Silver bullion: What finish do you prefer?
Weiss
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OPA's response to PerryHall's thread about toned bars reminded me of something I was thinking about a few days ago: I don't care for proof finishes on bullion (with the exception of JM bars in plastic). I like being able to touch my bullion, and proof/mirror finishes on bullion makes that virtually impossible without scratching or leaving fingerprints. Who wants a hairlined and scuffed proof surface?
I kind of like the semi-matte finish on the 2010 eagles. You can hold them (gently) without fear of ruining the surface. And that's why I dislike my my silvertowne 1-oz bars--take 'em out of the plastic and it'll be hairlines for days.
The old pour Engelhards have that almost brushed finish. That is about perfect--it's more interesting than the industrial poured surface of some bars, but it's not as fragile as proof finishes.
I understand why some would like the deep mirrors proofs offer. But it's not for me. Thoughts?
I kind of like the semi-matte finish on the 2010 eagles. You can hold them (gently) without fear of ruining the surface. And that's why I dislike my my silvertowne 1-oz bars--take 'em out of the plastic and it'll be hairlines for days.
The old pour Engelhards have that almost brushed finish. That is about perfect--it's more interesting than the industrial poured surface of some bars, but it's not as fragile as proof finishes.
I understand why some would like the deep mirrors proofs offer. But it's not for me. Thoughts?
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I have plenty of other non proof coins that I can touch anytime I like.
I just got a 1962 Ben Franklin Proof half and that is one of the most beautiful coins I have ever seen. Still looks like an MS 69 to me. You can still see all the letters on the bell on the reverse. Coin looks perfect to me. I know what you mean, I cant touch it. But I wouldnt want to anyway. Its too beautiful.
<< <i>For me it's just metal that's solely investment. >>
Really? You mean that some people actually still buy BULLION as simply BULLION? What a concept!!!
<< <i>
<< <i>For me it's just metal that's solely investment. >>
Really? You mean that some people actually still buy BULLION as simply BULLION? What a concept!!! >>
Too much coffee this morning, Gecko?
If someone just wants silver bullion they can get a bag of junk silver at close to melt price.... BUT, since many people want silver that looks a little nicer, that's why you have bars with nice finishes, new bullion coins, etc. etc. And those do carry a premium.
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<< <i>I prefer to be able to handle the silver, like the old loaf 10 oz englehard bars. This probably comes from NOT being able to handle slabbed pcgs coins ----------BigE >>
That might be where I got my desire to "touch" as well. You outta see the way I handle my silver bullion bars when I do my quarterly inventory. If you have ever seen footage on how the U.S. mint at West Point handles new deliveries, you know exactly what im sayin.
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