Thoughts about starting a Physical Bitcoin Museum at the next BTC convention?

[bithalo]

Hi all,

I dont post much these days, but was involved in co-writing the Encyclopedia of Physical Bitcoins along with elianite.  I did also meet a bunch of you at this year's Miami BTC 2022 convention.

I noticed there was a major art exhibition in the middle of the BTC 2022 hall, and thought why couldnt we do something similar with our Physicals?   Could we not get maximum exposure to our hobby and expose these to the masses, by having a museum set up?

I thought we could get sponsors to pay for insurance, rental of jewelry cases, guard, central floor space and other expenses.  We then could display and sell our insured coins for sale.  It would get exposure to tons of people while offering a way to sell our coins at a premium, for those looking to sell.  We could write up placards of each maker.  

Perhaps ask to do a major panel with coin makers, complete with slideshow, discussing the history.

At the volunteer table, we could have coin makers featured during the days.  Maybe Bobby Lee could do a Book signing?  There's lots of ideas that can be discussed.

I for one would offer up my collection for this purpose, volunteer as a docent and do writeups.  Any thoughts?  Any interest?

Think of this as Encyclopedia 2.0, bringing coins to the masses.

[MoparMiningLLC]

this would be awesome.

[selassiesoildier]

I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life 🥁 🎶 🦍

[Hookzup1]

Great idea, I will go 70% just for that section, 30% to meet as many like minded people as possible 😀

[BobbyCoins]

When I read Encyclopedia 2.0 I instantly think about minting NFTs of high-res images and additional infos on taproot.

I thought I will do this at some point to (parts of) my collection so publicly shared information can be accessed easily by any interested person, exhibited at least digitally but discussed and used in any kind of media even more... and I'd have a nice extra whenever I sell one of my collectibles.

I find it a pity that this hasn't been done way more up to now (although krogoth is doing something going in this direction which I appreciate very much) and that galleries aren't doing it innately with all of their artworks.

[MoparMiningLLC]

though I would not call it a "museum" at the show - maybe "showcase" might be a better word?


one of my goals since like 2020 has been to create/build a location that would house my entire collection (it is small but growing) but also afford space for anyone who wanted to display their items either for simply display or even to sell. Where they could even list them online, and if they sold online, I would just ship it for them - kind of like a consignment shop.

I would sell current items such as ledgers/trezors/ballet wallets. Parts to do your own HW wallet like a spectre wallet, seed signers, or even kits for building the LN ATM's etc etc

I could sell miners - both the industrial and the home miners. Displaying mine for examples as well. (mine would be mining of course though)

I also wanted to have areas for displaying crypto art - electronic screens that could display NFT art as well.

an area with VR setups so that people could visit the VR worlds that are being created centered around Bitcoin and other cryptos.

I would also put my 3d printers and laser cutter, miners, in this location.

This would then be my full time job to work at the location and also to further advance my production of Bitcoin/crypto related items using the 3d printers, lasers and eventually would like to had a fiber laser and a cnc.

[Est2013]

though I would not call it a "museum" at the show - maybe "showcase" might be a better word?


one of my goals since like 2020 has been to create/build a location that would house my entire collection (it is small but growing) but also afford space for anyone who wanted to display their items either for simply display or even to sell. Where they could even list them online, and if they sold online, I would just ship it for them - kind of like a consignment shop.

I would sell current items such as ledgers/trezors/ballet wallets. Parts to do your own HW wallet like a spectre wallet, seed signers, or even kits for building the LN ATM's etc etc

I could sell miners - both the industrial and the home miners. Displaying mine for examples as well. (mine would be mining of course though)

I also wanted to have areas for displaying crypto art - electronic screens that could display NFT art as well.

an area with VR setups so that people could visit the VR worlds that are being created centered around Bitcoin and other cryptos.

I would also put my 3d printers and laser cutter, miners, in this location.

This would then be my full time job to work at the location and also to further advance my production of Bitcoin/crypto related items using the 3d printers, lasers and eventually would like to had a fiber laser and a cnc.

MM properties/renovations are certainly up my alley and I would love to support such a concept. I'm fascinated by the concept of bringing back life to old factories/warehouses too. I would be open to further discussions on this concept in a few months if you are ever considering a property to fuel this vision.

I already travel to Jax for home football games (facepalm) and my parents live in Hudson, FL so a physical property in this area could align well with my portfolio.

