Vintage Soviet Union (USSR) .999 Fine Silver 6.666 Ounce Poured Bullion Bar
Coin/Bullion (Investment Bar) · State Treasury of the USSR (Gosbank). High-purity silver production was strictly controlled by Soviet state refineries and used primarily for industrial purposes and state reserves.
Pattern: Standard Soviet industrial pour; not a commercial decorative pattern.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Investment Bar)
Maker
State Treasury of the USSR (Gosbank). High-purity silver production was strictly controlled by Soviet state refineries and used primarily for industrial purposes and state reserves.
Material
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% Purity). Solid silver throughout with no base metal; industrial grade refined silver.
Dimensions
Weight: 6.666 Troy Ounces (approx. 207.3 grams). Dimensions: Approximately 3 inches long by 1.25 inches wide, with a thick, lozenge-like industrial profile.
Description
An authentic piece of Soviet industrial history, this poured silver bar represents the high-purity refining capabilities of the USSR state. Unlike modern 'shiny' bullion, this bar has a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic. It features a unique weight of 6.666 ounces, which is uncommon in Western standards and highly desirable for 'odd weight' bullion collectors.
Key Features
Soviet Hammer and Sickle hallmark; unusual 6.666 weight denomination; vintage poured character; serial number for authentication.
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% Purity). Solid silver throughout with no base metal; industrial grade refined silver.
Finish & Decoration
Raw poured finish with typical cooling lines and 'ripples.' Decoration is limited to functional industrial stamps. The surface shows a matte, oxidized patina with some surface scratching and 'milk spots' common to unpolished fine silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes a purity stamp of '999.9' and '999'. A weight stamp of '6.666' is visible. The circular mark contains the Soviet Hammer and Sickle within a star (a classic USSR state certification mark). A serial number '18465' is stamped vertically on the left edge.
Construction Details
Hand-poured into a graphite or iron mold. The rounded edges and irregular top surface indicate it was not die-struck like modern coins, but rather cooled from a molten state as part of a lot.
Functional Features
Primarily a store of value and industrial material. Features rounded 'stackable' corners and deeply struck identification marks for inventory tracking.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (Solid bullion bar).
Craftsmanship Details
Rugged industrial quality. The stamps are deeply struck but slightly irregular in alignment, typical of manual hand-stamping in a refinery setting.
Authentication Indicators
The Hammer and Sickle hallmark is consistent with authentic USSR state-stamped silver. The character of the number fonts matches Soviet-era industrial punch sets. Correct 'poured' appearance for the metallurgical period.
Origin & Manufacturing
USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). Manufactured in a state refinery under strict government oversight of the Central Bank of Russia predecessors.
Era & Period
Soviet Union (USSR) Era, likely mid-to-late 20th century (c. 1960s-1980s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1985. The Hammer and Sickle within the star was the standard soviet assay mark through the later decades of the USSR.
Cultural Significance
A remnant of the Cold War economy, where precious metals were tightly held by the state. These bars were rarely seen by the public during their time of production.
Condition Notes
Very Good (Industrial Grade). Features honest surface wear, minor toning/tarnish, and scratches consistent with handling in a vault or industrial environment. No significant gouges or metal loss.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. While the silver content is roughly $180-$200 (at $30/oz), the rarity of the Soviet hallmark and the unique '6.666' weight adds a significant numismatic premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish. The value in vintage bullion lies in its original patina and 'as-found' condition. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or a dry, cool place to prevent further heavy oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Vintage Engelhard or Johnson Matthey poured bars (which are Western equivalents). Other Soviet bars may be found in metric (gram) weights, making the ounce-denominated bars more unique.
Interesting Facts
The weight '6.666' makes this a 'repeater' weight bar, which often carries a significant premium among niche bullion collectors compared to standard 1oz or 10oz bars.