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How to use the Bitcoin Suisse AG ‘Physical Bitcoin Certificate’
The Bitcoin Suisse AG ‘Physical Bitcoin Certificate’ is a so-called ‘paper wallet’, professionally
produced – and designed not for re-use, but rather for facilitating physical transfer directly between
3rd parties, just like a banknote.
Thus the Bitcoins (private key) on a certificate can only be accessed once before the certificate is
destroyed. The certificate is thus not for reusable deposits and withdrawal, but for long time storage
and for physical transfer of Bitcoin between transacting parties.
Verifying Load Amount
Scan the public QR code to obtain the public key hash (Bitcoin address) paired with the private key
inside the bill. Alternatively – read the WIF version of the key directly on the certificate.
Enter the public key into any application capable of interpreting the block chain, for example
https://blockchain.info. Lookup the balance, associated with the public key.
Bitcoin Suisse AG • Lättichstrasse 1 • CH-6340 Baar • Switzerland
T: +41 (0)41 544 12 51 • M: info@bitcoinsuisse.ch • W: www.bitcoinsuisse.ch
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Verify the balance of the private key directly in the block
chain. If the amount matches the amount indicated by
the bill denomination, the load amount has been
validated.
Bitcoin Suisse AG does not permit denominated
certificates to circulate unloaded. Nevertheless it is
always a good idea to verify any certificate given, in order
to be assured that the funds are indeed there.
Accessing Bitcoin stored in a Certificate
As previously mentioned, the certificates are designed to be opened only once, without leaving clear
markings on the certificate itself. This is to facilitate physical transfer of certificates directly between
3rd parties.
For a Bitcoin repository which can be accessed repeatedly, use either a desktop client, an online
wallet, or a hardware wallet. A paper wallet, even if carrying both keys on the outside, should never
be reused, except for deposits. Once the private key has been taken online, the unique security of
the paper wallet has been compromised.
Most wallet software, be it desktop or online, has the ability to both “import” private keys, as well as
“sweep then.
Importing a private key places the funds associated directly at your disposal, but this is a risky
procedure if the private key has been compromised prior to import, or if it is not properly destroyed
after import.
Sweeping a private key / paper wallet performs a block chain transaction in which the funds are
moved from the private key in question to keys in your wallet and is a safer, albeit slower approach.
Bitcoin Suisse AG • Lättichstrasse 1 • CH-6340 Baar • Switzerland
T: +41 (0)41 544 12 51 • M: info@bitcoinsuisse.ch • W: www.bitcoinsuisse.ch
www.facebook.com/BitcoinSuisse
The first step to access the funds on a certificate is to access the private
key, by opening the private key field from the right side as indicated by the
red arrow.
NB. This will visible damage the certificate, even if tools are used.
After opening the key field, use a coin or similar to gently scare off the
scratch-off layer, covering the private key. The private key will be
displayed, both as a QR code and in its text (WIF) format.
If you wish to scan the QR code, note that due to the small size, it must be
properly cleaned from scratch-off covering and scanned in a setting with
proper light for the scanning procedure to work.
Some wallet software like mobile wallets allow to Sweep a private key / paper wallet directly using
the QR code. Others require you to enter the text (WIF) Private Key to be swept or imported.
The example pictures below are from https://blockchain.info.
Verifying if a Certificate is genuine and uncompromised
Accepting a certificate directly from 3rd party and not from Bitcoin Suisse AG poses two risks.
1) Is the certificate genuine or a forged copy?
2) Has the private key inside the certificate been accessed prior to transfer?
To verify if a certificate is genuine, we offer that you send it to us. Each certificate has unique
fingerprint stored by us, and we can determine with absolute certainty if a certificate is original or
not. However, multiple features makes it possible to detect forgery.
a) Is the certificate made in polymer (original) or paper (fake)
b) Is an embossing of the Bitcoin Suisse (BTCS) seal visible left of “the sitting Helvetia”?
c) Does the certificate have a hologram with the BTCS seal, right of the private key field?
d) Is the “Bitcoin Suisse AG” above Helvetia encased in a square of silver ink – or shades of
gray?
e) Does the “Alpenrose” flowers in the background pattern retain all detail under magnifying
glass?
f) Does the serial number and public key QR code feel engraved into the certificate surface,
when you run the fingers over them?
Bitcoin Suisse AG • Lättichstrasse 1 • CH-6340 Baar • Switzerland
T: +41 (0)41 544 12 51 • M: info@bitcoinsuisse.ch • W: www.bitcoinsuisse.ch
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g) Is the square foil field around the private key, inside the certificate visible, when the
certificate is held up against a strong light?
To investigate if the private key has been accessed:
a) Does the bill show signs of being distorted or otherwise damaged?
b) Are there any small holes inside or immediately around the private key field?
c) Is the hologram damaged?
d) Does the private key field appear to have been opened? Is there damage of any kind around
the private key field? Is fibers/threads of the polymer paper showing themselves around the
oval markings of the private key field?
If in doubt, return the certificate to Bitcoin Suisse AG for verification – or sweep the private key
immediately before accepting the denominated Bitcoin value as payment - and discard the
certificate!
If you have any further questions in regards to the Certificates we issue – feel free to contact
Bitcoin Suisse AG through the cannels, indicated in the footer of this document!
Bitcoin Suisse AG • Lättichstrasse 1 • CH-6340 Baar • Switzerland
T: +41 (0)41 544 12 51 • M: info@bitcoinsuisse.ch • W: www.bitcoinsuisse.ch
www.facebook.com/BitcoinSuisse