Are the long-term gains on loaded Casascius coins/bars taxed as collectibles in the United States?

If so, that would mean selling this bar would've been subject to a 28% tax rate, opposed to a 15% tax rate if peeled and then the BTC sold on an exchangeseparately.

Are the long-term gains on loaded Casascius coins/bars taxed as collectibles in the United States?

If so, that would mean selling this bar would've been subject to a 28% tax rate, opposed to a 15% tax rate if peeled and then the BTC sold on an exchange.