This Encyclopedia explores the recent phenomenon of physical crypto-currency and the infrastructure that surrounds it.
These are metal coins that reference various crypto-currencies of which Bitcoin is currently the most prominent. Many of these coins are funded with digital currency that can be extracted and used at will. Others are themed to celebrate the emergence of digital currency.
The new hobby of collecting physical Bitcoin and related crypto-currencies has created an expanding industry in which dozens of companies and individuals create and sell their coins to a growing market of collectors. This work covers 57 such manufacturers. There is also a thriving trade in pre-owned coins. Physical crypto-currencies have become rare objects with the highest value sale to date reaching one million dollars on the re-sale market.
This Encyclopedia provides the intrigued reader with an in-depth understanding of the subject and equips the collector with an excellent reference source.
Physical crypto-currency is worthy of study because it is evidence of the notable technological and social progress relating to the continued development of a new system of value. The concept of a digital currency that is based on mathematical principles is simply revolutionary, and will in one way or another eventually reshape the world and society in which we live.
These coins are the artifacts of that future.
"It all started with a simple idea by a man named Mike Caldwell. Create a physical token or "coin" that represents a bitcoin. Perhaps a means of offline storage of bitcoin value, perhaps a symbol to represent a trailblazing new technology, perhaps just an interesting conversation piece. Physical crypto-currencies were born and a great many other individuals took part to establish and showcase their own unique designs. Mr. Elias Ahonen has created an exceptionally thorough, detailed, and complete catalog of physical crypto-currencies (up to the time of printing anyway). First of its kind with detailed photos, mintage numbers, and discussion with or of the individuals behind each coin abound. Also included is a thoughtful foreword explaining the origin physical crypto-coins and their collectible nature. This is a most recommended piece of reference for anyone with an interest in crypto-currencies, particularly those with an interest in their physical manifestation." - Crazypete "As the first book on this subject, I find it filled with plenty of great information on the subject matter. If your are a veteran coin collector or just starting out, this book covers it all. Tons of great pictures and it covers a wide variety of manufacturers & coins. The beginning of the book gives a nice history and introduction on the topic of physical crypto-currency collecting. Each section presents the makers and their coins in an easy to read and understandable style. From A to Z, this book has your coin!! Great job and thanks." - Erik Pfaffenbach
