BackyardBullion

There are so many variables to consider. Humidity of the air, temperature of the air. Temperature of the silver, try pouring at 1050 or 1025 even and see what the results are?
The silver can be a factor too, it sounds strange but I have had very different experiences with shot Vs chopped up bars and coins. 
One thing to maybe do is get a graphite stiring rod and give the molten Silver a gold mix before pouring.
Quality of the graphite mould, moisture in the mould.
Quality of the crucible.
Speed of your pouring, how fast does the silver cool?
Are you using a mapp torch, or a butane torch?
The torch might be introducing gas bubbles as the flame hits the silver, maybe move it further away or turn the power down.
So many factors, that's why I love this so much and it's always a challenge.
I am also a big believer in attitude of the pourer. I know physically it can't make much difference but if you are not in the right mindset it can often be a bad day.

There are so many variables to consider. Humidity of the air, temperature of the air. Temperature of the silver, try pouring at 1050 or 1025 even and see what the results are?
The silver can be a factor too, it sounds strange but I have had very different experiences with shot Vs chopped up bars and coins. 
One thing to maybe do is get a graphite stiring rod and give the molten Silver a gold mix before pouring.
Quality of the graphite mould, moisture in the mould.
Quality of the crucible.
Speed of your pouring, how fast does the silver cool?
Are you using a mapp torch, or a butane torch?
The torch might be introducing gas bubbles as the flame hits the silver, maybe move it further away or turn the power down.
So many factors, that's why I love this so much and it's always a challenge.
I am also a big believer in attitude of the pourer. I know physically it can't make much difference but if you are not in the right mindset it can often be a bad day.

There are so many variables to consider. Humidity of the air, temperature of the air. Temperature of the silver, try pouring at 1050 or 1025 even and see what the results are?
The silver can be a factor too, it sounds strange but I have had very different experiences with shot Vs chopped up bars and coins. 
One thing to maybe do is get a graphite stiring rod and give the molten Silver a gold mix before pouring.
Quality of the graphite mould, moisture in the mould.
Quality of the crucible.
Speed of your pouring, how fast does the silver cool?
Are you using a mapp torch, or a butane torch?
The torch might be introducing gas bubbles as the flame hits the silver, maybe move it further away or turn the power down.
So many factors, that's why I love this so much and it's always a challenge.
I am also a big believer in attitude of the pourer. I know physically it can't make much difference but if you are not in the right mindset it can often be a bad day.

There are so many variables to consider. Humidity of the air, temperature of the air. Temperature of the silver, try pouring at 1050 or 1025 even and see what the results are?
The silver can be a factor too, it sounds strange but I have had very different experiences with shot Vs chopped up bars and coins. 
One thing to maybe do is get a graphite stiring rod and give the molten Silver a gold mix before pouring.
Quality of the graphite mould, moisture in the mould.
Quality of the crucible.
Speed of your pouring, how fast does the silver cool?
Are you using a mapp torch, or a butane torch?
The torch might be introducing gas bubbles as the flame hits the silver, maybe move it further away or turn the power down.
So many factors, that's why I love this so much and it's always a challenge.
I am also a big believer in attitude of the pourer. I know physically it can't make much difference but if you are not in the right mindset it can often be a bad day.

As well as all those things that BYB has mentioned I'm sure there is carbon dioxide produced by the graphite when heated above a certain temp. This can really affect the bottom side to the point large bubbles can form underneath. You've to find a way of controlling the heat and amount of oxygen that the heated mould can react with to form this co2. Then you've to find a way of cooling the silver and mould at an even rate without introducing oxygen to mix again. If oxygen gets at it before they've cooled enough you get what looks like a cauliflower grow out of the silver. I believe this caused by that oxygen if it gets in there.
I'm sure that perfectly cast bars are done in some sort of vacuum or controlled environment. 
Lots to think about. 

There are so many variables to consider. Humidity of the air, temperature of the air. Temperature of the silver, try pouring at 1050 or 1025 even and see what the results are?
The silver can be a factor too, it sounds strange but I have had very different experiences with shot Vs chopped up bars and coins. 
One thing to maybe do is get a graphite stiring rod and give the molten Silver a gold mix before pouring.
Quality of the graphite mould, moisture in the mould.
Quality of the crucible.
Speed of your pouring, how fast does the silver cool?
Are you using a mapp torch, or a butane torch?
The torch might be introducing gas bubbles as the flame hits the silver, maybe move it further away or turn the power down.
So many factors, that's why I love this so much and it's always a challenge.
I am also a big believer in attitude of the pourer. I know physically it can't make much difference but if you are not in the right mindset it can often be a bad day.