[MoparMiningLLC]

though I would not call it a "museum" at the show - maybe "showcase" might be a better word?


one of my goals since like 2020 has been to create/build a location that would house my entire collection (it is small but growing) but also afford space for anyone who wanted to display their items either for simply display or even to sell. Where they could even list them online, and if they sold online, I would just ship it for them - kind of like a consignment shop.

I would sell current items such as ledgers/trezors/ballet wallets. Parts to do your own HW wallet like a spectre wallet, seed signers, or even kits for building the LN ATM's etc etc

I could sell miners - both the industrial and the home miners. Displaying mine for examples as well. (mine would be mining of course though)

I also wanted to have areas for displaying crypto art - electronic screens that could display NFT art as well.

an area with VR setups so that people could visit the VR worlds that are being created centered around Bitcoin and other cryptos.

I would also put my 3d printers and laser cutter, miners, in this location.

This would then be my full time job to work at the location and also to further advance my production of Bitcoin/crypto related items using the 3d printers, lasers and eventually would like to had a fiber laser and a cnc.

MM properties/renovations are certainly up my alley and I would love to support such a concept. I'm fascinated by the concept of bringing back life to old factories/warehouses too. I would be open to further discussions on this concept in a few months if you are ever considering a property to fuel this vision.

I already travel to Jax for home football games (facepalm) and my parents live in Hudson, FL so a physical property in this area could align well with my portfolio.

I would be doing it somewhere in Pasco/Hernando county if I was to do it - somewhere close to the veterans so easy to reach from Tampa or Orlando areas

one thing is it would take a lot of money - something I have very very little of - I have tried to get financing with several lenders and none are interested in funding a "crypto" business.

the ones that did seem interested were only interested at rate over 18% - that I am not interested in.

[Est2013]

I would be doing it somewhere in Pasco/Hernando county if I was to do it - somewhere close to the veterans so easy to reach from Tampa or Orlando areas

one thing is it would take a lot of money - something I have very very little of - I have tried to get financing with several lenders and none are interested in funding a "crypto" business.

the ones that did seem interested were only interested at rate over 18% - that I am not interested in.

Makes sense - well I'm in the raft following your boat for funding lol, but bringing a table of like minded individuals together with diverse skillsets/network often makes the process more viable. I'll DM you this summer once I clear more projects off my plate. Always looking for reasons to visit FL during the winter months 

[MoparMiningLLC]

I would be doing it somewhere in Pasco/Hernando county if I was to do it - somewhere close to the veterans so easy to reach from Tampa or Orlando areas

one thing is it would take a lot of money - something I have very very little of - I have tried to get financing with several lenders and none are interested in funding a "crypto" business.

the ones that did seem interested were only interested at rate over 18% - that I am not interested in.

Makes sense - well I'm in the raft following your boat for funding lol, but bringing a table of like minded individuals together with diverse skillsets/network often makes the process more viable. I'll DM you this summer once I clear more projects off my plate. Always looking for reasons to visit FL during the winter months 

sounds like a plan!

[jwinterm]

Anything would be better than the cringefest that was the art installation at this year's event...

[Steeley]

bithalo,

Great idea. I haven't gone to the last conferences just because I have heard there is not much in regard to physical bitcoins. I'd rather have a meet up with Bitcointalk gang somewhere for a a beer or two.

Stacks Bowers and other auction houses may be interested sponsors as well as bitcoiners. I suspect insurance covers any risk of theft. I have run charity events with situations like 'win a Porsche if you hit a hole in one.' This insurance was super cheap.

[bithalo]

Every conference I goto, I’m always disappointed not seeing any / many physicals there nor any panels about the topic.  I’d love to see that change at the next conference.  I always see jewelry and high end watch sellers there to sell to high net worth individuals.  There’s certainly people to afford funded coins, and it would be very different than what people have seen.  It would open thousands of people eyes to our hobby.  There’s also tons of lower cost unfunded coins.

Perhaps high value funded coins are kept in a more secure VIP section.  Insurance is super important, as I wouldn’t want anything being stolen.

I could see Stacks and Bowers doing a dedicated physical Bitcoin online auction where the items are there on display and people can bid online and in person.   

I would love to see a panel on the main stage where several coin makers were there and someone covered the history by slideshow.  From Bitbills and Casascius to the major ones today.  It would be amazing to see and get our hobby more mainstream. 

