The goal in any investment is to beat the trend by getting in early. This same perspective carries over into the vintage collectible silver market. I am constantly on the look out for what could be the next big bar! The demand always justifies the value!
I have written a couple articles here that discuss many of the factors that make silver ingots collectable. This article is going to present a silver ingot that I BELIEVE is under valued. Currently, these ingots are not on majority of the collectors radar. I have seen these situations play out many times. All it takes is ONE public auction or recorded sale to change the value immediately! It has taken me a long time to learn some the knowledge it takes to beat the trends.
Pictured below is The Irrawaddy Counting House At Rangoon 5 Taels silver ingot. .
The obvious stand out factor here is the weight measured in taels. 5 taels is equal to 6.6667 ounces. Chinese and East Asia recognize measurements in taels. It is not common to see this measurement here in the US.
I personally feel as though the signature circular hallmark is very appealing to the eye. This circular hallmark reminds me a lot of the US Mint San Francisco ingots. Not only does the hallmark share the same style hallmark. The physical size and shape of the ingot does as well. Both are square and blocky. Majority of the SF ingots are in the 5oz weight class. Similar to the Irrawaddy ingots.
The information I have gathered shows the production date ranging from the 1950-1970s. That seems to be the golden error for collectors right now!
My research has also shows that there are many different varieties. The photos below demonstrate all the examples I have been able to uncover.
Notice inside the circular hallmark one each side. There is a star on one bar and an anchor on the other
**This example demonstrates a weight measurement in "Burman Rupees". Which is not a common weight measurement. It also hows a .900 purity stamp. It has been documented that there is a .925 and .998 purity stamp as well. The ingot I own at the top of this article demonstrates the .999 purity. Totaling four different purity stamps!
An Irrawaddy Counting House ingot in a horizontal landscape
Some are subtle differences while others are significant. BUT that is was pushes collectors towards collecting pieces like this. Having several variations creates a demand. Some of the variations are more common than others.
I hope this article was successful in helping someone understand the factors that come into play when determining collectability and value. I want to make it clear! I am not a financial advisor and this is not financial advice. I am only speaking out of experience and sharing my personal opinions.
If you enjoyed this article please RESTEEM UPVOTE and FOLLOW!
Follow me on Instagram: collectbulliondotcom
Thanks to @marynessc for the cool banners!