There are so many variables to consider. Humidity of the air, temperature of the air. Temperature of the silver, try pouring at 1050 or 1025 even and see what the results are?
The silver can be a factor too, it sounds strange but I have had very different experiences with shot Vs chopped up bars and coins. 
One thing to maybe do is get a graphite stiring rod and give the molten Silver a gold mix before pouring.
Quality of the graphite mould, moisture in the mould.
Quality of the crucible.
Speed of your pouring, how fast does the silver cool?
Are you using a mapp torch, or a butane torch?
The torch might be introducing gas bubbles as the flame hits the silver, maybe move it further away or turn the power down.
So many factors, that's why I love this so much and it's always a challenge.
I am also a big believer in attitude of the pourer. I know physically it can't make much difference but if you are not in the right mindset it can often be a bad day.

There are so many variables to consider. Humidity of the air, temperature of the air. Temperature of the silver, try pouring at 1050 or 1025 even and see what the results are?
The silver can be a factor too, it sounds strange but I have had very different experiences with shot Vs chopped up bars and coins. 
One thing to maybe do is get a graphite stiring rod and give the molten Silver a gold mix before pouring.
Quality of the graphite mould, moisture in the mould.
Quality of the crucible.
Speed of your pouring, how fast does the silver cool?
Are you using a mapp torch, or a butane torch?
The torch might be introducing gas bubbles as the flame hits the silver, maybe move it further away or turn the power down.
So many factors, that's why I love this so much and it's always a challenge.
I am also a big believer in attitude of the pourer. I know physically it can't make much difference but if you are not in the right mindset it can often be a bad day.

I have 2 spare 5 oz rounds at this time
I have also messaged everyone that asked to be on the waiting list, please check your messages!

Considering 50p is about 10 grams of copper which is probably about 7p worth in copper value and 3p in Nickel value you are basically melting 40p of money.
Add in your overheads for the melting process...

I'm in for some Christmas themed poured silver 

Nice!
Somehow I totally missed this last night!
Works still, got order confirmation and a free 50p Platinum jubilee too
 

Nice!
Somehow I totally missed this last night!
Works still, got order confirmation and a free 50p Platinum jubilee too
 

Nice!
Somehow I totally missed this last night!
Works still, got order confirmation and a free 50p Platinum jubilee too
 

Nice!
Somehow I totally missed this last night!
Works still, got order confirmation and a free 50p Platinum jubilee too
 

Nice!
Somehow I totally missed this last night!
Works still, got order confirmation and a free 50p Platinum jubilee too
 

Nice!
Somehow I totally missed this last night!
Works still, got order confirmation and a free 50p Platinum jubilee too
 

Nice!
Somehow I totally missed this last night!
Works still, got order confirmation and a free 50p Platinum jubilee too
 

Not for me, sorry.
Platinum as a very high melting point, way higher than any of my kit would get.
Sorry!

For sale on behalf of a third party
2 oz South Kora Pesona Mask
£75 each
11 available
Postage on top
UK buyers only
Thanks!

After watching @BackyardBullion and @SilverPunk on YouTube and getting in touch with them, I bought some liver of sulphur and polish to have a go my self. I'll pop my results in the thread I started linked below.
 

I'll take one please, any number
 

Hello everyone. @ChrisSIlver and I are very happy to announce the official reveal and general release of the 2023 3 ozt Silver Forum Rounds!
There are a lot of different aspects to tell you about so I have split this post up into various sections, hopefully this will cover most of your questions but if there is something I have not covered then please feel free to get in touch or comment on this thread. 
We also have our 1 ozt and 5 ozt Rounds which are released TODAY, please make sure to check out that thread too!




