Acquiring Vintage Arts Bars, Information You Can Use

Information and tips on what Vintage mints and refiners to collect and what types of bars to look for! There is a lot of information to cover, so this video is just a short overview for beginner collectors.
Let me know if you enjoy content like this in the comment section! Thank you for watching!

[@peterj8278]

What a very informative video Silver Struck, not just for beginner collectors but all die hard collectors, thank you for sharing your investigative research and knowledge, a textbook keepsake video, I watched Emerald Coast Stacker's live stream & auction earlier today and just found out from jkpioneer that there are more dated Sunshine Mining rounds for me to collect, you probably already know that they were also produced in 1979, 1980 & 2000, plus there is also an undated Sunshine Mining round, in 2000 Sunshine Minting also produced the Millennium round, so much for me to learn. Cheers Peter J 😂👋🙏🇦🇺 🦘🐨👍

[@SilverStruck]

I learn more and more about Sunshine mining all the time. Met another collector who has 1979 through 1997 dated rounds. He was asking if I had ever seen 1998 dated...which I have not. He emailed me pics of the later 1990's dated rounds. Found a 1994 on ebay but it sold for 102.00!

[@peterj8278]

It seems like there are more and more collectors of Sunshine Mining products pushing the prices up, I forgot to mention that STG purchase a 10oz Sunshine Mining bar on Emerald's live stream & auction today, I hope you get to see my comments on your Aussie PM collection video 😂

[@SilverStruck]

@peterj8278 I think you're right, more collectors looking for Sunshine. Emerald had emailed letting me know he had a 1984 but I already had that date in multiple. I'm in Rome with my family right now, so I haven't been able to see everything on my channel. I'll check for that comment! Thank u PeterJ.😊

[@bullionaddict9164]

Today, Professor Struck was in the house teaching us the ins and outs of the world of vintage bars. Very cool 😎 I finally showed my vintage Silver Town 5 oz'ers that I bought months ago. It takes me a while to get around to things I reckon. Cheers 🍾🍾 SS.

[@SilverStruck]

I will be sure to check that video out as soon as I can. Typing this from Rome right now- on vaca with the fam. Thank you for your support BA, very much appreciated!😊

[@asheland_numismatics]

Whnwood bars are cool! I’ve never seen that kind before! 😦

[@SilverStruck]

Hard to find bar, lucky to have added that one😊

[@asheland_numismatics]

@@SilverStruck 😎

[@SilverandCigars]

great information. i like that theres actual information on the types and mintages of vintage silver

[@SilverStruck]

Me too, having guides and resources makes this hobby a lot of fun😊

[@MELLOWstacks]

Nicely done, Struck! 👊🏻 🌞

[@SilverStruck]

Mello Stacks in the house! Good to see you😊

[@send2georgie_S2G]

What a wonderful informative video. I had no idea JM bars with letter prefix are modern bullion from Asahi. Thanks for sharing Struck. You’re a great asset to the community 👍🏻😊

[@SilverStruck]

Well specifically the "A" prefix is the modern variety. There are other letter prefixes that are legitimate vintage bars

[@send2georgie_S2G]

@@SilverStruck I think I got a couple of A-prefix… so I overpaid for them!! Dang 😂😱

[@savagestacker]

Great information I also try and pick up anything old and get lucky quite often

[@SilverStruck]

I think you and I have a similar style and strategy - hunt down awesome vintage locally for generic or close prices. It's hard to do but worth it

[@snakebyte7271]

Thanks great info !

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you for watching, you know I appreciate it😊

[@cultureofcurrency]

I still have never been to a coin show! I love watching your videos for the "what if" factor...What if I started hunting for vintage stuff...What would it look like? What would be a good process? What would be my favorite...You have shown me a world I did not know existed!! LOVE hearing to you and your process.

[@SilverStruck]

I would love to record a video of sifting through a bin at the LCS. The problem with that is complex- tipping off the LCS that there are collection grade silvers in the bin is one problem. I've often considered it tho, it would make a good video.

[@cultureofcurrency]

@@SilverStruck That would be really cool!! Does your LCS know about your channel?

[@shawncovert5447]

Great video & Information drop. 🇺🇲🦅⚖️

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you my friend! Always nice to see you here Shawn😊

[@WorldMoneyWins]

Fantastic presentation!!

[@SilverStruck]

I really appreciate that my friend! It.means a lot coming from another collector and content creator 😊

[@silverhustlin1390]

Great lesson Struck!!

[@SilverStruck]

Much appreciated my friend! Have an excellent Sunday!

