Engelhard 1 Troy Ounce .999 Fine Silver Bullion Bar, Portrait Variation
Coin/Bullion · Engelhard Corporation, founded in 1902 by Charles Engelhard. Historically one of the world's most prestigious and famous names in precious metals refining and technology.
Pattern: Standard 1 oz Bullion Bar (Horizontal Portrait format). Part of the 'P' serial number prefix series, widely sought after by stackers and collectors.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Engelhard Corporation, founded in 1902 by Charles Engelhard. Historically one of the world's most prestigious and famous names in precious metals refining and technology.
Material
.999 Fine Silver (Pure silver). Specifically 1 troy ounce of elemental silver with no base metal content.
Dimensions
Approx. 50mm x 29mm x 2mm. Weight: 31.103 grams (exactly 1 troy ounce). Standard rectangular 'wafer' form factor.
Description
An iconic example of American private bullion manufacturing. This Engelhard 1 oz bar is highly liquid and holds significant numismatic premium over spot silver due to the brand's defunct status (the bullion division was sold to BASF in 2006). It features a clean, industrial aesthetic with the high-purity silver casting a bright, luminous white sheen characteristic of fine silver.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'Boxed' Engelhard logo and the specific serial number font. The 'Portrait' or horizontal orientation is the standard for 1oz minted bars.
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Silver (Pure silver). Specifically 1 troy ounce of elemental silver with no base metal content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-proof like strike with raised lettering (die-struck). Features the iconic Engelhard logo inside an elongated octagon (the 'boxed' logo), weight and purity stamps, and an alphanumeric serial number.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'ENGELHARD' in a cartouche, '1 TROY OZ', '.999 FINE SILVER', and the unique serial number 'PD 65861'. The 'PD' prefix is a classic indicator of late 20th-century production.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck/minted. Produced by striking a pre-measured silver blank (planchet) with massive pressure between two dies to create the raised text and border.
Functional Features
Investment vehicle and store of value. Designed for easy stacking and verification of weight/purity in the precious metals market.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; flat rectangular bullion bar designed for stacking and storage.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting. Edges are clean and crisp, and the strike is deep and legible, indicating well-maintained dies and high-tonnage pressing equipment.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font depth for serial numbering; specific 'E' character shape in logo cartouche; appropriate luster for .999 fineness. Serial number PD 65861 falls within known authentic production ranges.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Likely manufactured in one of Engelhard's domestic refining facilities in New Jersey or through an authorized secondary contractor.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion Era (Late 20th Century). This specific style was prominent during the 1980s precious metals boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1988. The 'PD' serial number prefix and the specific logo style are characteristic of Engelhard's output from the mid-1980s.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the shift toward private precious metal ownership in the 1970s and 80s following the removal of the gold standard. It represents the 'Hard Assets' movement of the Late Cold War era.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Visible surface micro-scratching 'bag marks' and light scuffing consistent with being handled or stored in a stack without a capsule. Minimal oxidation/tarnish.
Value Estimate
Current Spot Silver Price + $5.00 to $15.00 USD 'Premium'. Value fluctuates daily with the global silver market index. Highly liquid in any coin shop.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or capsule to prevent further scratching. Do not polish or clean with abrasives, as this can reduce the numismatic 'collector' premium and alter the surface luster.
Similar Pieces
Johnson Matthey 1 oz bars, Wall Street Mint bars, or modern Sunshine Minting bars. Difference lies in the collector premium; Engelhard typically fetches 10-25% more than modern generics.
Interesting Facts
Engelhard bars are nicknamed 'The Gold Standard' of silver bullion. Since they are no longer produced, they have become collectible 'vintage' bullion with a dedicated following known as 'Engelhard hoarders.'