The Seed Metal Backup System is the next step in the evolution of the Cryptosteel Capsule – built on the same trusted architecture, but enhanced in every detail to meet the demands of modern self-custody. It retains the robust cylindrical design and tamper-resistant storage logic of the original Capsule, while introducing a modular structure, improved usability, and new options for customization and physical security.
The upgraded system separates the steel core (which holds character tiles) from the capsule shell, giving users full flexibility in how they store, hide, or secure their backups. Containers are now interchangeable – you can use color-coded capsules or even alternative storage options.
New cotter-pins replace the older fasteners, offering foolproof protection with over 9 tons of press resistance. Flat, deeply embossed, new character tiles improve readability and restore comfort, while redesigned separators stabilize the structure on flat surfaces.
The Seed Metal Backup System also introduces tamper-evident sealing as a standard security layer. Using PSW-97® security seals by American Casting & Manufacturing Corp., users benefit from one of the most secure sealing technologies on the market – transparent, serial-numbered, and with a breaking strength of nearly 45 kg (100 lbs). These seals are compatible not only with Seed12 and Seed24 but also with the original Cryptosteel Cassette, adding a new layer of protection to our very first flagship product.
All functional components – character tiles, separators, and cotter-pins – are fully compatible between Seed12, Seed24, and the original Capsule. That means leftover components from previous kits can be reused, and expansions or upgrades can happen without replacing your entire setup.
Two Modular Lines for Different Needs
Cryptosteel Seed12 – Lightweight, Minimal, Accessible
The Cryptosteel Seed12 Metal Backup System, introduced in late 2024, brings effortless and affordable metal backups to the everyday user. Designed with minimalism and discretion in mind, it’s ideal for securing mobile wallets, Lightning apps, and emerging blockchain-based tools.
Its matchbox-sized form makes it easy to conceal or carry, and its modular design allows users to start small and scale up. The basic Seed12 Backup Core provides a fully functional metal backup at the lowest price on the market – less than the cost of a branded T-shirt. Users can later add a hermetic capsule shell, tamper-evident seals, or expand toward more advanced setups like MultiSig.
The system includes modular components available separately or in a bundled Seed12 Security Kit: Seed12 Backup Core, Shell Capsule, Letter Tiles, Number Tiles, Symbol Tiles, Core Parts, and Security Seals. Capsule Shells in multiple colors will soon be available to support even greater customization.
Cryptosteel Seed24 – Full-scale Security for Advanced Use
Built on the same foundation as the original Capsule, the Cryptosteel Seed24 incorporates all improvements introduced with Seed12 and takes them further. It’s designed for long-form backups like 24-word recovery seed phrases, Shamir SLIP39 shares, XOR setups, and MultiSig keys backups – as well as any alphanumeric string up to 128 characters (such as master passwords, API keys or 2FA recovery codes.)
The Seed24 comes as a complete backup kit, including the upgraded steel core, deeply embossed ASCII tiles, improved separators, secure cotter-pins, and a redesigned capsule shell. Four tamper-evident PSW-97 security seals are included to ensure visibility of any unauthorized access.
The familiar Capsule form has been refined for modern needs, now with mounting holes for any commercial-grade security seal and the option to store the core in a colored or alternate capsule. Future developments include modularizing the Seed24 line similarly to Seed12, and expanding color options for the capsule shell.
A Legacy of Durable Self-Custody
Cryptosteel first emerged in 2013 with a mission to give digital assets a physical, resilient form – shaped by the founder’s background in metalworking. In 2015, the Cryptosteel Cassette launched as a crowdfunding success and became the first product to set a global standard for storing Bitcoin seed phrases securely, protecting data from loss due to damage.
In 2018, the Capsule followed, introducing a cylindrical, airtight design with vertically stacked tiles – versatile, discreet, and nearly indestructible. With protection against fire, water, and natural disasters, it redefined metal backups for the new wave of self-custody users.
The new Seed Metal Backup System builds on that legacy. It brings together the trusted strength of Cryptosteel with modern usability, modular design, and customizable security – ready for today’s crypto landscape and tomorrow’s challenges.
