Credit Suisse 20g Fine Silver .999 Bullion Ingot (Shop-Phila 1981)
Coin/Bullion (Investment Grade Ingot) · Credit Suisse in collaboration with Valcambi SA. Credit Suisse is a globally recognized Swiss financial institution renowned for its investment-grade precious metal products.
Pattern: Standard Credit Suisse Bank Ingot with Shop-Phila 1981 Commemorative Stamping
Type
Coin/Bullion (Investment Grade Ingot)
Maker
Credit Suisse in collaboration with Valcambi SA. Credit Suisse is a globally recognized Swiss financial institution renowned for its investment-grade precious metal products.
Material
Fine Silver (.999 purity). Contains 20 grams of pure silver with no base metals.
Dimensions
Dimensions: Approximately 38mm x 22mm x 2.5mm. Weight: 20.0 grams (0.643 troy oz).
Description
A rectangular 20-gram silver bullion bar representing the high standard of Swiss banking. The obverse displays clear specifications of weight and purity, while the Shop-Phila 1981 stamping suggests a specific retail or philatelic distribution event from that year. It carries the weight and prestige of the legendary Credit Suisse brand.
Key Features
Official Credit Suisse logo, '999,0' fineness purity indicator, and the unique Shop-Phila 1981 commemorative marking.
Material & Composition
Fine Silver (.999 purity). Contains 20 grams of pure silver with no base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Frosted/Matte obverse with raised lettering and a high-polish border. Industrial bullion finish without artistic ornamentation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Top: 'CREDIT SUISSE' in cartouche. Middle: '20g FINE SILVER 999,0'. Center: ESSAYEUR FONDEUR (Valcambi) mark. Bottom: 'SHOP-PHILA 1981' commemorative stamp.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck bullion bar, machine-manufactured with uniform thickness and sharp, clean edges typical of minting processes.
Functional Features
Investment vehicle for precious metal storage. Features a specific serial number or assay mark to prevent counterfeiting.
Handle & Grip Details
None-N/A (Investment ingot).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting. The use of a precision die ensures uniform weight and standardized dimensions across the production run.
Authentication Indicators
Consistent Valcambi 'CHI' essayeur fondeur mark; weight should precisely match 20 grams; crispness of professional die-striking versus cast replicas.
Origin & Manufacturing
Switzerland, manufactured at the Valcambi SA refinery for Credit Suisse. Stamped for the 'Shop-Phila' commercial entity in 1981.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion / Late 20th Century (1981).
Age Estimate
Dated 1981.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 1980s boom in precious metal investing and the globalization of Swiss wealth management products.
Condition Notes
Fair-Good condition. Visible surface scratches, minor dings on the edges (likely 'bag marks'), and signs of handling/oxidation. Tarnish is light but present in the recessed lettering.
Value Estimate
Market price is Silver Spot Price + Collector Premium (roughly $25-$45 USD depending on buyer interest in the 1981 stamp).
Care & Maintenance
Handle with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing toning. Store in an airtight PVC-free plastic capsule or flip. Do not polish, as it may reduce the numismatic appeal of the vintage bar.
Similar Pieces
PAMP Suisse Fortuna 20g bar (different motif), Valcambi 20g generic silver bar, Johnson Matthey 20g vintage silver bars.
Interesting Facts
Credit Suisse was one of the first major banks to issue small-denomination bullion bars, making precious metal investment accessible to the general public in the late 1970s and early 80s.