This thread is intended to keep a historical record of what is about to transpire in this small marketplace for this rare item. Bittburger has been the OG on this file for a while, but seems largely inactive these days, and difficult to get in touch with (list/count my copy bro). He maintains this site for contact and background:
https://www.thetimes03jan2009.com/TODAY's Auction link: https://scarce.city/auctions/satoshi-times
Current Bid: 1.2 Bitcoin
Time Left to Bid: 7 Hours
My interest in this auction: I'm one of the dozen or so people around the world who has an original FULL copy (including all the inserts) of THE TIMES: January 3 2009 - Chancellor on Brink of Second Bailout For Banks newspaper -
https://medium.com/@Fiach_dubh/the-times-03-jan-2009-chancellor-on-brink-of-second-bailout-for-banks-6f071d1cd7bcAs such, my interest in this auction is a selfish third party bystandard. I don't have a direct financial interest in the outcome of this auction. I do have an indirect financial interest though in the outcome of this auction, as it does set the market price for this rare item, for which, I have an original copy.
Some green flags to be aware about todays auction on scarce.city:This rare item is "mostly" complete. The full "main" 88 pages of the newspaper are being sold. That includes the Front Page (the most valuable part of this newspaper) and the second part of the front page article (Chancellor on Brink etc) referenced in the Bitcoin Genesis block by Satoshi, on page 6.
From looking at the bottom left hand corner 6 character fingerprint of this copy, it is consistent with my copy, and others I have seen online. (though it is partially cut off, which has been seen with a previous copies that have not sold).
The yellowing of the front page is consistent with ageing due to sunlight exposure.
A few months ago, a new Bitcointalk user claimed to have found a copy of this rare item, and was interested in selling it, and asked for help in doing this. Today's auction is consistent with that bitcointalk user.
"Prior to final settlement, the winning bidder may, at their own expense, engage an independent expert of their choosing to verify authenticity."
That's the "goodish" news.
Some red flags to consider:This rare item does not come with the several inserts that originally came with the newspaper:
https://x.com/BITCOINALLCAPS/status/2046674602714132778The total pages/content of these inserts makes up more then 100 pages. Of the above pictured inserts, the tokens section (2 full sheets, 8 pages total) is not included/pictured, and is not included in this auction.
The seller alleges that he threw the inserts away to save space, as he's a political buff who keeps a large library of years worth of The Times newspapers. For more details see this thread here:
https://x.com/BITCOINALLCAPS/status/2046684694146601007The auction site does take a commission in the sale of this item, so is a bit biased.
"The framed original issue from the day before (2nd January 2009) is also included in this auction lot, supporting its provenance."
A jan 2nd copy can be bought for $150 online right now (plenty are in stock), so this should not be relied upon for the providence of this item for auction.
Full current text of the auction site description:
Original framed edition of The Times Newspaper (3rd January 2009) featuring the iconic Bitcoin Genesis Block headline. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to purchase a coveted physical Bitcoin collectible with both historical and symbolic value due to its direct connection to the birth of Bitcoin. There are very few copies in circulation globally, and this original edition will be exhibited at the Bitcoin Conference 2026, in Las Vegas.
The full 88-page main newspaper has been carefully preserved, with every page in excellent condition. It is professionally framed with specialist UV protection. This exclusive newspaper comes from the private collection of a dedicated newspaper collector and political researcher, who purchased the paper in London, UK on 3rd January 2009. The owner has amassed an impressive archive of daily editions of The Times newspaper for over 40 years. The framed original issue from the day before (2nd January 2009) is also included in this auction lot, supporting its provenance.
The newspaper does not include the original “inserts”. The owner discarded them due to their specialized political field, and storage constraints (14,500 newspapers take up a huge amount of space).
The first-ever Bitcoin block (known as the ‘Genesis Block’) was mined by Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto on 3rd January 2009. It is the foundational block of the entire Bitcoin blockchain and therefore holds immense technical and historical significance. This significance has grown over time as Bitcoin (and the wider cryptocurrency market) has grown in prominence and scale. Embedded within the code of this Genesis Block was the text: “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks” — this was a direct quote from the front page of The Times newspaper published that day. This not only served as a timestamp, but was also intended as a deliberate and symbolic critique of the traditional financial system (given the financial crisis at the time).
Condition Note:
3rd January 2009 framed newspaper (‘Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks’ headline) - in excellent condition, no ink markings or page tears.
2nd January 2009 framed supporting newspaper - shows visible signs of age and previous handling, including ink markings and various page tears.
Prior to final settlement, the winning bidder may, at their own expense, engage an independent expert of their choosing to verify authenticity.
This is a premium auction. Unlimited bidding requires a 0.05 BTC hold (or equivalent PayPal credit card hold).
If you've already deposited 0.005 BTC, an additional 0.045 BTC is needed.
You can also unlock unlimited bids by linking a Twitter account with 5,000+ followers. If you previously unlocked unlimited bids with 1,000+ followers, your access continues.
No account? You can still bid — each bid requires a 1% deposit in Bitcoin.
Email
plebsupport@scarce.city with any questions.
This Lot Includes:
Physical Good - January 3, 2009 edition:
Dimensions: 23 x 26 (in)
Weight: 2 (lb)
Materials: Newspaper, Framed with UV resistant glass
Item Type: Art Collectible
Physical Good - January 2, 2009 edition:
Dimensions: 23 x 26 (in)
Weight: 2 (lb)
Materials: Newspaper, Framed with UV resistant glass
Item Type: Art Collectible
No Reserve
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Conclusion:
I'd say there is a very good chance this rare item for auction is a real original copy of The Times Jan 3 2009.
With that said, it isn't as complete as others.
The missing inserts makes up more then 100+ pages of content from 2 magazines, and several other interesting newspaper print sections that are value add.
So consider this a discount item for sale. The more complete originals out there, with less ageing (yellow sun damage) will likely fetch a higher price.
Happy bidding whales.
