bad until something really bad happens. You don't want to be the coin maker to find out whats bad.
Also with laminating I feel like the dimensions of your paper insert now change. Thicker, taller, wider.. this now means less hologram to metal ratio which makes your coin more delicate and prone to a hologram coming off on its own. You solve this by making your paper insert smaller to compensate.. but now your private key or QR code is printed smaller and tighter.. more of a chance for the ink to bleed into an unrecognizable format.

There are just so many "what ifs" to think of, I think being a coin creator today you have to look back and just see "what works" and focus on increasing security rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.
Now speaking of the wheel.. is it really a paper insert that relies on the lifespan of paper and ink? I'm already thinking about six months in the future when I pull all these coins out to throw under the microscope again.. the question already in the back of my mind is do I really have to scope the engraved coins**? Something to think about.

**of course I will


Side note: I'd be very interested in an experienced tattoo artists' opinion.