Antique Silver Archives

Smoking Hot – Antique Silver Cigarette Cases and Cigar Cases

Pictured is a fine example of a high-end, early to mid 20th century antique cigarette case. The body of this piece is crafted from blued steel, giving it a characteristic, gunmetal gray finish. Although not sterling silver, this antique cigarette case has other attributes typically found on expensive specimens, like a fine, natural blue sapphire cabochon mounted in the thumb-push, an applied, solid gold monogram and decorative gold trim.

Made in China is a term that we encounter nearly every day - and that is rarely a good thing. That Blu-ray player you bought for $40 at Wal-Mart that doesn't work quite right? It was made in China. The two-week old toaster that almost burned down your house when it shorted out in a brilliant pyrotechnic display? Also made in China. The no-name vacuum cleaner that went on a savage rampage and tried to eat your cat, Mr. FluffyBottom? Undoubtedly made in China.

Today Chinese goods are synonymous with poor quality, mass produced junk. And this debris has invaded our lives, overwhelming us with inferior, low quality household items of every description. In many ways the phrase "made in China" is a metaphor for the increasingly debased nature of the post-modern experience. And yet there are alternatives to a life crammed full of crudely manufactured consumer trash - for example, a tasteful collection of fine antique silver cigarette cases or cigar cases.

Solid silver antique cigarette cases and cigar cases, along with vintage cigarette holders, are one of the sleeper hits of the objet d'art world. Long underappreciated, this genre of the popular tobacciana field is starting to see renewed collector interest. Once the province of gilded age gentlemen's clubs and aristocratic smoking rooms, vintage tobacco paraphernalia and advertising are increasingly appreciated by modern connoisseurs.

Especially popular from the late 19th century until the mid 20th century, antique silver cigarette cases and cigar cases were indispensable accessories for the high-class smoker. In addition to being irrefutably stylish, they also served the very practical function of keeping fragile cigarettes or cigars dry and undamaged during poor weather.

Just because you aren't a tobacco user, doesn't mean you can't admire and collect these overlooked vintage gems. While certainly in demand from current-day smokers, elegant antique silver cigarette cases are sometimes repurposed by corporate professionals to tastefully hold business cards. Men and women with a luxury retro aesthetic also find that they make great billfolds, wallets or credit card holders, too.

Master silversmiths employed a dizzying array of stunning decorative techniques in the production of these cosmopolitan luxury items. Beautifully engraved or chased designs were perennial favorites. High contrast niello was a painstakingly exacting technique commonly used on Russian and Siamese cases. Colorful enameling and dazzling engine turning were both staples of the language of early 20th century design. Gilding, popular across every age and country, was employed to impart a classy, tasteful appearance.

Some fine cigarette and cigar cases were crafted with solid gold applied motifs or initials, giving a look of understated elegance. A few of the more sumptuous examples were even mounted with sparkling cabochon cut sapphires, rubies or other glittering gemstones.

Antique Silver Cigarette Cases with Applied Gold Decorations for Sale on eBay

Antique cases of the 19th century were dominated by ornate Victorian tastes, with copious use of chased and engraved floral designs. By the turn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau, with its naturalistic, flowing aesthetic, had come into vogue. A common hallmark of Art Nouveau cigarette cases was the portrayal of languorous, sinuous women - either partially or fully nude.

Starting in the 1920s, Art Deco came to the fore, extensively employing engine-turned and enameled geometric motifs on silver cigarette cases. The 1940s and 1950s were characterized by the streamlined, minimalist look of Mid-Century design. During this period silver cigarette cases and cigar cases had either subtle or no embellishment whatsoever, leaving large expanses of unadorned silver as the artistic focal point.

Tremendously beautiful silver cigarette cases and cigar cases were made throughout Europe and the United States. The firm of Asprey & Co., a storied London-based luxury goods retailer and holder of a royal warrant, was one of the leading British manufacturers of cases. In the United States, Tiffany and Gorham were renowned for producing exceedingly high quality work. Silver cigarette cases made by the French jeweler Cartier were synonymous with extravagant luxury.

Asprey, Cartier, Gorham & Tiffany Antique Silver Cigarette Cases for Sale on eBay

However, perhaps the most outrageously sumptuous cases were produced in Czarist Russia. Russian silversmiths, including the esteemed Faberge workshop, often employed niello, precious stones and applied gold motifs when making these miniature masterpieces. Keep in mind that the aforementioned silversmiths are just a few outstanding manufacturers among many; other silversmiths not mentioned here also produced truly excellent work.

