Redeeming Your Cold Storage Coin

Redeeming your Cold Storage Coin is just about as easy as adding value. But again, there are a few important steps you can take to ensure your cryptocurrency is easy to redeem.

Here are a few simple reminders to get you started:

    • do NOT use any sharp objects or abrasives to clean the coin
    • we made the security seal very tamper resistant and difficult to remove - don't be surprised if you need to clean the coin surface before scanning the QR code. WD-40 acts as a quick and easy solvent - works in seconds!
    • if you're having trouble scanning the QR code, simply type the text into a QR code generator to create a scannable QR - case sensitive!
    • the coin scans best on a quality phone in good lighting conditions - get a nice contrast for easy scanning.

    Check out these links for specific instructions based on your cryptocurrency:

    Step 1 - Remove the holographic seal

    There is a small, 0.5mm gap between the security seal and the inside edge of the coin rim. It's often difficult to get between the coin and the seal. Using your finger nail, gently pry the plastic surface of the security seal away from the coin.

    Underneath the security seal, you'll find left behind a honeycomb-pattern tamper-evident residue.

    Step 2 - Remove residue from the coin surface

    To get a good scan, you'll need to remove the leftover tamper-evident residue.

    After extensive chemical testing, we found that WD-40 is a easy to find & easy to use solvent that quickly desolves the residue, wiping away fast & without fuss. Other chemicals, like lighter fluid, paint remover & turpentine also work well, and will not damage the surface of the coin. Rubbing alcohol also works, but requires a lot more time and effort.

    Whatever you do, and regardless of the chemicals used, DO NOT use any sharp object to scratch off the residue. We designed the security seal to be tamper-resistant, and the byproduct of this security is increased difficulty in removal. We tested and found a great balance between the two, but you can quickly damage the etching on the coin's surface by using a knive, nail, metal scraper, or other sharp instrument. If you make a smeary mess of the coin surface, stop, secure your coin, take a break, and track down some WD-40. It's available lots of places and will quickly return your coin to scan-ready condition.

    Step 3 - Open your hot wallet for importing

    Soon, the Cold Storage Coin app will offer a wallet import feature. Until then, choose a wallet you trust. We like the Blockchain app or Bread wallet on iOS.

    Open your wallet app and login. Reach a high level of confidence in the app's security and continue.

    Step 4 - Find the app import function

    Each app is a little different, so please consult your app's documentation on the best way to import a wallet from cold storage.

    Check the "Settings" or "Wallet Addresses" section of the app, where you'll find the place to import a wallet.

    Step 5 - Scan the coin QR code

    Now, one quick scan and your cryptocurrency is ready for prime-time!

    Scanning can often be a little tricky. All you need for the private key QR code to scan is a little patience, a good quality camera, and some nice lighting contrast. Watch out for reflections and other optical interferences that can make it difficult to catch the right angle of the QR code.

    If you're not able to scan the QR code, the complete private key is etched around the rim of the coin. You can visit our secure QR code creator, where you can type in the private key text (it's case sensitive!) and get a scannable QR code.