Ingots

Undated (1964-1968) United States Assay Office at San Francisco "Grease Bar" Silver Ingot. 99.77 Ounces.

175 mm x 88 mm x 19 mm. The smallest of our multiple "Grease Bar" offerings in this sale, yet still a hefty and imposing piece. Otherwise devoid of markings, as befits the type, the weight 99.77 has been applied to the upper left corner of the front face in grease pencil. Mottling of toning is most prevalent on that face, and there are no "blemishes" of note apart from the expected casting imperfections. The excellent website silveringots.com by Ken Conaway explains the origin of these intriguing "Grease Bars" as follows: "In 1962, the status of the Mint Of The United States At San Francisco was officially changed from mint to assay office. The United States Assay Office At San Francisco operated until March 31, 1988 when mint status was restored. Silver ingot production at the United States Assay Office At San Francisco was concentrated on 100 oz class bars produced for exchange of silver certificates; the exchange program ran from March 1964 to June 24, 1968. Ultimately these bars would come to be known as Grease Bars. As the demand for silver bullion overwhelmed production capability and standard United States Government precious metal ingot markings fell by the wayside, grease pencil markings of the weight were the only identifying mark." An additional shipping fee of $75 will be added to this lot for UPS Ground shipping within the U.S.A. Contact us for international estimated shipping charges. Pickup is not available for this item .

Estimate: $ 2500