When investing in silver cigarette cases or cigar cases it is important to avoid damaged examples. Accordingly, steer clear of cases with significant dents, chipped enamel, or loose or broken hinges. Minor dents or scratches are acceptable; they are expected on silver items that are almost a century old.

Monograms generally have little impact on value unless they are artfully incorporated into the design of the piece. In these (admittedly uncommon) instances a monogram can boost the case's value. Inscriptions can be desirable if they reference historical events, people or add interest to the item.

Antique Silver Cigar Cases for Sale on eBay

Conversely, a full set of silver hallmarks aid in identification and are highly desirable. Ever popular British pieces will almost always be fully hallmarked while continental European cases can be more hit or miss in this regard. American examples are usually stamped "sterling" in addition to having a maker's mark.

Good quality cases in heavier silver generally start at only around $100. Cases by notable makers are always of a consistently high quality and generally run into the several hundreds of dollars. Exceedingly fine, jewel encrusted examples can command more than $1,000. Exceptional Russian cases from the Czarist period can easily fetch thousands of dollars.

A discriminatingly assembled collection of quality silver cigarette cases and cigar cases is not only likely to steadily appreciate in value, but is also a joy to own. Few things would be as subtly impressive as offering your friend a Cuban cigar from your pre-revolution, Czarist Russian silver cigar case. One can just imagine his expression as he glimpses the magnificent case - silver shimmers with delicate yet bold niello scrollwork, solid gold initials glint elegantly and the royal blue of a precious sapphire cabochon glitters seductively from the thumb-catch.

Russian Antique Silver Cigarette Cases for Sale on eBay

Made in China is a reality that we must live with in many aspects of our lives today. But that doesn't mean we have to resign ourselves to being surrounded exclusively by cheap Chinese junk. A small collection of fine, antique silver cigarette cases and cigar cases may be the perfect way to set yourself apart in a world inundated by undesirable clutter.

Read more in-depth Antique Sage tobacciana investment guides here.

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Read more in-depth Antique Sage antique silver investment guides here.

When Europe Loomed Large – Antique European Art Medals

A late 19th century bronze art medal featuring Franz Joseph I, the ruler of the now defunct Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1848 to 1916. This specimen comes in its original box, enhancing its desirability.

Art doesn't have very many rules. But it does have one immutable law. It must be beautiful. This truism might seem obvious to the casual observer, but the world today doesn't always make sense.

As an example, let's briefly examine Jackson Pollock's well-known drip painting in the abstract expressionist style, No. 5, 1948. The work is a confused jumble of earth-tone paint splatters interspersed with random splashes of yellow. To say that the oil on fiberboard painting is difficult to appreciate is a bit of an understatement. In fact, it looks more like the unfortunate outcome of a sick child projectile vomiting his baseball stadium meal of a hotdog, soft pretzel and coke than a work of art.

And if abstract expressionism's lack of aesthetic appeal wasn't enough to deter you, prepare for sticker shock. This particular Jackson Pollock - No. 5, 1948 - last sold in a private sale via Sotheby's auction house in 2006 for a mind-boggling $140,000,000.00. That is 14 followed by 7 zeros, or $140 million dollars.

And if you're still interested, keep in mind that the traditional art market is over-run with fakes. It would take decades of intense study to acquire the knowledge necessary to reliably distinguish a genuine Jackson Pollock work from the legions of forgeries being peddled by con artists. In fact, even the experts can't agree among themselves if some well-known works can legitimately be attributed to Pollock or not.

Wouldn't it be nice if the aspiring art collector had an alternative to buying absurdly priced, frequently counterfeited, abstract paintings of dubious artistic merit? Well, there is another option: antique European art medals. Medals, which resemble large presentation coins, are typically composed of bronze, silver-plated bronze, silver or vermeil (gold-plating over solid silver). Unlike commemorative coins they have no stated face value and are not legal tender.

Although medals have been struck throughout the world, the most attractive and collectible examples originate from Europe. Pieces from as early as the 18th century can be readily acquired, although their artistic zenith occurs from the mid 19th to the early 20th century.

