Silver Bars

There are different types of silver bars to consider that offer unique benefits for different investor preferences and needs.

Cast Silver Bars: A cast silver bullion bar is created by pouring molten silver into open or closed molds. It has a rouged appearance with dimples and ripples and is less refined than minted bars. While the overall weight of the bar is consistent, each cast bar may have slight manufacturing variations. Cast bars typically come in larger sizes for investors looking for cost advantages. The 100-oz Canadian Royal Mint silver bar is an example of a cast bar.

Hand-poured Silver Bars: These bars are typically made for their craftsmanship and connection to traditional silversmith methods. They are made by hand-pouring molten silver into molds using a crucible. This labor-intensive process allows for unique artisan bars with rustic characteristics.

Minted Silver Bars: These bars are the opposite of cast bars. Precision manufacturing with a stamping princess achieves a polished finish. They have a standardized appearance, sometimes with detailed designs for those who prefer a refined look. Die-struck, stamped, and extruded are different types of minting processes.

• Extruded silver bars are produced by forcing heated silver through a die to create a long, continuous bar. The bar is then cut into smaller sections and may be polished or stamped. Johnson Matthey and Engelhard are known for their extruded silver bars.
• Stamped Silver Bars: These bars typically feature designs, minting logos, or patterns stamped onto their surface with a machine press. They offer less complexity in design than a die-struck bar. These bars appeal to investors who value the added authenticity of a bullion bar. Valcambi stamps each silver bar with weight and purity information.
• Die-Struck Bars: The process starts by pressing a blank piece of silver between two dies under high pressure. There are multiple steps, including rolling, cutting blanks, and striking with a die for the final result. The result is highly polished, detailed, and precise designs with refined edges.
• Hand-poured bars appeal to investors who seek an artful touch but can sometimes garner a higher premium. An example of a die-struck bar is the Lady Fortuna bar produced by PAMP Suisse.