STUDYING ENGELHARD SILVER...take a 👀look👀!!

in #steemsilvergold6 years ago (edited)

I got into an interesting debate today that switched on a light bulb in my head. The individual who I was speaking with was taken back by how deep the study of detail can be regarding silver ingots. I often mention how numismatics play a strong role in valuing silver ingots. Here is a perfect example of the SLIGHT differences.
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☝️The bar we are studying. A 12th series variety 10oz Engelhard bar. The bar is normally referred to as a C- bar. As majority of the examples are seen with a C prefix before the serial number. Example below of C- bar.
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👆The common C-bar. Clearly demonstrating a C prefix. Estimated mintage of <150,000.

Now that you have seen MY EXAMPLE 10oz (top photo) and the common C bar. Clearly the noticeable difference is the C vs P prefix. I will now break down the subtle difference in the P -prefix varieties.

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👆10oz Engelhard in P- prefix. Estimated mintage of <10,000.
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👆My 10oz Engelhard P-prefix. Estimated mintage of <250.

**I am going to show you how indept collectors go when it comes to studying these fascinating ingots. To the untrained eye 99% of people would say these are the same variety. Here is a close up of why not. **

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👆Not until you zoom in. You will see the very slight difference in the Engelhard hallmark font. Notice the top example (mine) demonstrates a thicker E. While the bottom example is thinner. The top example shows 2 different size spaces between the top/ middle line and bottom/middle line of the E. The bottom bar demonstrates spacing to be equal on the E.

This is a drastic difference when we are talking <250 mintage vs <10,000 mintage. Of course those differences in mintage carry over to a difference in value! The difference in value could range $100-$200..

In conclusion, the individual I was having this conversation with was not used to this level of study. This is something I do on a daily basis and never looked at it as in depth. He seemed to be getting a little frustrated as it was such a subtle difference. My end comment to our back and forth conversation was...."This is what makes this so much fun!"

If anyone is interested in acquiring my example P-prefix <250 mintage let me know.👍

If you enjoyed this article please RESTEEM UPVOTE and FOLLOW!

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The only difference between coins and ingots is the fact that coins are minted by governments while ingots are minted by particulars. The study of dies is the same.

thanks for a very good write-up on the subtle difference in these bars. it is much easier to find info on coins. but i have no idea what or where to look for in old bars. your post have taught me a thing or two.

Appreciate your kind words @cyber.explorer! I always try to post articles with a purpose. Glad your benefiting from them.

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It's the little details like this that have me even more interested in collecting vintage ingots.

Very cool indeed.

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