The Value of Hand-Poured Silver vs Generic Minted Silver, which is the better investment? what should you buy?

[SilverPunk]

Hi all, this was an interesting read and topic, I am of course very biased in this area!

 

In the realm of precious metals, silver has long held a prominent place, prized for its beauty, utility, and intrinsic value. However, within this broad category, there exists a subset of silver that stands out from the rest: hand-poured silver. Despite being made of the same elemental material as other silver products, hand-poured silver often commands a significantly higher price. Is this premium justified? I argue that, given the distinctive qualities and unparalleled appeal of hand-poured silver, a premium of at least 100% above the spot price is not only fair but also merited.

To appreciate the worthiness of this premium, one must first understand what hand-poured silver is and how it differs from its more conventionally minted counterparts. Hand-poured silver is just as it sounds: silver that is melted down and poured by hand into a mold, then left to cool and solidify. This process is labor-intensive, demanding both time and a high level of craftsmanship that is not required for mass-produced silver items.

The resulting pieces are unique, each with its own individual characteristics. No two hand-poured silver items are identical, which is a stark contrast to mass-produced silver bars or coins that are virtually indistinguishable from one another. This uniqueness adds a degree of rarity to each piece, increasing its value beyond that of its mere silver content.

Furthermore, hand-poured silver embodies a tangible connection to history and tradition. The process of hand-pouring silver has been used for centuries, virtually unchanged. When you hold a piece of hand-poured silver, you are not just holding a precious metal; you are holding a piece of history, a testament to the timeless value of this remarkable element. This historical and emotional connection to the past is something that simply cannot be manufactured en masse, adding to the premium that hand-poured silver commands.

Another essential factor contributing to the premium is the aesthetic appeal of hand-poured silver. Each piece is a work of art, with its own unique textures and patterns that are created during the cooling process. The rustic and organic look of hand-poured silver often appeals to collectors and investors who appreciate its unique beauty, which can't be replicated in mass-produced items.

The craftsmanship involved in creating hand-poured silver also warrants a higher premium. Skilled artisans dedicate their time and expertise to create these pieces, often taking hours to produce a single item. This human element in the production process sets hand-poured silver apart from other silver products that are churned out by automated machines. The artisan's skill and dedication are reflected in the final product, adding a layer of value that goes beyond the metal's weight.

Finally, the market dictates the price of any product, and hand-poured silver is no exception. There is a thriving market for these unique pieces, with collectors and investors willing to pay a premium for the benefits mentioned above. The law of supply and demand comes into play here. The supply of hand-poured silver is limited due to the time and effort required to create each piece, while the demand remains high because of its unique qualities. This imbalance pushes the price above that of standard silver items.

In light of these factors, it becomes clear why hand-poured silver commands a significant premium over the spot price of silver. The uniqueness, historical connection, aesthetic appeal, artisan craftsmanship, and market dynamics all contribute to its higher price. When you purchase a piece of hand-poured silver, you are notjust acquiring a metal - you are investing in art, history, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. Therefore, a premium of at least 100% above the spot price of silver is not only fair, but it is also justified.

However, it's worth noting that investing in hand-poured silver, like all investments, comes with risks and should be done with care. It is crucial to do thorough research, understand the dynamics of the market, and make informed decisions. Potential investors should also be aware that while hand-poured silver carries a premium, it might not always be easy to liquidate without losing that premium, especially in a hurry or during a downturn in the silver market.

In conclusion, hand-poured silver is more than a precious metal. It is a unique product, steeped in history, crafted with care, and appealing to a specific market of discerning collectors and investors. As such, it is entirely reasonable that it should carry a premium significantly above the spot price of silver. This premium reflects not just the silver content of the piece, but also the additional layers of value that hand-poured silver offers. Whether you're an investor looking for a unique addition to your portfolio, or a collector drawn to the allure of hand-poured silver, the premium is a testament to the value that these unique pieces hold.