[@72cmcinc]

Always impressive with the knowledge, thanks so much and enjoy your Sunday!

[@SilverStruck]

Happy Sunday! You're the best- I think my longest continuing subscriber that comments every vid. Thank you😊

[@ACE_.]

I don’t collect them intentionally, but if I do , I know who I need to ask! Lol ! Great stuff SS!

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you Ace! You collect something a bit more valuable in those Moragn CC's😊

[@Dub-C_Coins]

Great examples and advice.

[@SilverStruck]

Much Appreciated Dub C! When I get back from vaca, I'll catch up on your videos😊

[@SalivateMetal]

What a great tutorial on collecting vintage bars. Some great information on the JM bars. I need to check some that I have to look and see if there is a leading A.

[@SilverStruck]

Appreciate the kind words and compliments sir. Those "A" leading prefix JM bars are passed off as vintage all the time. I don't think people know they are Asahi. I've been tricked myself on those in the past before I was told about this from another collector.

[@lilrockfromga5092]

You are always a wealth of knowledge. I didn't know about some of the bars shown.

[@SilverStruck]

I show a lot of the same bars in my videos, so i try to introduce new bars when I can. Thank you for the kind words and support!

[@dougstacks]

Lots of great info, thanks.

[@SilverStruck]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PapaT7]

Silver Struck Great show! So much content for us to gain knowledge from!! Also grateful that you take time out of your schedule to respond to our emails! God bless

[@SilverStruck]

My pleasure! The emails I receive from you guys are great. I enjoy the questions and feedback. Enjoy the hunt for those bars!😊

[@udhehfhehcuw9169]

5:51 I have one of these. Didn’t realize it was special when I got it. Happy to see it’s one you highlight!

[@SilverStruck]

Great bar to have! They aren't super rare but at 10k mintage way more rare then the standard JM.

[@NorthForkDetecting]

Great video! One of my best finds at my lcs was the Engelhard Club of Kings bar still seal. And I got it for just above spot price.

[@SilverStruck]

Wow, that is a great find!! To get that at close to spot is amazing, well done😊

[@billseymourjr5472]

Great information on bars thanks for the lesson I really appreciate it I'm considering collecting bar myself.

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you for the support! Hopefully this video is helpful for othet collectors.

[@LibertyBleeds]

Thank you for explaining the minute details. I appreciate the breakdown makes it easier to know what to go after. Great share. Awesome collection!

[@SilverStruck]

Of course, I'm glad to help others collect if I can. This video only scratches the surface.

[@Eli-qr9hc]

I am really loving vintage bars! Thanks

[@SilverStruck]

I'm glad you're enjoying the hunt for vintage bars! Thank you for watching and supporting the channel 😊

[@SilverAugustine.999]

Nice info on the “A” for Asahi on the Johnson Matthey bar serial numbers.

[@SilverStruck]

Yes, a mistake I've made in the past myself, so just passing on info I've learned from others. I rather buy the JM bank bars, I know those are not modern 😊

[@CSAN]

Very nice primer on 1 oz silver bars! Huge Madison Mint fan. Gotta love Great Lakes Mint as well. Although they don’t cooperate for capsules 😂 Nicely done

[@SilverStruck]

Those Great Lakes bars really are wonderful! As we both know, not every bar goes in a capsule😢😅😊

[@EmeraldCoastStacker]

I sincerely appreciate how you have always kept education at the forefront of your channel Silver Struck…simply the best!

[@SilverStruck]

Always appreciate your kind comments! I've already heard through the community you're auction went well. STG picked up the Sunshine bar?- that's what I heard anyway. I think people like what u do for auctions😊

[@ConsciousStacker]

Coors light and Tommy gun take the cake for me👊🇺🇸 Just the ones I'm eyeing to pickup soon ish. The Wynwood purple tho🤌🏻

[@cerealaugher]

2 different versions for the coors light sunshine mining company 1 oz. bars #1. bar with sunshine mining company is very common #2. bar with sbc very rare

[@ConsciousStacker]

@cerealaugher Is the SBC the landscape version?

[@cerealaugher]

Correct

[@SilverStruck]

For both those bars- several versions out there. I see in the comments the other Coors/Sunshine was covered. So many different types out there for bar variations overall....really a great hobby to get into

[@ConsciousStacker]

@@SilverStruck Much agreed buddy👊🇺🇸

[@TtheSilverStacker]

Excellent video. Awesome bars!

