Physical Cryptocurrency Pushes Heritage’s July Modern World Coins Showcase Auction Above $762,000

Exceptional physical cryptocurrency and modern world gold Proof coinage attracted collector interest in Heritage’s July 26 Modern World Coins Showcase Auction, which realized $762,978. The sale featured a diverse selection of highly sought-after physical Bitcoin collectibles, low-mintage modern gold issues and prestigious Royal Mint and Monnaie de Paris releases, underscoring continued demand for certified physical cryptocurrency and modern world coins among collectors worldwide.

Leading the auction was a Casascius brass Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2013 MS66 NGC, which realized $91,500. One of just 4,089 examples issued in the coveted Series 2, the loaded physical Bitcoin remains among the most recognizable and desirable pieces in the history of cryptocurrency collecting. Loaded in 2013 and preserved in Mint State 66 by NGC, the example reflects the enduring appeal of Casascius coins as tangible artifacts from Bitcoin’s formative years.

Physical cryptocurrency continued to dominate the top results as a BTCC clay composite Loaded (Unredeemed) “Poker Chip” 0.5 Bitcoin (BTC) ND (2016) MS69 NGC realized $34,160. Produced by BTCC with a limited mintage of just 900 pieces, the distinctive clay composite issue combines casino-inspired design with blockchain history. Bearing serial number A00555 and loaded in 2016, the nearly flawless MS69-certified example demonstrated the growing market for rare physical Bitcoin collectibles beyond the Casascius series.

Collectors of modern British gold coinage pushed an impressive Elizabeth II gold Proof “Queen’s Beasts – Lion of England” 500 Pounds (5 oz) 2017 PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC to $21,350. Struck as part of the celebrated Queen’s Beasts series and identified as one of the first 25 pieces struck, the substantial five-ounce gold Proof represents one of the flagship modern issues of The Royal Mint and continues to attract international collector demand.

Another standout modern gold rarity came from France, where a Republic gold Proof “Year of the Dragon” 500 Euros (5 oz) 2012 PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC realized $20,740. Produced by the Paris Mint in a remarkably small mintage of just 99 pieces, the five-ounce gold issue celebrates the Year of the Dragon on its obverse while honoring Jean de La Fontaine and his celebrated fables on the reverse. The combination of exceptional rarity, artistic design and cultural significance helped drive strong bidding.

Rounding out the auction’s top highlights was a British Dependency Elizabeth II gold Proof “Royal Wedding” 10 Pounds (5 oz) 2011 PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC, which achieved $18,910. Issued to commemorate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011, the impressive five-ounce gold Proof was accompanied by its original Certificate of Authenticity No. 127, adding further appeal for collectors of modern British commemorative coinage.

Complete results can be found at HA.com/65203.