100 oz Silver Bar – Engelhard (Poured/Extruded)

The legacy of Engelhard precious metals traces back to the dawn of the 20th century, when Charles W. Engelhard Sr. established his company in New Jersey in 1902. After purchasing the Charles F. Croselmire Company in Newark, he quickly expanded his business empire through strategic acquisitions of smaller smelting operations. Within just one year, he founded the American Platinum Works, setting the stage for what would become a metals powerhouse. The company’s trajectory changed dramatically in 1904 when Engelhard acquired Baker & Co., a significant platinum smelting and refining operation that catapulted the firm to prominence in the precious metals industry.

By 1905, Engelhard had established the Hanoi Chemical and Manufacturing Company and soon claimed the title of the world’s largest refiner and fabricator of platinum, gold, and silver. Over the next century, the Engelhard name became synonymous with quality and reliability in the precious metals market. The 100 oz silver bars produced by Engelhard stand as enduring monuments to this storied legacy, representing a time when American manufacturing excellence dominated the global metals scene.

The poured and extruded 100 oz silver bars from Engelhard are considered the crown jewels of silver bullion collecting. During the 1970s and 1980s, when silver demand surged amid economic uncertainty, these substantial silver ingots became the standard-bearer for serious investors and institutions looking to secure their wealth in physical precious metals. The production techniques—either poured into molds in the traditional manner or extruded through mechanical processes—gave each bar its distinctive character and finish.

What makes these bars particularly fascinating to modern collectors is their finite supply. In 2006, after more than a century in business, the Engelhard Corporation was acquired by German chemical manufacturer BASF for $5 billion. This acquisition effectively ended the production of Engelhard-branded silver bars, instantly transforming existing inventory into collector items with historical significance. Every 100 oz Engelhard bar now represents not just its silver content, but a piece of American industrial history that cannot be replicated.

The substantial weight and high purity of these bars appealed to serious investors during times of economic turbulence, but today they serve dual purposes. While they remain excellent stores of value based on their silver content alone, they’ve also developed significant numismatic premiums based on their condition, serial numbers, and specific production characteristics. Unlike modern mass-produced silver bars, each Engelhard piece carries with it the mystique of a bygone era when American metallurgical craftsmanship was at its peak.

Design Features

The 100 oz Silver Bar from Engelhard features a clean, industrial aesthetic that prioritizes authenticity and verification features over ornate decoration. The obverse proudly displays the iconic Engelhard name stamped prominently into the silver, typically in capital letters. Below this, you’ll find the weight designation “100 TROY OUNCES” and the purity marking “.999 FINE SILVER” clearly stamped into the surface. Each bar carries a unique serial number, meticulously stamped or engraved into the metal, establishing its provenance and authenticity.

The reverse side of poured bars typically maintains a smooth, somewhat textured appearance resulting from the cooling process of the molten silver in its mold. Extruded bars may feature a more uniform, machined finish. Some variations may include a repeated pattern or the company logo. The simplicity of design speaks to the bar’s primary purpose as a serious investment vehicle rather than a decorative piece, though collectors now prize this understated industrial elegance. The substantial heft of 100 troy ounces creates an impressive physical presence, with the silver developing a distinctive patina over time that enthusiasts recognize as the hallmark of authentic Engelhard production.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 100 oz
• Manufacturer: Engelhard
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Features the Engelhard name, weight designation, purity marking, and unique serial number.
• Reverse: Displays a clean surface with possible company markings, varying between poured and extruded varieties.

Investment Appeal

The 100 oz Engelhard Silver Bar represents a perfect intersection of bullion investment and numismatic collecting. With its substantial .999 fine silver content, this bar provides a significant hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. However, unlike generic silver bars produced today, Engelhard bars typically command premium prices above their melt value due to their historical significance and the fact that they are no longer being produced.

For serious investors, these bars offer exceptional liquidity in the precious metals market, as the Engelhard name is universally recognized and respected among dealers worldwide. The substantial size makes them ideal for efficiently storing significant wealth in precious metals without the handling concerns of multiple smaller units. Their IRA eligibility further enhances their appeal as a long-term investment vehicle that can be incorporated into retirement planning strategies.

Collectors particularly value these bars for their historical connection to one of America’s most important industrial enterprises. As time passes and existing specimens are lost to melting during price spikes or damaged through improper handling, well-preserved examples become increasingly scarce. This growing rarity, combined with steady demand from both investors and collectors, suggests these historic silver bars will likely continue to outperform generic silver products in terms of long-term appreciation potential, offering both intrinsic metal value and numismatic premium growth.