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you my Friend! Not sure if I told you or not but traveling right now. When I return next week, I'll catch up on your vids😊

[@CSAN]

Such a good video, my friend. Came back for another view of your fabulous collection

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you CSAN, very nice of you! I appreciate the support!

[@silversleuth007]

Thanks for sharing this video that's stacked with super information. I didn't realize that bars were highly desired until recently. My bad. PS... Your channel name and entro and logo is really clever.

[@SilverStruck]

The popularity of vintage bars has exploded since 2019. Prior to that, pretty much all vintage could be found at generic pricing. Still-everyone stacks differently, so many just stack sovereign coins, ect. Thank you for the kind words and compliments about the channel, very nice😊

[@silversleuth007]

@@SilverStruck ... TY. It's good to know that I was sorta correct, but sad to know that I should've kept the big old Engelhard 10oz. bar I sold at the tippy top extreme peak of 2011.

[@threetoesstacker3725]

Another great video

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you for all your support! I'm in Rome right now. If I have time, I might try to find a LCS.

[@AGAUaddict]

Hey SS, thanks for all the info Master Kemosabe😂 Always enjoy watching your vids and the info u share. Believe im well versed in the vintage but that never stops me from watching and listening to your input. Great vid SS💯 Don't give away all the secrets tho🧐

[@SilverStruck]

Oh yeah, I'm sure you didn't need a lesson in vintage shopping!!😂. This one was more for the beginner and answering questions from an email. Some of you vintage hounds out there have more rare bars than I do and more of them! Always good to see you and thank you very much for watching these videos😊

[@AGAUaddict]

@@SilverStruck Always enjoy watching ur channel. It was solid advice as always Struck💯👍

[@AGAUaddict]

​@@SilverStruckHey Struck just acquired a Engelhard Mint BICENTENNIAL round. It's not silver or gold. Did a short. Wondering if u get time if u could check it out and give me your thoughts on it. I know your busy so if not no worries. I'm just really perplexed by it. NEVER SEEN 1 BEFORE!!! Thanks SS

[@SilverStruck]

@@AGAUaddict You bet- I'll look now

[@mrblue1933]

Wealth of information. Thx. Great video.

[@SilverStruck]

Very nice, thank you! Enjoy the hunt for cool bars😊

[@artwolfstacker]

Englehard Australia is also quite rare I think. Great bars there !

[@SilverStruck]

There are several variations of the Australian Engelhard bars. Mine have no serial number but some do!😊

[@TheKANSASKIDD]

So cool. Great info on these bars. I picked up Kidds last book to expand my knowledge on art bars. Nice video

[@SilverStruck]

Sorry for the late reply, I was away for a week. Been thinking of picking up literature on art bars myself 😊

[@silverking8742]

Wow very cool vintage jm varieties. It's really strange how jm bars always tone purple. I've seen tons of purple jm bars, I have a couple too

[@SilverStruck]

Even the bar listed on AE is toned Purple! It must be the plastic OP.

[@meteoman7958]

I started collecting art bars in Canada but the varieties available are very limited so I switched to after market proof gold coins of which there is a plentiful variety. Premiums are lower and discounts when selling are lower. And gold has far out performed inflation unlike silver, which has just managed to keep up with it.

[@SilverStruck]

Gold really has done much better over silver so far. I know things are different in Canada vs USA for availability. Keep an eye out for those Canadian Engelhards tho😊

[@meteoman7958]

@@SilverStruck I have quite a few 10oz Engelhard bars, mostly American.

[@veritasfiles]

Wow! Loved all these bars! What an incredible collection you are building...super impressive! Great stuff! Take care & keep on collecting these vintage 1 ouncers! Hmmm, did I use enough exclamation points? I just noticed that...honestly, I'm not nearly as animated in real life. 🤪

[@SilverStruck]

LOL! Your enthusiasm is just motivation for me good sir!! The hunting has been great out there for older one ounce bars. Been fortunate to score some nice ones lately 👍😊😊

[@sestacker]

Sweet

[@SilverStruck]

Hey SE, thank you for watching!😊

[@stackattackerwager2541]

Great video im always on the hunt but haven't ran across any bars i quite awhile 👍👊

[@SilverStruck]

Sorry for the late reply, I was away for a week. I heard the one ounce bar supply is week in some areas, Savage complains about that a bit in his videos.

[@StackThatGold]

Thats why I rarely purchase JM. I only have a few 1oz ones and some vintage bank bars like the Republic National Bank bars. They went out of business I believe in the early 2000s. Their office was near Bryant Park here in NYC which use to be an HSBC office. I need the 5oz bar.