Europe underwent dramatic political, social and technological changes from circa 1850 to World War II. On the one hand, scientific advancements propelled the continent forward at breakneck speeds. First railroads, then cars and finally airplanes connected Europe as never before while the advent of electricity ushered in an age of glittering, sophisticated cities.

However, at the same time Europe was still hopelessly anchored to its medieval past. Kings, emperors and monarchs of every description ruled over almost every nation on the continent. The aristocracy not only still existed, but believed itself to be the ordained political elite by virtue of ancient lineage and feudal legacy. All these cultural crosscurrents combine vividly on antique European art medals, bringing this tumultuous time of rapid change to life.

Antique German Silver Art Medals for Sale on eBay

Art medals are often large, with dimensions occasionally exceeding 50 millimeters (2 inches) in diameter and 62 grams (2 troy ounces) in weight. This results in extremely impressive works of art that can be substantially larger than a U.S. silver dollar. These generous sizes make medals a perfect medium to express the engraver's art, allowing the artist to fully explore the subject over an unrestricted expanse.

As presentation pieces, medals are usually struck with extremely detailed designs in very high relief. They rarely suffer from flaws - like weak strikes - commonly found in mass-produced, circulating coinage. Medals also excel as miniature works of art because they are typically struck in very limited quantities and receive minimal wear. This contrasts sharply with regular coins, which are minted by the million and often experience very heavy wear due to circulation.

Antique French Silver Art Medals for Sale on eBay

Like any legitimate work of art, very high quality medals were oftentimes signed by the artist. Many of the best known medalists were French, reflecting France's leading position as an engraving center in the 19th century. This isn't surprising considering France's world-wide reputation for producing art of the highest quality.

In addition to their typical round format, some of these French masterpieces were struck in rectangular shapes known as "plaques" or "plaquettes". French medals, as well as other European medals, echo the grandeur and confidence of the continent's assorted empires and kingdoms during its cultural apogee of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

European medals feature a wide variety of subjects from important historical figures such as kings, queens and emperors to prosaic pastoral scenes of cows and fields. Mythological themes and national personifications also make prominent appearances. A topic often encountered in medals from Germany and Switzerland was shooting competition awards while France was famous for its wedding medals. Pieces celebrating royal coronations were created in almost every European nation.

Medals can be found commemorating an almost endless number of subjects in a myriad of styles - everything from aeronautical motifs in sleek art deco minimalism to Napoleonic busts rendered with staid neo-classical realism. A striking collection could be built around country of origin, theme or style of art, to name just a few. Medals really are a garden of earthly delights for the discerning, yet cost conscious, art aficionado.

Antique French Plaque Art Medals for Sale on eBay

When investing in antique European art medals, size matters. As a general rule, the larger the medal the more desirable it is. The kind of metal used in a piece is important too. Examples in bronze usually sell for somewhat less than equivalent medals in silver. Sometimes pieces are even found with their original presentation cases intact which increases both desirability and resale value.

As with most antiques, damaged or excessively worn medals should be avoided. Eye appeal is paramount. Medals that feature certain popular subjects - like cars or railroads - usually trade at higher prices than their more mundane counterparts. Occasionally medals are certified by a third-party grading service. This is beneficial as it ensures a medal's authenticity.

Antique NGC Certified Swiss Silver Shooting Medals for Sale on eBay

One would expect a medal struck for the 1897 Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria to command a rather large premium. Such a historically important item not only boldly proclaims the opulent glory of the late 19th century British Empire but also simultaneously exhibits the pinnacle of the engravers art. Surprisingly, however, these specimens can be had for under $200. Other fine European medals in both bronze and silver can be purchased for $60 to $300. However, even the very largest and finest medals rarely exceed $500.

This means that a stunningly beautiful collection of one or two dozen impressively sized medals could be acquired for only a few thousand dollars. In an art world dominated by ugly $140 million dollar abstract paintings, European medals represent a secret oasis of reasonably priced, accessible beauty.

Antique British Coronation and Jubilee Medals for Sale on eBay

Read more in-depth Antique Sage rare coin investment guides here.

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Read more in-depth Antique Sage antique silver investment guides here.

Desperately Seeking Silver – Continental European Silver

A sumptuous place-setting of gilt 19th century (pre-1888) German silver flatware. The set is marked "Freidberg 12 Loth Silb", indicating a fineness of 75%. These pieces are very heavy and ornately decorated - both signs of good quality silverware.

