Italian 20 Gram Fine Silver Bullion Ingot by C.H. / Argenterie
Coin/Bullion · Unknown or private Italian silversmith/refiner bearing the monogram 'CH' surmounted by crossed hammers or tools, indicating a small European atelier or private mint.
Pattern: Standard small bar bullion series, not tied to a specific decorative collection.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Unknown or private Italian silversmith/refiner bearing the monogram 'CH' surmounted by crossed hammers or tools, indicating a small European atelier or private mint.
Material
Fine Silver (.999 pure), unmarked for base metals as it consists entirely of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated dimensions: approximately 4 cm length by 2 cm width; weight is precisely 20 grams (approx. 0.64 troy ounces).
Description
A compact and appealing 20-gram fine silver bullion bar held comfortably in the palm of the hand. The obverse features a clean, raised perimeter border enclosing the maker's 'CH' monogram beneath crossed tools, followed by the bold raised text 'ARGENTO PURO', the purity specification '999.0', and the weight mark 'Gr. 20'. Its reflective fields and frosted recessed areas give it a classic aesthetic that bridges the gap between industrial bullion and refined European small-scale silversmithing.
Key Features
Compact 20-gram size, European Italian origin language ('Argento Puro'), distinctive 'CH' maker's hallmark with crossed tools, and high-purity .999 silver content.
Material & Composition
Fine Silver (.999 pure), unmarked for base metals as it consists entirely of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Cast and struck finish featuring a raised rectangular border, recessed frosted background field with polished raised lettering, and an engraved/stamped maker's logo featuring the initials 'CH' under crossed tools.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the maker's monogram 'CH', the Italian text 'ARGENTO PURO' (Pure Silver), the purity indicator '999.0', and the weight designation 'Gr. 20'.
Construction Details
Cast bar with cold-stamped or die-pressed lettering and design motifs, standard for small-format precious metal bullion production.
Functional Features
Pocket-sized ingot intended for private wealth storage, bullion investment, or collection.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - solid small bullion bar without handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean die-struck lettering with good depth, sharp border definition, and traditional European attention to clarity in fractional bullion presentation.
Authentication Indicators
Clear and deep striking of letters and marks, appropriate heft and dimensions for a 20-gram silver bar, and classic European private mint stylistic indicators.
Origin & Manufacturing
Italy, produced by a private Italian refiner or silversmith workshop utilizing traditional European precious metals stamping standards.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary Bullion Era, likely late 20th to early 21st century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s to present day, based on modern decimal purity markings (.999.0) and metric system weight designations.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the enduring human tradition of storing portable wealth in precious metals, as well as the specialized niche of private European art-bars and small-format bullion.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition with minor surface hairline scratches consistent with handling and storage, moderate natural tarnish developing in the recessed crevices and around the stamped lettering. No structural defects, dings, or deep gouges.
Value Estimate
Valued primarily at the melt value of 20 grams of pure silver plus a small collector/maker premium, generally ranging between $25 to $45 USD depending on current spot silver prices and collector demand for Italian fractional art bars.
Care & Maintenance
Handle with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from accelerating tarnish. Store in a dry, airtight capsule or a tarnish-resistant pouch. Avoid harsh chemical dips unless complete removal of original patination is desired.
Similar Pieces
Johnson Matthey 20g silver bars, Credit Suisse 20g silver bars, and various Italian small refinery cast bars. Key differences lie in the specific maker's logo, serial numbering, and whether the bar is poured versus pressed.
Interesting Facts
Small fractional silver bars like this 20-gram piece are highly popular among European bullion stackers and serve as an accessible entry point into precious metals collecting, often carrying a higher premium over spot price due to their artistic mint marks.