Engelhard Silver

Although no longer in business under the name Engelhard, this company remains one of the most trusted and respected names in the world of silver bars. They produced one, five, ten and one-hundred ounce bars, using the standard Troy ounce of measurement. Today, an Engelhard silver bar is a real find for collectors. They’re not being produced anymore, and so they’ve taken on extra significance for those who enjoy not only the wealth-building element of silver collecting, but the history of the metal as well.

Established in 1902 in Newark, New Jersey, the business purchased a precious-metals smelting plant two years later and began production of gold, platinum and silver products. It grew to become the largest precious-metals smelting operation in the world. Operating continuously until 2006, it gained an enviable reputation as one of the most respected, largest and most diverse smelting operators in the world.

Engelhard began producing fine silver products in the mid-1970′s, as inflation was becoming a big concern for American citizens. Those looking to protect their money turned to precious metals, and silver was a natural choice. Although smaller, lesser-known companies had begun to manufacture silver bars already, Engelhard was one of the first large refineries to produce fine silver for purchase in bars. This early significance is another reason collectors enjoy acquiring Engelhard silver. Engelhard silver bars ceased production in the mid-1980s. Inflation had been reduced, and the demand for fine silver decreased. Compared to its other endeavors, the production of fine silver was no longer considered profitable.

Engelhard produced its silver in two different ways. Extrusion was used, as was pouring. A poured silver bar is produced by heating silver until it is molten, then pouring it into a mold to harden and cool. Extrusion involves drawing the heated and pressurized metal through a die, which produces a long bar. This bar can either be flattened (often done with aluminum for home siding) or cut into smaller pieces. There is no difference in the silver content or the quality; Engelhard silver bars are all .999 pure silver, regardless of production methods. However, some collectors find the poured bars more attractive, simply because they often feature more detail.

Thanks to the rich history of the company and the high quality of the product, Engelhard silver will most likely be in high demand for years to come. In fact, like many other commodities which are no longer being produced, Engelhard silver may well grow in value for its collectible properties alone.

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