Thanks for sharing the website. The description in encyclopedia is really intriguing
Where have it been sold? Or is there someplace where they are selling this?
I have tried to search the firstbits with no success
How can I see the original tx/check their loading?
I am curious to know...according Ahoen, it has been created a die for each coin (due the serial number?)
The same QRcode seems already designed with the coin... it was created one by one?
Thanks for the interest! Here are the details regarding your questions:
1. On Availability: This was a commemorative project created back in 2014, not a commercial product. It was intended strictly for private collection by early Bitcoin enthusiasts. There has never been an official public sales channel; only a few private transfers occurred among early adopters in the past, and these were always priced in BTC.
2. On Tracking / Firstbits: "Firstbits" functionality is largely obsolete now, which is why your search failed. You can check the original funding records and current status directly by entering the Bitcoin address on our website (or a block explorer). Note regarding the addresses: We have not publicly listed all addresses to protect the coins from "dust attacks," which would disrupt the clean 1 BTC balance (a concern for those of us with OCD regarding the exact balance!).
3. On Manufacturing: You have a very sharp eye! Yes, a separate die was indeed created for each individual coin. We spent 500 BTC at the time, covering the cost of the gold and the production of 101 unique dies. Because the production cost far exceeded the face value (1 BTC), it was never destined to be a commodity priced in fiat currency. It was simply positioned as an "inside joke" or meme for the early Bitcoin community.
"Just to add one more detail: The reason we created a separate die for each coin wasn't just for the serial numbers. Each die had to incorporate the specific QR code for that coin's encrypted private key, which was then struck directly into the metal. This means the physical relief pattern of every coin is unique.
Our goal was to have the private key data permanently minted into the gold itself—rather than using superficial laser etching or stickers. You can essentially think of it as a 'paper wallet,' but forged in solid gold."
[moderator's note: consecutive posts merged]
