Against the drab backdrop of most investment grade bullion, poured silver pieces stand apart as beautiful and dynamic. Unlike traditional bullion rounds and bars, the shape, tone, and design of each poured silver piece is unique. And in the eye of many silver enthusiasts the rustic look, visible pour lines, and rounded edges increase the allure of silver.
Here we will discuss how poured silver is manufactured, discuss why there is variation between pieces, and explain how poured silver fits in an investment strategy.
How Poured Silver is Made?
To make poured silver bars and rounds, silver shot is heated beyond its melting point (1763°F) in a ceramic crucible. Because it is extremely stable as a solid, the melting point of silver is more than nine-hundred times that of water. The molten silver is then poured into a custom mold and allowed to cool. Because the bars cool in the open air, regions of bar will cool at different rates. Variation in the rate of cooling across the bar produces minor variations in the shape and tone of the silver.
Alternatively, some bars are manufactured in a high-temperature oven. Solid silver shot is loaded into a custom mold, and the mold is inserted into the oven. The silver then melts in the oven. “Baked bars” are not traditional “poured silver”, but this process produces greater consistency in shape and metal tone.
After the silver has been melted, and generally before the bar has completely cooled, the silver piece is stamped with a design, manufacturer logo, and weight and purity hallmark. Because the silver is not completely cool, and because each piece is stamped individually, the designs will render slightly differently on each bar.
Why Should I Invest in Poured Silver?
Foremost, all poured silver sold by Provident Metals consists of investment grade .999 fine silver. Qualitatively, therefore, there is little difference buying traditional bullion and poured silver from Provident Metals.
Secondly, like many numismatic coins, some poured silver pieces have a limited production, and are individually serialized. And like their bullion counterparts, these silver pieces may continue to increase in value on the secondary market.
Finally, investing in poured silver represents an investment in tradition. Silver and gold bullion were first manufactured as poured pieces, and that tradition continues today!
Provident Metals’ Poured Silver Partners
Yeager Poured Silver – Yeager specializes in hand-poured silver bars, cubes, and other three dimensional designs. Located in Hartford, Ohio, Yeager has garnered years of experience manufacturing beautiful poured silver pieces, and is one of the industry’s most respected brands.
Atlantis Mint – Atlantis is a family owned and operated business. Atlantis specializes in poured silver bars. Their bars consistently have a beautiful silver sheen, and many feature skulls, sabres, or the Jolly Roger.
MK BarZ – MK is another family owned and operated mint. MK was established in 2014, and has been producing fine poured silver pieces ever since.
Poured Silver Exclusively at Provident Metals
Texas 2 oz Poured Silver Bar – This beautiful piece is manufactured by MK BarZ and consists of 2 ounces of .999 fine silver. Each bar is in the shape of Texas, with a Texas star located over the State Capital of Austin. Only 500 will be made!
Longhorn Skull 3 oz Poured Silver Bar – This unique piece is manufactured by MK BarZ and consists of three ounces of .999 fine silver. The back of the bar is stamped with the MK BarZ hallmark, weight, and purity. Only 500 will be made!
Lion 3 oz Poured Silver Bar – Manufactured by Yeager Poured Silver, each bar is shaped like the head of a lion and consists of three troy ounces of .999 fine silver. The back of each bar features the Yeager hallmark, and a stamp of the weight and purity. Only 2,500 will be made!
Pirate 10 oz Poured Silver Bar – Each of these bars is manufactured by Atlantis Mint, is individually serialized, comes with a certificate of authenticity, and consists of ten troy ounces of .999 fine silver. Only 1,000 will be made.
10 gram Poured Silver Bar – The smallest of the Provident Metals exclusive bars, each consists of ten grams .999 fine silver, is manufactured by Atlantis Mint, and features the weight, purity, and two skull and crossbones.
Diversify your silver collection today with poured silver exclusively from Provident Metals!
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