Rare Casascius 25 BTC Coin Peeled, Private Key Swept On-Chain
A rare 25-bitcoin Casascius physical coin, minted between 2011 and 2013, had its tamper-evident hologram peeled on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and the 25 BTC (worth approximately $1.78 million) were swept to a new wallet. Casascius coins, created by software engineer Mike Caldwell, embed real bitcoin under holograms and are prized by collectors for both face value and numismatic premium when left intact. The redemption destroyed the coin's collectible status, converting it into pure bitcoin. This event occurred amid broader activity from long-dormant bitcoin holdings, including a 2011-era wallet that moved 35 BTC after 15 years. Thousands of Casascius coins remain unredeemed across all denominations, with fewer than 20 of the 1,000-BTC denomination ever minted, most still intact. The project inspired successors like Lealana and Denarium, but Casascius remains the most collected.
Key facts
- Casascius coin with 25 BTC face value peeled on June 3, 2026.
- 25 BTC worth ~$1.78 million swept to new wallet.
- Hologram removal destroyed coin's collectible premium.
- Mike Caldwell halted production in 2013 due to regulatory concerns.
- Thousands of Casascius coins remain unredeemed across denominations.