January 2, 2014 is the release date of the 2013 Adam Smith Limited 1st Edition, by presidential sculptor John B. Andelin. This is a physical bitcoin containing 2 "cold stored" coins in addition to 2 Troy ounces of silver from Alitin Mint (alitinmint.com). This is a VERY limited edition as only 600 coins have been struck in 2013.

This will signal a new standard in physical bitcoins. The inaugural coin is 1.75 inches in diameter and 5 mm in thickness. Struck in two ounces of pure silver, the hefty coin dwarfs the U.S. silver dollar.

http://i.imgur.com/6oXlHjP.jpg

Besides the impressive size of the coin, Alitin mint has created a security system that is impressive. The complete public address is engraved on the reverse face of each coin. The private key is engraved on the edge of the coin, and is hidden from the view of the owner of the coin until the tamper proof acrylic case is opened. The case is sealed, preventing opening without breakage. See picture below.

http://i.imgur.com/91rmXKO.jpg

Some have suggested that the engraved key on the edge of the coin could be subjected to hi tech imaging such as ultrasound, MRI and CT. This issue has been discussed with professional radiologists, and it has been affirmed that such a quest lies far beyond the reach of any technology of the foreseeable future.

Another unique feature is that absolutely no defacing of the coin occurs upon redemption. If an owner wants to remove the coin from its case just because he can't resist holding it in his hand, all he has done is diminish the resale value. If he chooses to redeem the coin, the coin will continue to hold value as a collectible because the aesthetic integrity of the coin has not been compromised.

Alitin Mint, located in Springfield, Missouri, is a subsidiary of a licensed money services business with money transmitter licensing that has established strict anti-money laundering policies in accordance with U.S. government regulations. The security system of its coins reflects a proactive vision that will be sufficient even when bitcoins attain values of thousands of dollars each. All engraving is done within the company in accordance with strict protocols. In addition to the two layers of security of the cases themselves, a proprietary cipher system has been established to prevent the counterfeiting of Alitin coins.

The vision of Alitin Mint is to produce not only physical bitcoins that are secure, but also to create limited edition art pieces that in many cases surpass coinage produced by government mints.

The coins are created in high relief by sculptor John B. Andelin. Each edition will honor a person who has selflessly contributed to the progress of humanity. The next coin, scheduled to be released in February of 2014, will depict Joan of Arc. Other coins will honor explorers, scientists, philosophers, and other world figures whose efforts have elevated mankind. Notably, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Bitcoin Foundation.

As a unique collectible, the holder of Alitin coins has a unique opportunity to collect a combination of bitcoins, precious metals, and limited edition art pieces, all in one product. Each coin is signed and numbered by the artist on the inside of the case. Such a unique collectible will likely attract not just those pre-commited to bitcoin, but numismatists and other collectors who are not as familiar with bitcoin. In this manner, it is hoped that the sale of Alitin coins will help spread the bitcoin message to the world.

PLEASE NOTE: Alitin Mint is in the business of selling limited edition collectible pieces of art which are fashioned out of precious metals and which contain embedded crypto-currency. Alitin Mint is not an investment advisory firm and it does not offer investment advice in any form. Alitin Mint encourages you to seek professional advice from a licensed investment adviser before making any decisions about investing your money.