 
What are The Silver Forum Rounds all about?
The Silver Forum Rounds and bars (in all their sizes) have been created as a way to draw the silver forum community together but also as a fundraising and brand awareness raising exercise. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these rounds go to The Silver Forum and help keep the forum running in the way we have become accustomed to. Silver Premium, Gold Premium and Platinum memberships go a long way to helping the running of the forum and to help keep the membership prices as low as practical, The Silver Forum rounds we make help a lot with this too.
Any support you can give is greatly appreciated.
In addition, these rounds are about raising brand awareness for The Silver Forum and to encourage new people to join and to make standard members think about supporting the forum by upgrading their membership or simply supporting the forum on a one off basis. 
Hand Poured Silver Partnership
Hand poured silver has evolved so much in the last 8 years and it is evident that Hallmarked Poured silver is becoming ever more popular.
These rounds are all hand poured, stamped and finished by myself meaning each and every round is unique in some way. The weights will vary round to round (although none less than 3 ozt) and the cooling patterns of the silver will also be unique and different for each one. Even the stamping (again done by hand) is different round to round.
Unique and limited edition pieces are a much more appealing product than a mass produced round (in my opinion) and can be better enjoyed by the simple fact you can hold, feel and enjoy the silver much more. 
Hallmarking
As with all of my Hand Poured Silver products these rounds are Assay Tested and Hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office. 
These rounds are hallmarked with a 2mm sized mark - it is a larger and more expensive mark than normal but it really shows off the beauty of the Edinburgh Assay Office's work. 
Hallmarking is a legal requirement and also a very good addition to any piece of poured silver. It is your GUARANTEE that these rounds are indeed 999 fine silver and made by me in 2023.
If anyone wants to find out more about hallmarking please feel free to get in touch!
Schedule, production and delivery
These rounds are DONE and ready for immediate shipping. 
Mintage Figures
The Mintage for 2023 will remain the same as last year, 75 Rounds
Mintage figures are as follows for all the releases of 3 ozt rounds to date:
2023: 75 Rounds
2022: 75 Rounds
2021: 75 Rounds
2020: 60 Rounds
2019: 50 Rounds
2018: 50 Rounds
These mintage figures are set and will not change.
Pricing 
Our pricing is as follows. I believe these prices to be a fair reflection of the work, time, energy and effort that goes into making these pieces and also take into account the increase in raw metal prices. 
Standard or Non member price - £106.00 per round
Silver Premium member price - £102.00 per round
Gold & Platinum member price - £98.00 per round
Platinum Plus member price - £96.00 per round
UK Postage: 
1 Round: +£4.50 (2nd Signed) or +£6 (Special Delivery)
2 Rounds or more: Free Special Delivery
International postage: +£15 tracked for 1 round or +£10 for 2 or more and free for 3+ rounds
COMBINED POSTAGE WITH OTHER FOUM PRODUCTS
We can offer the same discounts above for forum members looking to combine multiple products.
Our 5 oz Rounds are also available right now as well as a very limited number of new 1 oz Forum Rounds too!
As you can see there are some very good savings to be had for upgrading your membership - so take a look at the benefits that are available for premium and gold premium members today!
 
 
 
Guaranteed rounds for owners of 2022 editions
As with all our Silver Forum products we offer first right of refusal to all owners of a previous years serial number. 
So, the following applies:
If you own a round with a serial number between 1 and 75 from 2022 then you will be able to reserve the same serial number for 2023. If you wish to reserve that number you need to do so BEFORE Sunday 26th November 2023. Members who do not own rounds from 2022 will be able to put their name down on a waiting list for unallocated rounds. After 26th November 2023 we will know how many rounds are still available against how many people are on the waiting list. In the event that there are more members than rounds available we will draw a random ballot to allocate rounds to people. We will then communicate a fair and open way to decide who gets what bar(s). In short, not got a 2022 round? Join the waiting list today!
To formally join the waiting list all you need to do is comment on this thread or drop me a PM that you wish to have a round. 
I hope that all makes sense. In summary, you have until 26th November 2023 to reserve and/or pay for your existing serial numbers if you have a 2022 edition.
A few notes on pricing of these rounds
These rounds are hand poured, hand stamped and polished by me. They take a lot of time and energy and equipment to create. These are premium hand poured silver products, not cheap bullion. They are a way to support the Backyard Bullion business, my brand and most importantly, The Silver Forum. As I said earlier, proceeds from the sale of these rounds go towards the upkeep and running costs of this forum. This helps keep membership prices as low as possible for premium and gold premium members and ensures that standard members can still use this forum for free. The price also incorporates the Hallmarking costs, this includes postage of these rounds to and from Edinburgh and the application of the hallmark.
Standard members - The difference in price is as a way for you to support the forum in a one off style payment rather than signing up for membership. But also please feel free to upgrade your membership to take advantage of the discounts available. 
Payment Information
To secure the reservation of your rounds and serial numbers you will need to pay me before 26th November 2023
If you are interested then please let me know in this thread or via PM and I will then reply with the payment information.
Payment will be via Banks Transfer or PayPal. We can accept other forms of payment too, just ask if you would like to find out more. 
Also, I welcome all feedback and any questions you might have about these rounds. 
Thanks for reading and thanks for supporting The Silver Forum!
 

For sale 2021 3oz Forum Round No.63 £102
[sold: 2022 1oz Forum Round No.38 £34] (first right of refusal for 2023 edition with the same number)
Shipping&Insurance at cost
 
 
Looking for 2021 3oz Forum Round No.11

For sale on behalf of a third party
1x 2011
1x 2013
1x 2014
1x 2015
1x 2016
2x 2018
£392 each
Post on top
UK banks transfer only
Thanks!