Expert: Ronald Fern - 8/27/2011

Question
Hi i have 4 Danbury Mint  presidents, (1-4) that says one ounce proof ingot on the cardboard it came on.  I keep seeing others that say, first edition on the side of the bars, but my 4 do not.  Are these earlier releases? more valuable?  Thank You for Your time

Answer
Hi Missy:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

I've answered similar questions like this before. While I'm not familiar with the differences between what you say are "first edition" markings on the bar side, and ones without, the fact remains that the majority of these items sell for 90% to 110% of melt value. They hold limited collector value, especially when silver has gone up to over $40 a troy ounce. Scarce to rare pieces may bring up to double the melt value, but most trade right around it, plus or minus a few dollars. At the current rate of silver, your bars are likely worth about $45 to $50 a piece to an interested collector.

A completed listing on ebay sold a set in a wood box described as: The Danbury Mints collectors set from the early 1970's. This set is almost 40 years old so some of the bars are tarnished. Each bar is one troy ounce of solid sterling silver. There are a total of 38 Bars in this set. This is a proof set, some are tarnished with age. I am listing this just below the melting value of the SILVER which as of the time of this listing is: $1506.53."  The set sold for $1728.

You may also want to check out these links on silver bars and rounds:
http://www.rivercitycoins.com/silverrounds/celebrity/celebrityrounds.html
http://bullion.nwtmint.com/silver.php

For more information see Franklin Mint Silver Bullion Coin Sets Buy/Sell Guide: http://reviews.ebay.com/Franklin-Mint-Silver-Bullion-Coin-Sets-Buy-Sell-Guide_W0.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.