1952 San Francisco Mint Strip Cast / Sheared Silver Ingot. Type II Oval Hallmark. No. 200/690. 43.38 Ounces. 999.75 Fine. 97 mm x 114.5 mm x 12 mm (greatest dimensions). All stamps are on the front face, and all are firmly and evenly impressed: 1952 / 43.38 OZS. / 215 / oval hallmark / 690 / 999.75 FINE. Pointed 9s in the fineness; the number 215 is double punched, the digit logotype of the first punch considerably larger than that of the second punch. The faces are pleasingly smooth overall with only minor casting imperfections, the most prominent of which are concentrated near the lower edge on the back. Handsome pearl gray patina overall. An attractive and desirable piece with considerable heft.<p>According to Ken Conaway, author of the website <em>silveringots.com</em>, "Every example [of this ingot type] Ive examined in hand or studied in photograph, has one or more sides evident of having been cut with a metal plate cutting sheer." The present example has been cut along the lower edge. As of this writing, the author lists 51 examples of the strip cast / sheared type in his registry of silver ingots from the San Francisco Mint. The present example is not included therein.