Edited June 21, 2023 by Delphis

[Gordy]

For me, it all boils down to the skill on these, Take for eg, St Bees, BYB and Angel....... wonderful stuff and warranted on the premium you pay, others? the refinement is not yet complete and may need more experience.

For investment, for me, it would be minted or cast, 

for art? again, depends on the pour and what I was looking for...

its a deep well to delve into

[SilverPunk]

2 minutes ago, Gordy said:

For me, it all boils down to the skill on these, Take for eg, St Bees, BYB and Angel....... wonderful stuff and warranted on the premium you pay, others? the refinement is not yet complete and may need more experience.

For investment, for me, it would be minted or cast, 

for art? again, depends on the pour and what I was looking for...

its a deep well to delve into

Indeed! it all comes down to skill and finished product, its a bit like investing in fine art, a David Hockney is going to be worth more than a Sunday afternoon painter

Edited June 21, 2023 by Delphis

[HonestMoneyGoldSilver]

7 minutes ago, Gordy said:

For me, it all boils down to the skill on these, Take for eg, St Bees, BYB and Angel....... wonderful stuff and warranted on the premium you pay, others? the refinement is not yet complete and may need more experience.

For investment, for me, it would be minted or cast, 

for art? again, depends on the pour and what I was looking for...

its a deep well to delve into

Silver Angel has some of the best looking polished bars I've ever seen

Don't forget about LiquidMetals, I love all the items I've got from him (Patriot bars/slabs/rounds, guns, knives, axes)

[monkey]

I suppose the trick to valuing hand poured silver products is to find something that has broad appeal and finished to a standard that showcases the work required to produce it. Also I would be thinking would anyone else buy this if I wanted to sell later down the line.

I would look at some of the Pourers in the forum and try to write down what draws you/me to their products in general.

BYB's have a beautiful natural simplicity to them and rustic charm

Silver Angel's look to be finished to a high standard and have a lovely contrast of highly polished surfaces against stark details

StBee's has some wonderful designs  full of detail and high polished finishes.

The standard set by the above to me justifies the premiums attached to their pieces.

 

Your pic below is by far my favorite of your work so far. A sure keeper. a good balance of clean detail and hand poured ripples.

Edited June 22, 2023 by monkey

[SilverPunk]

14 minutes ago, monkey said:

I suppose the trick to valuing hand poured silver products is to find something that has broad appeal and finished to a standard that showcases the work required to produce it. Also I would be thinking would anyone else buy this if I wanted to sell later down the line.

I would look at some of the Pourers in the forum and try to write down what draws you/me to their products in general.

BYB's have a beautiful natural simplicity to them and rustic charm

Silver Angel's look to be finished to a high standard and have a lovely contrast of highly polished surfaces against stark details

StBee's has some wonderful designs  full of detail and high polished finishes.

The standard set by the above to me justifies the premiums attached to their pieces.

 

Your pic below if by far my favorite of your work so far. A sure keeper. a good balance of clean detail and hand poured ripples.

yeah they all have a different appeal and expertise, i suppose it is finding a niche or something you like / can do im trying to make all mine look like 100 years or older being taken from antique pieces ive seen, being rubbed and not fresh showing the age, perhaps a change of tactic is in order, to try some more up to date stuff like skulls and more up to date topics, we will see though i like the old antique pieces and the rugged patina and finish to them, perhaps not the most marketable looking at the other items which seem popular.

[JamesH]

Personally, I buy bits of poured silver that I can enjoy. Not a single piece is bought as an investment. Some I’d be lucky to get back what was paid but then there’s no ‘cost of enjoyment whilst held’ accounted for in that equation - eg, your Solo Carbonite is of great interest to me but not as an investment 👍🏼

[motorbikez]

Minted every time for me I don't like cast bars at all regardless if they are from major manufacturers or hobbyists/artisans. 

 

[Roy]

6 hours ago, Delphis said:

Hi all, this was an interesting read and topic, I am of course very biased in this area!

