1946 Philadelphia Mint Cast Silver Ingot. Type III Hallmark. Ingot No. 161, Lot No. 10. 27.88 Ounces. 999 Fine. 41.5 mm x 103.5 mm x 20.5 mm. An attractive pearl-gray example with subtle pale pink and light olive iridescence. All stamps are on the front face except for the melt number, which is on the top edge. Stamps on the front face are 1946 / NO. 161 / FINE / 999. / (hallmark) / OZS 27.88. Light and moderate casting perfections are prevalent, although as made; a ding on the left edge of the front face and several smaller nicks along the left side are noted. Writing on the silveringots.com website, Ken Conaway observes that Philadelphia Mint ingots as a class are extremely rare. Apparently few were produced, and distributions may have been limited to licensed dealers and jewelers. Most survivors are dated, as here, and in addition to 1946, examples dated 1956 and 1960 are also known. The 20 to 30-ounce class silver ingots are rarer than their 5 to 10-ounce class counterparts, with only a dozen or so confirmed. All display the Type III hallmark and are from melt 10, again as here. In fact, this exact ingot No. 161 is included in the Conaway registry. An exciting offering that will surely see spirited bidding among specialists.
