As enthusiasm mounts for the 250th anniversary of the United States, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a leading rare coin auction firm, is set to showcase a unique artifact that intertwines foundational American values of self-sovereignty and economic liberty with the innovative future of digital currency. This Thursday, auction attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a Casascius 0.5 Bitcoin token minted on July 4, 2013—the same date marking the 237th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Designed by Mike Caldwell, a software engineer from Utah, the Casascius coin series emerged during Bitcoin’s early period in 2011 and is now regarded as a highly sought-after cryptocurrency collectible. Each token in this series represents a tangible claim to real digital bitcoin secured on the blockchain. Notably, production of these coins was suspended after a few years due to evolving regulatory landscapes, resulting in their diminishing availability. Many coins are unfortunately lost or destroyed because owners may not recognize their historical significance, making well-preserved, funded coins increasingly rare.
The upcoming auction features the “Independence Day” token, which ranks exceptionally within the limited supply of surviving examples. With a PCGS grade of MS-66, it sits among only 15 coins of its grade while only 11 coins have received a higher MS-67 rating. As America gears up for its Semiquincentennial celebrations, this rare token presents a remarkable opportunity for numismatists, Bitcoin advocates, history lovers, and Americana collectors alike. This coin stands as a modern emblem of freedom, celebrating America’s birth and its continuing legacy in the realms of currency and finance.
James McCartney, Director of Numismatics at Stack’s Bowers Galleries, remarked on the connection between American commerce and individual liberty. He highlighted the significance of the token within the context of the national celebrations for the 250th anniversary, framing it as a contemporary reflection of America’s pioneering spirit.
Scheduled to be auctioned this Thursday, the historic 0.5 Bitcoin token is part of the June 2026 Showcase Auction. This sale will also highlight over 120 other crypto collectibles with a total estimated value exceeding half a million dollars. Among the impressive offerings are notable crypto coins from distinguishable series such as Casascius, BTCC, and Lealana, alongside modern issues from MyBits, Satori, Polymerbit, and others.
Additionally, the auction will include significant early crypto memorabilia, including the debut Issue #1 of Bitcoin Magazine, as well as a consecutive series of issues from #9 to #15. This auction also marks the first offering of crypto trading cards created by Topps/Allen & Ginter, anticipated to attract attention from both traditional sports card collectors and crypto enthusiasts.
For inquiries related to the June 2026 auction or consignment opportunities for future sales, interested parties are encouraged to reach out through designated contact methods. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is accepting consignments for its upcoming Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction, featuring in-person previews coinciding with the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries, known for its extensive history of auctioning rare coins and currency, continues to operate from its headquarters in Costa Mesa, California, and maintains several galleries across major U.S. cities and offices internationally. The firm is recognized as a pivotal player in both live and internet auctions and remains an essential component of significant numismatic events throughout the year.