The mobile computing revolution has taken over the world - and our lives along with it. Smart phones, tablets and laptops are ubiquitous in today's society. They keep us connected to the world in ways unimaginable a mere few decades ago

But some would argue that they really hold us captive, making us slaves to work, the 24 hour news cycle and even our friends. Somehow, amid all the texts, tweets and pics we forgot our birthright.

You will not bequeath your iPhone to your grandchildren. Your Amazon Kindle tablet will not become an heirloom treasured by future generations. But there are some parts of our illustrious patrimony that can be readily reclaimed by those who are willing. Among them is beautiful, useful and durable Continental European silverware, an investment that will surely be cherished for many generations to come.

Continental European silver is the perfect intersection of pragmatic serviceability, uncompromising old-world craftsmanship, and hidden value. For hundreds of years, solid silver flatware and hollowware has been used as a store of value and a signifier of noble status. And today it is possible to acquire fine Continental European silver originating from France, Germany, Russia or other European nations for relatively modest sums.

Most pieces encountered today were manufactured between the early 19th century and the mid 20th century, although it is still possible to occasionally find specimens from the 18th century. In contrast to the British sterling standard of 92.5% fineness, Continental European silver was crafted in purities varying from 75% fine to over 95% fine. Regardless of these inconsequential differences in fineness standards, Continental European silver can easily match, or even surpass, British silver in terms of workmanship and artistry.

Continental European silver is usually less expensive than its British equivalents. The primary reason for this is because Great Britain has a very consistent and well documented hallmarking system that has been in place since medieval times. This makes British sterling silver easily attributable to not only maker, but also city and year of manufacture.

Continental European silver, in comparison, has a plethora of confusing and poorly recorded hallmarks that can make identification challenging, or sometimes even impossible. As a result, collectors of high quality silver have traditionally tended to gravitate towards the more easily identified British pieces, driving up their prices. This has created a unique opportunity for the savvy connoisseur to acquire stunningly beautiful Continental European silver at very attractive prices.

Antique French Silver-Gilt Tableware for Sale on eBay

Often gilt, French silver drips with remarkably beautiful floral, scrollwork or ribbon motifs. It possesses an organic je ne sais quoi that appeals to the most discerning of collectors. The most prominent French silversmith is the venerable firm of Puiforcat, a maker of highly coveted silver for over 150 years. The French hallmarking system was one of the first to go decimal in the world, doing so shortly after the French Revolution.

There are primarily two different French silver finenesses that are encountered: first standard at 95% silver and second standard at 80% silver. Both are denoted on most items by the Minerva's head hallmark accompanied by either the number "1" or "2" beside the head of the goddess, depending on the standard.

German silversmiths produced silver in similar, although ever so subtly more reserved, styles compared to their French counterparts. However, Germany produced silver to just as high a standard as the French. German silver tends to feel a bit heavier and more solid than similar pieces by French silversmiths.

The pre-1888 fineness standard for silver in the German States was the loth (or lot) system, with 16 loth corresponding to 100% fine silver. Usually German silver is found hallmarked with 12, 13 or 14 loth purities, which translates into finenesses of 75%, 81.25%, and 87.5%, respectively. In 1888 Germany adopted a unified hallmarking system that employed the familiar decimal standard. A crescent moon and crown hallmark beside the number "800", representing 80% fineness, is the typical mark found on these later pieces.

Antique German Silver Tableware for Sale on eBay

Russian silver usually exhibits bright-cut designs in a flat, two-dimensional style that is almost medieval in its texture. Russian silversmiths also indulged in profuse gilding of their creations, recalling the gold-leafed onion domes that are so iconic in Russian architecture.

Russian silver's other trademark techniques are niello and cloisonné enamel. Niello is a mixture of silver, copper, lead and sulfur that is selectively applied to the surface of a silver object, producing a high contrast between the hematite-colored niello and bright silver.

Cloisonné enamel is produced by using wire to segment the surface of a metal object into many different cells to form a pattern or design. Powdered enamel is then carefully put into the cells, each one with a different color. The entire piece is then fired in an oven at a high temperature, causing the powdered enamel to liquefy and become glass-like. The result is a stunningly colorful glass-mosaic-over-metal effect.

These unusual techniques cause Russian silver to be very distinctive from what was produced in the rest of Europe contemporaneously.

