PokerStars.com helped Chris Moneymaker mint a whole lot of cash when it hosted the $39 satellite that got him into the main event of the 2003 World Series of Poker, where, as everyone who even casually follows poker knows, he took home the bracelet and $2.5 million.
Now, PokerStars.com is honoring the man who helped thrust poker into the mainstream with a limited-edition silver medallion bearing Moneymaker's image.
It's the first coin in this year's series of six that PokerStars.com will produce.
Only 2,000 of each coin will be made, but the first one will be given to Moneymaker, leaving 1,999 available to the general public. The medallions are not for sale and can be obtained only by redeeming Frequent Player Points (FPP) at PokerStars.com. The only way to get FPP is to play at the site.
Each medallion will consist of one ounce of .999 fine silver (99.9 percent pure) and will be numbered. Numbers will be randomly distributed, and the medallions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the site's FPP store. Each medallion will be certified by third-party Independent Coin Grading and contained in a tamper-evident hologram holder.
The medallion isn't yet listed at PokerStars.com's FPP store. PokerStars.com plans on producing six medallions a year honoring notable poker players. Collectors are advised to contact PokerStars.com about future releases or information on obtaining a whole set.
