Statue of Liberty 1 Troy Ounce .999 Fine Silver Bullion Bar
Coin/Bullion · Generic Private Mint; frequently produced by various American refineries such as SilverTowne, Highland Mint, or Golden State Mint during the 1980s through present. Identifying a specific refinery requires a reverse-side hallmark.
Pattern: Statue of Liberty / Liberty Bell series; non-government issued art bar. Production is ongoing in various iterations since the 1980s.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Generic Private Mint; frequently produced by various American refineries such as SilverTowne, Highland Mint, or Golden State Mint during the 1980s through present. Identifying a specific refinery requires a reverse-side hallmark.
Material
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver). This is investment-grade bullion containing 1 Troy Ounce of silver content with no base metal alloys.
Dimensions
Approximately 50mm x 29mm x 2.5mm. Weight is exactly 1 Troy Ounce (31.1 grams). This is the standard sizing for a 'rectangular' 1oz silver art bar.
Description
A classic American 'Art Bar' consisting of one troy ounce of investment-grade silver. The obverse features a relief of Lady Liberty against a proof-like mirrored field, symbolizing American freedom and fiscal independence. It serves as a portable and highly liquid asset for precious metals investors.
Key Features
Distinctive Statue of Liberty motif, triple-stamped weight/purity indicators (Troy Ounces, Grams, Fineness), and sharp, minted edges.
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver). This is investment-grade bullion containing 1 Troy Ounce of silver content with no base metal alloys.
Finish & Decoration
Proof-like or Frosted finish. Features a central relief of the Statue of Liberty with a mirrored background (field). Decorative inscriptions include the weight and purity in a sans-serif block font.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with '1 Troy Ounce', '31.1 Grams', and '.999 Fine Silver'. The reverse likely contains the maker's logo or a repeating pattern of the weight and purity marks.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Minted. Struck using high-pressure hydraulic presses with steel dies to create the raised relief and sharp edges on a pre-cut silver blank.
Functional Features
Investment vehicle and store of value. Rectangular shape allows for easy stacking and storage in individual PVC-free flips or plastic tubes.
Handle & Grip Details
None; solid silver bullion. Smooth, raised rim around the perimeter protects the central artwork from surface wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with precision tooling. High quality of strike evidenced by the clean lettering and sharp definition in the Statue's crown and torch. Field exhibits high reflectivity characteristic of modern commercial minting.
Authentication Indicators
Weight should register exactly 31.1g on a calibrated scale. Dimensions and thickness are consistent with 1oz blocks. The 'ping' test should produce a high-frequency ring. No copper-hued 'bleeding' on edges.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Manufactured in private commercial mints following standard bullion refining traditions.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion Era (late 20th to 21st century). Designed during a period of rising interest in private silver investment and patriotic-themed 'art bars'.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day. The font style and high-polish field indicate a modern production date, though many patterns have remained unchanged for decades.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the American tradition of private metal ownership as a hedge against inflation. This specific design bridges the gap between numismatic art and industrial commodity.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. Shows minor surface micro-scratches (hairlines) consistent with handling without a capsule. No evidence of oxidation (toning) or 'milk spots'. Grade: Choice BU (Brilliant Uncirculated).
Value Estimate
Current silver spot price plus a retail premium of $3.00 to $6.00 USD. Value fluctuates daily with the global commodities market.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a cool, dry place within a PVC-free plastic capsule. Do not polish with abrasives, as this will destroy the proof-like finish; use cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing tarnish or 'milk spots'.
Similar Pieces
Eagle Silver Rounds (circular versions of the same weight), Engelhard 1oz bars (premium vintage alternative), Johnson Matthey bars (high-quality industrial competitor).
Interesting Facts
The 1oz silver bar became a staple for retail investors in the USA following the silver boom of 1979-1980. The Statue of Liberty is the most common motif for privately minted American silver bars.