Silver Bar Question ?

Ok, so i have been researching the purchase of a 50 OZ bar on ebay, the lowest
I have found is $948 and the most is $4,999, this is for the same bullion content
(50 OZ) but the price difference is amazing, i know some bars are worth more based
on the maker and the age my question is how do you know ? is there a online guide
that i can look at ? sure would not want to pay to much for some ones opinion if
it not validated through some sort of value guide something like the "Grey Sheet"
but for silver bars.

thanks in advance for your answers and advice

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I'm sorry I can't be more help. A silver bar is worth melt to me and nothing more; I don't care who made it. If things ever went south, you won't care either. I suggest buying as cheap as possible every time.

 

I totally hear that ! as in Silver, i am completely in investment mode and on the
Cheap, that,s for sure, i ask this question primarily because i asked for a 10 OZ
Bar the other day at my local coin dealer and he brought me out a Englehard bar from circa 1980 and
said it cost $375, i said what ? should be around $180 he told me there was a
Premium on the bar because of the maker and the age, so hence the question
i posted.

 

That makes sense. Here's what I found on a quick google search (sorry, no prices were listed, but I bet there are auction sites where you could look at realized prices)
http://www.coinandbullionpages.com/silver-bullion-bars/antique-silver-bars.html

Also, based on APMX's info, I think he was pulling a fast one on you:
http://www.apmex.com/category/25490/engelhard-silver-bars

 

Well, buy looking at what some bars are selling for some people think there
worth more, unless something a serial number or limited addition attached
to it, atleast to me no premium is waranted.

 

Unless there is some collectible value (some 1oz Xmas or Easter bars, for example) there is little justification for anything more than 10% difference in my opinion. Elgelhard typically sell for more because of their reputation and the fact that they are no long made. But to me silver is silver. I suggest sticking with the reputable manufacturers and paying the lowest price you can find.

 

http://www.silverartcollector.com
We mostly talk about 1 ounce bars and have a very good gallery on site.
When you start collecting bars the Archiekidd book is the go to guide for information.

Considering that silver art bars usually have a run of 5000 or less thats where the premiums come in.
http://allengelhard.com/
Is also a great reference site for silver bars of all sizes.

 

The flip side of the question of course would be that if silver is silver why not just ask for one that sells for melt?

 

certain old bars are scarce and collectible and probably won't get melted. not a bad thing to have to diversify your basket. I bought some back in 2005 before PM's went up.

 

It all depends upon when/who you buy it from and when/who you sell it too.
The more in a hurry you are to sell something the closer to melt you are going to get especially if you go to most dealers.

You can get some higher value ASEs, but if you go to sell it you may only be offered Melt at some vendor, where to an end buyer you can get a premium. So you'll have to become more aware of buy/sell scenarios and how economic conditions may affect the premiums.

 

if it's just raw silver you're after go by price and buy generic stuff. easier to sell too, no emotional attachment

 

I totally agree with this. You should never be in a situation where you have to sell it right now. If you are then you have not made wise buying decisions. When you sell it and to whom you sell it makes a huge difference. I would say that you should decide what price you want to sell it for (which may change over time) and put it out there. If you have the patience to wait you will finally make a sale.

 

What can you do with a 50 oz silver bar that you paid $100 an ounce?
Sell it at a loss?

 

Wait until silver reaches $50 and ounce. Actually, probably $60 to allow for inflation.

 

Did I miss something or are you not aware of the silver bar numismatic market?

 

This is a really cool, purple toned Royal Canadian Mint 1 oz bar, still sealed from the Mint. Guy at the jewelry store we frequent sold it to us when spot was around $16.
"Eh, just gimme $15 for it," the owner said.
Apparently, this is an A series, which is rare. I've seen only a couple on Ebay and the seller's want crazy money. I could easily get $50-60 for it. Other than that, cheapest over spot is what I would always shoot for. I do like looking at some of the vintage bars, and shipwreck bars that are out there. I just wouldn't buy it personally. There is definitely a market for vintage bullion, but I'm not plugged into it. I imagine it's a small number of people that are into (and can afford!) it.

 

This reminds me that when Coke changed their formula to New Coke (80s, 90s?) my wife had a two liter bottle of the original and decided to keep it for nostalgia purposes? She still has it. Anyone offering $50?

 

Purchasing for collecting is completely different than purchasing for PM content. Much like coins.

 

^This is the answer. Some bars are the 1909-S VDB of their kind while others are like a circulated 1958 Wheat Cent. If you're looking for items close to spot, the major dealers (Apmex, JM Bullion, Provident, etc) tend to have plenty of specials for $1 over spot or less (and they even post some of these on ebay).

Here is a 5 oz bar from JM Bullion on ebay for $0.69 over spot per oz (credit card price):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ON-SALE-5-oz-Sunshine-Silver-Bar-New-MintMark-SI-Sealed-/151694418336?_trkparms=5079:5000006556

 

Will only offer spot + 7.5%.