Before we dig into this article I want to make it known that this silver ingot is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. This is the first time that I have ever posted a photo of this silver ingot on the internet. What better place to do it then right here on Steemit?
Eagle Mining Co. has hardly ANY public information. This type of mystery leaves many collectors and enthusaists scratching thier heads. The only information I hold reliable comes from silveringot.blogspot.com. Their blog states that several sources claim these surfaced in 1955. Heritage Auctions as well as Stacks and Bowers have hosted auctions for several examples. Other writings state these have surfaced in the late 1960s. There is a text book titled John J. Ford Jr and The "Franklin Hoard". In a quick summary of a massive text book. The author suggests that John J. Ford Jr manufactured many different "fantasy" silver ingots back in the 1950s and 60s. Labeled "fantasy" because he created logos and hallmarks of refiners that did not exist. He would hit the road traveling from city to city selling these bar's as "collectable" silver. Often charging hefty premiums. The "Franklin Hoard" was found and it led to a discovery of these fantasy silver ingots thought to br produced by John Ford Jr.
☝️Notice the Eagle Mining Co. silver ingot circled in the top right corner. The photos of the gold and silver Ingots on the cover of this book were discovered in "The Franklin Hoard."
There are so many different stories regarding this subject. Personal opinions about John J Ford. Stories about what was really discovered in the Franklin Hoard. In the end this is the only hard covered book that provides evidence based information.
In my opinion, weather or not Eagle Mining Co. actually existed or they were fantasy ingots produced by John J Ford Jr. They have an AMAZING story behind them. Majority of the ingots being stashed away and discovered in a famous historical hoard. Production date of pre 1960! You can see where I am going with this. . . Ok, just see for yourself...
** Eagle Mining Co. 5.67oz 999 Fine silver ingot**
The photo above is of an example that I own and consider to be one of my personal favorites. Early production silver ingots have been known to have a dollar value stamped on them. The weight of the silver multiplied by the price of silver at that time. An amazing feature that I wish was still being practiced now in modern production! This particular example has a centered circular hallmark. Some have been seen stamped off center. Just pointing out some of the charactoristics collectors take into consideration when determining value.
The circular hallmark with the eagle in the middle has not been traced back to any refiner or mine. It has however been seen on the highly collectable US MINT San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New York ingots. Shown below is comparison photos.
This is the kind of information that would make one believe that John J Ford Jr personally manufactured these fantasy ingots. The hallmark is an identical match to highly collectabke silver ingots during that time. John J Ford Jr. sold his collection off between 2003 and 2007 for $56 million.
There are so many missing details that help fill in the story. I plan on publishing that content here on Steemit as I get further along in the text book. I ALSO have other fantasy ingots to show and discuss!
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