Russian silver falls into two broad categories: pieces from the Soviet Era, post 1917, and those from the Czarist era, pre-1917. At the current time, silver from the Czarist period is in high demand and hence more expensive than silver from the Soviet period. It should also be noted that Russian pieces are generally somewhat more expensive than other Continental European silver.

The Czarist Russian fineness standard was based on 96 Zolotniks, which equals 100% pure silver. The two alloys usually encountered are 84 or 88 Zolotniks, equivalent to 87.5% and 91.67% silver, respectively. As in so many other countries, hallmarking was switched over to the decimal system in the 20th century during the Soviet era.

Antique Russian Silver Tableware for Sale on eBay

A magnificent set of gleaming Continental European silverware at an upscale dinner party conveys the elegance and sophistication of its host far better than an iPhone. And one doesn't have to be a member of a centuries old noble family to purchase such pieces either.

Flatware and small hollowware items start around only $100, while full tea sets or 12-person place-settings can run into the several thousand dollar range. And sometimes these sets can even be found in their original presentation boxes, something that boosts their desirability and value even further.

In a time when most people clamor for the dubious benefits of the latest tech gadget, devoting some money to a set of exquisite Continental European silver will surely prove a shrewd financial move.

Read more in-depth Antique Sage antique silver investment guides here.

Stacked Wealth – Vintage Silver Bullion Bars

An assortment of poured vintage silver bullion bars in 5 and 20 troy ounce sizes manufactured by SilverTowne, JPM (Jackson Precious Metals) and Johnson Matthey. The SilverTowne bars pictured are actually vintage issues, fabricated before the company resumed pouring new silver bars recently.

Promises, promises, promises. The world is full of promises that aren't kept. Lovers softly coo sweet lies to their partners. Politicians solemnly swear to implement government reforms they know will never happen. Friends cheerfully, if falsely, pledge to reimburse you for their excessively high bar tab after cajoling you into paying.

Likewise, the financial world is full of promises that won't be kept either. The city of Detroit's pensions, Lehman Brother's commercial paper and Greece's sovereign debt all are pertinent, timely examples of financial promises broken.

And there is undoubtedly more where that came from. The old saying still holds true, "What cannot be paid back, will not be paid back." However, there is at least one investment that will earnestly keep its vows: vintage silver bullion bars.

Possessing many outstanding properties, silver is the quintessential metal. It is not only mesmerizingly lustrous but also extraordinarily reflective. Silver is the best conductor of both heat and electricity among all elements. Its exceptionally high density (10.5 grams per cubic centimeter) exceeds that of both copper (9.0 g/cm3) and iron (7.9 g/cm3). Unlike most metals, silver is extremely resistant to chemical attack, tarnishing only in the presence of highly corrosive substances such as ozone, sulfur or the halogens (like chlorine).

These compelling physical properties have contributed to silver's use in a plethora of industrial, scientific and monetary functions. But perhaps silver's most ancient use - as a store of value - is still its best. A vintage silver bar, with its unmistakable heft and soft metallic glow, is the near perfect embodiment of tangible wealth.

There is something truly mesmerizing about vintage silver bullion bars. Their chunky style, rounded corners and slightly irregular surfaces are immediately, viscerally attractive. An old silver bar's finish may be wonderfully patinaed from decades of storage, or as seductively lustrous as the day it left the mint, or even subtly frosted as if coated by a million tiny sugar crystals. Bullion bars evoke time-honored financial traditions, when physical wealth could be firmly held in the palm of your hand. Vintage silver bullion bars gently whisper to be treasured and possessed.

Poured Vintage Silver Bullion Bars for Sale on eBay

Silver bars are fabricated in three basic ways; they are struck, extruded or poured. Most modern bullion bars are made via striking or extrusion. Today, smaller bars are usually struck while larger bars can be either struck or extruded. Silver bars created via striking or extrusion typically have very crisp details and a mirror like finish. They are unmistakably machine-made and lack the charming surfaces and mellow patina of older hand poured bars. The striking and extrusion methods, being amenable to automation, have almost completely displaced pouring as a manufacturing method.

In contrast, poured bars are created via casting molten silver into a mold and then allowing it to cool. Finally, the bar is removed from the mold and carefully struck with its weight, fineness and maker's mark. Poured bars are oftentimes hand cast and thus significantly more labor intensive to make than struck or extruded bars. This has resulted in few refineries continuing the venerable tradition of fabricating silver bars in the old style.

