August 1, 2024
It’s 6:00 p.m. on a Friday evening, and as the convention center and trading card booth begin to wind down, anticipation is palpable in the air. While many have been eagerly awaiting this moment for just a few hours, others have been counting down the days for weeks. But for a select few, the excitement has been building for over a year, culminating in tonight’s highly anticipated Trade Night.
Trade Night was a chance for our community to grow together. Every conversation, trade, pack rip, and photo strengthened the bonds and deepened the relationships being forged through our shared passion for these trading cards.
- Trade Spotlight
- Trade Up Challenge Recap
- Energy Transfer & Trades
- Unboxing the Halving Edition Whale Packs
- Celebrating Community Diversity
- Founder’s Inspiring Address
TRADE SPOTLIGHT
After months of waiting patiently, I finally got back a piece of Bitcoin Trading Card history that I had to let go of earlier in the year: the B23 Commemorative Whale Pass #/10. This card is a standout from 2023, representing the most sought-after chase of the year (2023) following the release of Series One OPP. While some might argue that the best Bitcoin Trading Card of 2023 is an S2 OPP 21 Club, a one-of-one Boxtopper, or even the Pacific Bitcoin 2023 Whale one-of-one (which would be my second pick), for me, nothing tops the original whale. The first whale card is a stunning and unparalleled gem.
The trade ultimately valued the Whale Pass at over $5,000, a remarkable return on a $121 pack purchased in May 2023. It’s a fantastic outcome for the seller.
In another thrilling trade, I exchanged my Tyranny Boxtopper #/99 with a packstacker for their Bitcoin is Hope #/500 and Series One Orange Pill in a Pack Satoshi LE /1000. With boxtopper packs selling for $250, I had three objectives for this trade: (1) obtain a Bitcoin is Hope card for Flo Montoya to sign at the conference, (2) add another Series One OPP Satoshi LE to my collection — valued around $100 and one of my favorites, and (3) build a memorable trade history with this packstacker.
Finding Flo on Saturday, Day 2 of the conference, was a success. After a bit of searching, I finally tracked her down and was thrilled to have the opportunity to get my card signed. Flo’s signature — along with the block height #854227— added a personal touch to the card, making it a standout piece in my collection and a highlight of the conference experience.
TRADE UP CHALLENGE RECAP
If you’re not familiar with the Trade Up Challenge, you’re in good company. While I haven’t personally participated in one, I’ve seen it on Instagram and understand its value as fantastic entertainment for newcomers and a great way for them to engage with the community without spending a lot.
When I met Jen — who came to Trade Night after feeling the positive energy around the booth and spotting our small sign — I was intrigued. She brought with her a #/1000 We Are All Satoshi card. Jen asked me, “Do I need to buy another pack to trade with you guys?” Her question inspired me to take her under my wing and dive into the Trade Up Challenge together.
Five trades later, the Trade Up Challenge was a resounding success. Jen was warmly introduced to the community, scored some impressive cards, and brought a wave of joy to the room.
Here are the trades:
- SOS “Spirit of Satoshi” #/1000 → S2 OPP “Only Used By Criminals” #/1000 + BBB24 “Gary Leland” #/500
- BBB24 “Gary Leland” #/500 + S2 OPP “Only Used By Criminals” #/1000 → HEWP “Halving” #/420
- HEWP “Halving” #/420 → “B23 Miami” #/1000 + S2 OPP “Natalie Brunell” SIGNED + Unconf “Jimmy Song” #/500
- “B23 Miami” #/1000 → SOS “We Are All Satoshi” #/1000
- Unconf “Jimmy Song” #/500 → S2 OPP “Greg Foss” #/500
What started with the least rare SOS card — Spirit of Satoshi #/1000 — culminated in a fantastic haul: a Signed Natalie Brunell S2 OPP base card, a S2 OPP Greg Foss #/500, and an SOS We Are All Satoshi #/1000. The Trade Up Challenge was a resounding success, and Jen joined the BTCTC Telegram after the conference to thank everyone who helped make it so memorable.
ENERGY TRANSFER & TRADES
One of the most exhilarating aspects of trading cards, beyond the joy of meticulously organizing your collection, is the energy exchanged with fellow community members. The thrill of ripping open packs — whether they’re yours or someone else’s — along with the excitement of bidding on auctions and making trades, truly embodies the dynamic energy of the trading card community.
At Trade Night, this energy was alive. I quickly immersed myself in the action, completing five trades within the first thirty minutes, fueled by the collective buzz and enthusiasm of the event.
As my personal collection grows in significance to me, I’ve been fortunate to have community members eager to help me improve it. While pursuing #13s, I managed to complete a 1:1 trade for the Unconfiscatable “Scammy Awards” #13 in exchange for another “Scammy.” Additionally, I added the entertaining #420/500 Carla & Walker to my collection.
However, the real highlight of these trades wasn’t just acquiring these fantastic cards, but the experience of connecting with other community members. The genuine interactions and shared enthusiasm made the trades truly memorable.
UNBOXING THE HALVING EDITION WHALE PACKS
No Trade Night is complete without some exciting ripping, and our community certainly delivered. As boxes of HEWP were eagerly opened, the thrill of the chase was unmistakable. One lucky community member scored big with a standout hit — a Penny Orange by Rebel Money, numbered #/21. While a one-of-one would have been the ultimate prize, this card is a gem in its own right, considered a grail alongside a limited print of the artwork.
With packstackers in high spirits and the community’s ripping sessions heating up, the table was electric as everyone delved into their boxes. Besides the thrill of opening packs yourself, there’s nothing quite as exciting as watching someone else embark on the hunt. Many of us took a moment to savor the excitement of seeing others chase their own card treasures.
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY DIVERSITY
One aspect of this blog that you’ll have to take on faith, for the sake of privacy, is the incredible diversity of the crowd at the event. I was genuinely impressed by the mix of attendees: from seasoned Bitcoin Trading Card enthusiasts and collectors to newcomers and curious novices; from adults and teens to babies; and from men and women of all backgrounds. The first Trade Night truly embodied the spirit we hoped for — a celebration of our vibrant, inclusive Bitcoin community, where everyone could come together in a safe, supportive, and joyous environment.
Looking ahead to our next event, we warmly invite you to join us. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels represented and welcomed, and we promise to continue fostering an atmosphere where every participant can fully enjoy and be a part of our thriving community.
FOUNDER’S INSPIRING ADDRESS
To close out the memorable evening, Alladan took a heartfelt moment to express his gratitude to the community, reflecting on the remarkable growth of the project since he embarked on this Trading Card journey.
‘TIL NEXT TRADE NIGHT
With the inaugural Bitcoin Trading Cards Trade Night wrapping up as a tremendous success, we extend a huge thank you to packstackers Crain and Bitcoin Brandon for their dedication in organizing the event. A special shoutout also goes to GenZBitcoiners, Panties for Bitcoin, SHAmory, and all the packstackers who came out to make the night unforgettable.
Follow Bitcoin Trading Cards on X for the latest updates, grab your SOS packs, and join the excitement on Reddit and in the Telegram — be part of the community that’s shaping the future of trading cards!
