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.
☝️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.
👆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.
👆10oz Engelhard in P- prefix. Estimated mintage of <10,000.
👆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. **
👆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!
Follow me on Instagram: @collectbulliondotcom