Hi,

Can you credit the author please?

😊

[ArgentSmith]

Depending on spot price and timescales most likely an ETF 😆 Poured silver quite possibly the worst way to "invest" in Silver but I would agree the most pleasing or enjoyable way to hold silver, a who knows you might find a collector that must have whatever it is you've got. I don't think people should buy hand poured unless they are comfortable with a negative real return.

[SilverPunk]

6 hours ago, Roy said:

Hi,

Can you credit the author please?

😊

it was a piece I created for somewhere on my website or a blog on there i was thinking of starting up, thought id get some feedback here to see what people thought of the topics i was thinking about doing.

[Roy]

9 hours ago, Delphis said:

it was a piece I created for somewhere on my website or a blog on there i was thinking of starting up, thought id get some feedback here to see what people thought of the topics i was thinking about doing.

Thanks, it's a well written piece 👍 

I concur with @ArgentSmith, one should not think of poured silver as an investment. The best silver investment is the cheapest weight you can find, poured silver is a hobby, a guilty pleasure, much like jewelry or porcelain. The exception,  perhaps, are the BYB forum bars. Limited edition that will NOT be added to, low mintages, numbered and hallmarked. Sure, it might take time but I definitely expect to get a good return on these.

[LiquidMetalsUK]

Generic bullion all day long for investment. Hand poured in the uk is a luxury collectors item. Very different in the USA where good quality hand poured silver is easily bought and sold for high premiums due to the wok involved. I stack gold and silver bullion/proof for my retirement..I collect hand poured and enameled bars purely for how much I love them. I've never lost money in selling poured silver when I've needed to. Mostly.break even which I'm fine with 

I rarely sell it to be honest only if in a pinch or if someone asks for a specific piece.

Don't get me wrong I earn a living from hand poured silver but I'd never advise anyone to invest in it to make money..the complete opposite is true. I've turned busines away more than once when the buyer was convinced it was good for there investment portfolio and I've advised them to buy government  backed gold and silver instead 

[SilverPunk]

3 minutes ago, LiquidMetalsUK said:

Generic bullion all day long for investment. Hand poured in the uk is a luxury collectors item. Very different in the USA where good quality hand poured silver is easily bought and sold for high premiums due to the wok involved. I stack gold and silver bullion/proof for my retirement..I collect hand poured and enameled bars purely for how much I love them. I've never lost money in selling poured silver when I've needed to. Mostly.break even which I'm fine with 

I rarely sell it to be honest only if in a pinch or if someone asks for a specific piece.

Don't get me wrong I earn a living from hand poured silver but I'd never advise anyone to invest in it to make money..the complete opposite is true. I've turned busines away more than once when the buyer was convinced it was good for there investment portfolio and I've advised them to buy government  backed gold and silver instead 

I think most people also have this view, generic bullion to stack and hold long term for price increase and the hand poured stuff to hold and enjoy in the mean time, i think it just depends on the quality of the piece on the hand poured stuff, like Monkey mentioned above.

[BearlyHere]

Just a thought...In 1980 when silver went to $50, the dealers did not pay premiums on anything.  Everything was exactly the same purchase price.  I have 783 registered slabs with NGC,  If silver shoots up, I don't know if I'll break them or not.  But you can bet my monster box will be getting skinnier by the day as all those generic rounds get redeemed.

[HillWalkerDundee]

I accept what pro silver pourers say but, i am sorry to say, that the results just leave me cold. I will leave it there, i don't want to criticise further what is clearly a well liked craft.

Edited July 2, 2023 by HillWalkerDundee

[SilverPunk]

On 02/07/2023 at 19:38, HillWalkerDundee said:

I accept what pro silver pourers say but, i am sorry to say, that the results just leave me cold. I will leave it there, i don't want to criticise further what is clearly a well liked craft.

Many thanks for taking the time to read the post and cheers for the reply, its takes all views and likes / dislikes to make a good debate thank you for adding your view, good luck with the stacking!