Interested in acquiring some of the Bitcoins up for grabs from the US Marshall’s bitcoin auction but don’t have that type of money? SecondMarket, which intends on participating in the auction, is allowing for ‘qualified customers’ to be a part of the auction process if they submit their orders into an aggregate bid.

Participation of the auction through SecondMarket will be easier because of the lower capital requirements and qualifications, also 10% of any auction fees received by SecondMarket will be donated to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, “a nonprofit organization supportive of bitcoin and more broadly dedicated to promoting technology, innovation and the protection of rights in the digital world.”

+       Smaller minimum bid size ($25k-$50k versus ~3,000 bitcoin blocks)

+       Lower upfront capital commitment (bid amount versus $200k deposit plus proof of funds)

+       Support for multiple bids at different bid prices with smaller minimum sizes

+       Private participation in the auction (bidder identity will not be revealed to the U.S. Marshals office)

+       Open to non-US investors

SecondMarket is allowing their customers participating in the auction to convert their bitcoins to shares of the Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT). Those participating in the auction via the SecondMarket syndicate will have a minimum bid of $50,000 and will be charged a 5% facilitation fee if the bid goes through; on the other hand, those wishing to obtain shares in the BIT only have to a minimum bid of $25,000 and the 5% facilitation fee will be waived.

*Only accredited investors can receive shares in the BIT and the standard fund rates will apply.

Full details and instructions can be accessed on the SecondMarket platform.

• Accredited investors interested in the Bitcoin Investment Trust can follow these links to log in with an existing account or sign up for access.
• To participate for bitcoins directly, follow these links instead to sign up or log in.

“The order deadline will be Thursday, June 26 at 12pm ET by which time all submissions must be complete, including receipt of wire payments for bid amounts.  All orders in place as of Thursday, June 26 at 12pm ET will be deemed fully binding and irrevocable.”

Parties interested in the auction should go to the following link: https://bitco.wufoo.com/forms/participate-in-us-marshals-bitcoin-auction/