[@SilverStruck]

The Republic National Bank bars are wonderful! I only have the one ounce bars for now but I think that will change soon. I hope you find that 5 ouncer!

[@StackThatGold]

@@SilverStruck oops I meant I have two of the 5oz ones and need the 10oz, lol. If you want one let me know.

[@WorldMoneyWins]

I think Asahi bought the whole JM manufacturing facility including the rights.

[@SilverStruck]

I think your right, but I didn't want to commit to that in the video just incase

[@bobsilver3983]

I consider USSC and Madison mint the top dogs in the silver art bars world. Some of the certain USSC bars are tough to find ever on eBay.

[@SilverStruck]

I like both Madison and USSC- great bars to collect!

[@udhehfhehcuw9169]

Hey there Struck, are you familiar with “Sharps Pixley & Co” Bullion Brokers Essayeur Fonduer? I picked this bar up today. Dealer said it was generic and worth nothing but eBay says $70…that spread can’t be right! The back of the bar is blank. The hunt of “what the heck did I just buy “ is my favorite part of this hobby.

[@SilverStruck]

Oh yes- I have several variations of the Sharps and Pixley bars in my collection. Sometimes the Ebay sellers get a little greedy with the asking price, so not sure 70.00 is what most collectors would pay but the bar is certainly worth more than generic pricing to a collector. That's all part of the fun of the hobby- finding collector bars for cheap, well done!

[@udhehfhehcuw9169]

@@SilverStruck thank you so much for the info!!

[@sarge27271]

What's a good reference site or book for JM vintage bars? I'd like to find out about my 5 oz, 2 oz and 1 oz blank back bars.....Thanks. And dang you got some great pieces!! I swear, you should get serious about collecting bars! ;-) Cheers

[@SilverStruck]

The best reference out there is the allengelhard website. The silver art books only cover one ounce bars. Other references are simply other collectors like SBS and others. There is another site called vintagebars.com or something like that- u may want to thumbnail them as a reference as well.

[@sarge27271]

@@SilverStruck Thanks!!

[@210stacks-lq3tg]

Great info SS.... I have a pebble back Englehard 1oz bar with no serial number in the landscape variety i picked up not long ago that i know nothing about.. Are you familiar //

[@SilverStruck]

Sorry for the late reply, I was away for a week. YES! I just picked up 5 or 6 of those before I left for vaca. The no serial number pebble back is a lesser minted bar- good one to have. There are some more rare varieties of it as well.

[@mrmainevent1872]

Are those vintage bars considered art bars? I've always considered art bars as something like Christmas scenes, my Garfield bar, or like the Bar T has with a rifle on it. I've always considered a Silver Town or Englehard as a mint bar rather than an art bar. I'm only a few years into this so I could be totally wrong, I often am. As an example of how wrong I can be, I once had a wrestling match against a midget. I thought he'd be easy to beat. He won the match. I also once bought gas station bbq chicken down south somewhere. I thought it was going to be horrible but it was really good. I once bought silver and the very next day spot price went down. I made the wrong choice on which day to buy.

[@johnmorgan9731]

Acquired a 1/10oz Gold Proof 2014 Libertad. Mintage only 250! It's very rare, supposedly still in the original capsule. Sending to NGC for grading & hoping for a 70. Spent only $400. Good or Bad?

[@SilverStruck]

HI John! The premiums on the Libertads have not gone away like they have on some other modern collectables. Libertad's are limited mintage compared to US gold and they have a huge following and because of those factors, I think you did alright on your purchase. Now, let's hope you get a 70!

[@johnmorgan9731]

@SilverStruck Thank you bro! Just needed a little confirmation.

[@RockyWoon]

I have a Johnson Matthey 1oz silver bar with a B prefix. Is considered vintage or modern? I am not from America but from Malaysia. Thanks

[@SilverStruck]

The C and B prefixes are not technically vintage either- the last of the bars Made by JM prior to the Asahi takeover as I understand it.

[@RockyWoon]

@@SilverStruck thanks for the explanation. You gained a subscriber from Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@dancerscc]

Is there like a redbook for bars?

[@SilverStruck]

Not exactly. They started something like that with the art bar books but never kept up on it. (SAC) silver art bar collectors.

[@LibertyBleeds]

💥 Not first

[@SilverStruck]

Hey LBS! Thank you for watching 😊

[@jkpioneer.]

First!!!

[@SilverStruck]

Thank you JK!😊

[@lemarb11]

What airtite cases are those.

[@SilverStruck]

They just call it the one ounce bar capsule- no number