Plus a great excuse for all of our community to want to goto the conference!

[ChiBitCTy]

Anything would be better than the cringefest that was the art installation at this year's event...

Dude, it was awful. I was at work watching highlights on CNBC and some of my coworkers were watching with me at times and I was just embarrassed.  I work for a finance company so everyone is at least somewhat knowledgeable about crypto, and of course all know how I feel about it. They are mostly interested , understand it’s technological achievements, etc but they have some reservations as well. This just made bitcoin look bad imo. Makes it looks like a cult filled with morons.


As for the museum at a conference..there are some people here who’ve had physical btc tables at crypto conferences. I think they mostly get positive to interested feedback, but I wonder how how much stuff sells and how much shit they get.

Post a physical bitcoin on Reddit and you will be downvoted in to oblivion. Mostly seeing “crypto isn’t physical this is fake” or “that’s a scam”. So I just wonder if this would be the kind of feedback a museum might get at a major conference.

[MoparMiningLLC]

Anything would be better than the cringefest that was the art installation at this year's event...

I actually liked quite a bit of the art this year.

[bithalo]

Anything would be better than the cringefest that was the art installation at this year's event...

Dude, it was awful. I was at work watching highlights on CNBC and some of my coworkers were watching with me at times and I was just embarrassed.  I work for a finance company so everyone is at least somewhat knowledgeable about crypto, and of course all know how I feel about it. They are mostly interested , understand it’s technological achievements, etc but they have some reservations as well. This just made bitcoin look bad imo. Makes it looks like a cult filled with morons.


As for the museum at a conference..there are some people here who’ve had physical btc tables at crypto conferences. I think they mostly get positive to interested feedback, but I wonder how how much stuff sells and how much shit they get.

Post s physical bitcoin on Reddit and you will be downvoted in to oblivion. Mostly seeing “crypto isn’t physical this is fake” or “that’s a scam”. So I just wonder if this would be the kind of feedback a museum might get at a major conference.

I do understand your point about reddit.  There will be naysayers at anything.  Some will hate the idea that physicals defeat the purpose of BTC being digital or dont trust the concept of funded coins/ trusting others with private keys, while others are the opposite, and complain that there's nothing tangible about BTC, and want something to physically touch.  We can't make everyone happy, but we can make an effort to try to get physicals to be more visible and accepted in mainstream.  It might be a battle, but we can start somewhere.   

If physicals were more well known, it could make them become highly sought after collectibles.  Many editions have only 50-100 made and are very rare.  I'd love to see our hobby become sought after like other mainstream collectibles, as the public sees crypto becoming more ubiquitous everyday. 
 
I personally liked the art exhibit.  Maybe its just me.   They had a very visible centrally located presence and nice displays.  Not sure what I would have done better.  But I respect your opinion, if you didnt care for it.

Personally I think having a physicals display and sale/auction would be something different to offer at the next convention, provide more visibility to our hobby, while at the same time, providing a new avenue to possibly resell them to a wider audience.   Its something I personally would love to see between the exhibit and having a speaking panel.

But unless this has adoption from our community, I wont go forward with it. 

[ChiBitCTy]

Anything would be better than the cringefest that was the art installation at this year's event...

Dude, it was awful. I was at work watching highlights on CNBC and some of my coworkers were watching with me at times and I was just embarrassed.  I work for a finance company so everyone is at least somewhat knowledgeable about crypto, and of course all know how I feel about it. They are mostly interested , understand it’s technological achievements, etc but they have some reservations as well. This just made bitcoin look bad imo. Makes it looks like a cult filled with morons.


As for the museum at a conference..there are some people here who’ve had physical btc tables at crypto conferences. I think they mostly get positive to interested feedback, but I wonder how how much stuff sells and how much shit they get.

Post s physical bitcoin on Reddit and you will be downvoted in to oblivion. Mostly seeing “crypto isn’t physical this is fake” or “that’s a scam”. So I just wonder if this would be the kind of feedback a museum might get at a major conference.

I do understand your point about reddit.  There will be naysayers at anything.  Some will hate the idea that physicals defeat the purpose of BTC being digital or dont trust the concept of funded coins/ trusting others with private keys, while others are the opposite, and complain that there's nothing tangible about BTC, and want something to physically touch.  We can't make everyone happy, but we can make an effort to try to get physicals to be more visible and accepted in mainstream.  It might be a battle, but we can start somewhere.   