One highly coveted type of poured silver bar frequently encountered is the "loaf" shape bar. These loaf-style bars are very thick and chunky with extremely rounded corners. This gives them the characteristic shape of a miniature loaf of bread. Another shape commonly found is the "kit-kat" style bar. These bars, while also thick and chunky, have somewhat sharper corners, giving them the form of an oversized kit-kat candy bar. Some vintage kit-kat style silver bars were extruded instead of poured. However, if genuinely older, these extruded kit-kat bars are still quite desirable.

Loaf Style Vintage Silver Bullion Bars for Sale on eBay

The 1960s to the early 1980s were the heyday of poured vintage silver bullion bars. As the global inflation rate started to rise in the early 1960s, people began looking for alternative, inflation-resistant investments. Consequently, demand for small and medium sized silver bars skyrocketed during this period. Private refiners and mints thrived as the inexorably rising price of precious metals translated into healthy demand for their products.

However, it all quickly unwound after silver prices experienced a bubble peak early in 1980. The public reacted to the bubble by quickly dumping its collective silver stash on the market. This led to massive amounts of fine sterling silverware, rare silver coins and beautiful vintage poured silver bars being thrown into the melting pot. It is a tragedy that most of these unique, old silver bars ended up exiting refineries as soulless 1,000 troy ounce COMEX good delivery bars.

Kit-Kat Style Vintage Silver Bullion Bars for Sale on eBay

A wide variety of reputable refineries, both large and small, manufactured poured vintage silver bullion bars. Some of the old bar makers frequently encountered include Engelhard, Johnson Matthey, GA (Golden Analytical), Star Metals, NCM (Nevada Coin Mart), JPM (Jackson Precious Metals), Academy, CCM (California Crown Mint) and Phoenix Precious Metals. All of these companies are now either defunct or no longer produce silver bars.

Engelhard, for example, was the world's leading silver bar manufacturer from the 1960s until the mid 1980s. But the company only made poured silver bars earlier in that period, later switching over to struck/extruded bars. Engelhard completely ceased silver bar production after the mid 1980s.

Due to high demand, a handful of companies have resumed production of poured silver bars. SilverTowne L.P., Scottsdale Mint, Prospector's Gold & Gems, Monarch Precious Metals, Atlantis Mint, Yeager's Poured Silver and Bison Bullion currently (as of 2015) produce poured silver bars. These seven refineries' poured silver bars are recent and should not be confused with genuine, older poured bars.

Although they are not investment vehicles on par with vintage issues, these newer poured bars are still an exceptionally beautiful way to own silver bullion and might acquire collector's status over time. Because they are still being manufactured today, pricing is competitive with other modern struck and extruded bars on the market. If you are interested in finding out more about new poured silver bars you can read my article titled "The Investment Case for Hand-Poured Silver Bars".

New Poured Silver Bars for Sale on eBay

Poured silver bars typically range in size from 1 troy ounce to 100 troy ounces. Common sizes are 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 troy ounces. 1,000 troy ounce poured bars do exist, but are industrial in size (almost 70 pounds each) and cost (approximately $15,000 with spot at $15 per ounce). These 1,000 ounce behemoths should be avoided due to their limited collectability. Similarly, very small 1 troy ounce bars lack the universal investment appeal of slightly larger sizes. Stepping up to a minimum of 2 or 3 ounce bars easily remedies this minor issue.

Occasionally you will come across odd weight silver bars. For example, the bar might be stamped "10.34 troy oz." These odd weight bars are an almost certain indicator of an older, vintage bar that is both unique and desirable.

Vintage silver bullion bars have compelling investment potential, especially when considering their impressive appearance and high intrinsic value. Premiums over bullion value range from about 25% on the low end to over 300% for extremely rare types. Larger bars typically have lower premiums than smaller bars, but will cost more because of their higher intrinsic value.

Pricing realistically begins around $120 for investment grade silver bars weighing 2 to 5 ounces. Imposingly monolithic 100 troy ounce bars the size of a small brick can easily run from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on rarity (with spot silver at $15 per ounce). Lovers, politicians and even friends may prove unreliable, but vintage silver bullion bars will always remain true.

Read more in-depth Antique Sage bullion & gemstone investment guides here.

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Read more in-depth Antique Sage antique silver investment guides here.