Grading Insights: Exploring the Colorful World of Crypto Tokens

It has been several years since PCGS made headline news by first encapsulating the highly collectible Cascasius Bitcoin tokens, including some of the infamous, still-intact 1,000 Cas gold coins and bars packed with 1,000 BTC each. Since that time, the breadth of what we recognize and attribute in this market segment has grown considerably, along with public auction activity for such items. PCGS-encapsulated physical cryptocurrency tokens can now frequently be found in major numismatic sales alongside famous vintage rarities, offering collectors a chance to add a sophisticated modern touch to their holdings.

While many collectors may by now have encountered an example of the Casacius 1 BTC issues (even those with the cryptocurrency already redeemed can fetch into the four figures!), we’d like to highlight some of the other compelling and diverse PCGS-recognized pieces this numismatic postal code has to offer.

After the Casascius 1 BTC pieces, the second most frequently graded series is the Lealana Litecoin tokens, typically struck in silver with deep-cameo (DCAM) proof obverses. The imaged 10 Litecoin piece contains half an ounce of the metal and was originally issued as part of a 5, 10, and 25 LTC denomination set. As with other contemporary issues, a tamper-evident sticker on the reverse conceals the private key.

Dove .01 BTC by Denarium

Among the most numismatically attractive cryptocurrency tokens is the famous Dove .01 BTC piece by Denarium. Struck in 2015, this clean and attractive design was intended to convey the freedom offered by decentralized currency. Similar to the Cascasius in size and feel, this artistic issue will be one of the cornerstones of any cryptocurrency type set and an enduring fan favorite.

500,000-bit “poker chip” issued by BTCC

Among the most unique and innovative crypto series are the variously colored “poker chips” issued by BTCC beginning in 2016, in the form of the purple 500,000-bit (half-bitcoin) version illustrated here. Roughly the size of a silver dollar, they are wildly popular in all denominations. They were initially sold in denomination sets or rolls with sequential serial numbers, and individual PCGS-encapsulated examples can now frequently be found in public auctions.

2014 Sol Noctis Binary Eagle

Perhaps the most visually dramatic cryptocurrency issue is the 2014 Sol Noctis Binary Eagle. This piece, denominated to .01 Bitcoin when fully loaded, was struck by the Polish Mint and boasts a stunningly textured deep cameo finish. It also contains a full ounce of silver, a colorized reverse, and an unforgettably three-dimensional design.

In addition to the examples described above, PCGS recognizes and certifies cryptocurrency-related tokens from manufacturers, including Alpen, CryptoImperator, MoonBits, Titan, Infinitum, and many others! We will also certify (and notate) unloaded or redeemed (“opened”) examples of these series. When considering the acquisition of any crypto-related pieces, it is important to remember that PCGS is only grading the physical (encasing) token and not making any warranties or claims about the existence or accessibility of any related or interred cryptocurrency.