If physicals were more well known, it could make them become highly sought after collectibles.  Many editions have only 50-100 made and are very rare.  I'd love to see our hobby become sought after like other mainstream collectibles, as the public sees crypto becoming more ubiquitous everyday. 
 
I personally liked the art exhibit.  Maybe its just me.   They had a very visible centrally located presence and nice displays.  Not sure what I would have done better.  But I respect your opinion, if you didnt care for it.

Personally I think having a physicals display and sale/auction would be something different to offer at the next convention, provide more visibility to our hobby, while at the same time, providing a new avenue to possibly resell them to a wider audience.   Its something I personally would love to see between the exhibit and having a speaking panel.

But unless this has adoption from our community, I wont go forward with it. 

Oh yea don't get me wrong I think this would be pretty cool and worth doing.  The only things I worry about at times is people not understanding the risks with these collectibles.  I even see way too many people here who are recklessly trusting.  So if this was set up, I think a big presentation board explaining the potential risks that come with these coins would be a smart/responsible thing to do. 

[OgNasty]

Oh yea don't get me wrong I think this would be pretty cool and worth doing.  The only things I worry about at times is people not understanding the risks with these collectibles.  I even see way too many people here who are recklessly trusting.  So if this was set up, I think a big presentation board explaining the potential risks that come with these coins would be a smart/responsible thing to do. 

This is a very good point.  I've seen some pretty crazy shit in my life over amounts of money that these days most of us would consider pocket change.  The idea of putting a ton of extremely valuable collectibles in one place like this, especially as amateurs seems like the worst idea of all time.  Granted it would be awesome, up until everything gets robbed at gunpoint because the 2 $15/hr rent a cops didn't want to face a dozen men armed with AK47s.

If proper precautions were taken, then I imagine the security costs would be so enormous that we as a community would be better served using that money for other purposes, like helping the poor or in a more selfish use, helping promote Bitcoin.

Maybe someone should make a bunch of knock-offs so the museum is full of worthless items that are indistinguishable behind glass from the real thing.  Normies wouldn't know, or care, I promise.

[MoparMiningLLC]

Doing something like this would promote Bitcoin - and doing knock offs? That would simply be detrimental to the whole concept.

There was tens of thousands maybe even hundreds of thousands worth of stuff at the last conference - I only know one guy who had anything stolen, and it was because the vendor left it out and unattended on his table when he went to roam around.

There were more than just rent a cops at the last conference as well, there were armed police officers also


edit - though locking glass display cabinets/tables would be a good idea as many of these items are also rather small.

[bithalo]

Oh yea don't get me wrong I think this would be pretty cool and worth doing.  The only things I worry about at times is people not understanding the risks with these collectibles.  I even see way too many people here who are recklessly trusting.  So if this was set up, I think a big presentation board explaining the potential risks that come with these coins would be a smart/responsible thing to do.  

This is a very good point.  I've seen some pretty crazy shit in my life over amounts of money that these days most of us would consider pocket change.  The idea of putting a ton of extremely valuable collectibles in one place like this, especially as amateurs seems like the worst idea of all time.  Granted it would be awesome, up until everything gets robbed at gunpoint because the 2 $15/hr rent a cops didn't want to face a dozen men armed with AK47s.

If proper precautions were taken, then I imagine the security costs would be so enormous that we as a community would be better served using that money for other purposes, like helping the poor or in a more selfish use, helping promote Bitcoin.

Maybe someone should make a bunch of knock-offs so the museum is full of worthless items that are indistinguishable behind glass from the real thing.  Normies wouldn't know, or care, I promise.

Regarding valuables, I saw some jewelry and watches (Franck Muller?) there.  Many of the unfunded coins are relatively inexpensive.  I think mostly the funded coins of say over 0.05BTC would be concerning.  I earlier considered putting anything of higher value in a different VIP area only shown to high net worth individuals.  Or they could be not there at all.  Or perhaps anything that could be funded only has the peeled / unfunded out.

I've been to some bitcoin shows with jewelry, large gems / large raw solid gold pieces, etc.

I also would be concerned about leaving things over night.  I would take my own high value things home with me each night.

During the day, I certainly would use locking jewelry cases for everything.