Englehard silver bars are one of the most widely recognized bars available. Apmex silver bars, while very reputable, are not as widely recognized as Engelhard. Everyone in the bullion industry is familiar with Engelhard bars. Apmex bars are rarely seen. Being less common, they are not as easily recognizable and therefore their value is not as high, despite having the same silver content. Engelhard bars may be cast, extruded or die struck (stamped). Apmex bars are usually die struck. Die striking is a more accurate means of creating a bar with the precise weight. Bars that are cast usually have slightly more metal than the bar calls for. This is to insure that the buyer gets at least what he is paying for. Cast bars have a lumpy shape, while extruded and struck bars have a machine quality to them. Bars that are struck often have a very shiny mirror-like surface.
Silver currently retails for about $20/oz. That amount may or may not have been true at the time of its posting. The complete story is that pure silver (.999 fine) is traded daily and its value changes just like any other commodity. Today, 8-20-2009, silver is at $13.88 a troy ounce, making the value of a 1 troy ounce Engelhard silver bar today worth about $14. That value was most assuredly change in the future. There are also sometimes premiums paid for a silver bar or round because of the design or mintage. This site shows a list of all the different types and numbers made of Engelhard one ounce bars: http://freesilverguide.com/engelhard-bars/
There are a number of safe places to purchase silver bars from. Those retailers include Provident Metals, Bullion By Post, JM Bullion and also SilverTowne.
Hauser Miller silver bars sell for prices around the silver spot price.
Some silver bars do come with a serial number stamped on them, many however, do not. The serial number is primarily there as a reference back to the manufacturer and is commonly seen as "evidence of purity", though this is not needed as the bars will most likely have a stamp of purity ( .999 Fine Silver ) and the weight (commonly 1 Troy oz, 10 oz, 100 oz, 1000 oz or in some cases the weight will be in grams) of the bar stamped on it as well. As a general rule, most private owners do no register their silver or gold bars with anyone. In fact, there is no place to register them at all. Private owners are more concerned with privacy and the anonymity of ownership. This is one of the chief advantages of owning silver bullion - it is a very secret store of wealth. The advantages to this privacy for the owner are:It cannot be taxedIt cannot be trackedIt can be sold easily, in exchange for cash in any currencyIt is transportable - you can move it with youSilver and other precious metals like gold, platinum or palladium provide a very compact and mobile store of your wealth that is less likely to feel the effects of inflation or recession.
It's suppose to be on the forks. Not too far down from the handle bars.
Silver bars are made from silver ore.
Silver bars can be obtained from reputable dealers like APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion, and BOLD Precious Metals. These dealers offer a range of silver bars in various weights and designs. It's important to research and choose a trusted dealer to ensure authenticity and fair pricing when acquiring silver bars.
Sizes vary depending on the company who makes the bar. Engelhard 100 ozt silver bars measure about 6" long x 3" wide x 1" thick. On the other hand, Johnson Matthey 100 ozt silver bars measure 6 1/2" x 2 1/2 x 1 1/4". In any event, they are probably small enough to fit into the smallest safe deposit box.
Whether you should purchase silver coins or silver bars depends on why you are purchasing silver. If you are a coin collector or want silver items that make a pleasing display, coins are probably preferable. If you are purchasing silver as a hedge against inflation, you may prefer bars, but may want to consider the security of where you will keep them.
At New York Gold Company we offer the very best silver bars created by leading mints in various countries, and we provide customers with expert advice to help them make the best choice according to their needs. Contact us to learn how we can help you find the best gold bars and coins for investment purposes.
I would sell the silver bars to an online dealer like APMEX or CMI.