For a period in the early 1950's ingots that were sheared or cut from larger sheets of silver were available from the Mint Of The United States At San Francisco. No one is quite sure why these large plates existed or what they may have been produced for, but some 50 examples similar to those pictured are known to exist. The first example pictured is one of the largest on record and bears a Type III oval hallmark. The center example is of average size among those on record with a Type II oval hallmark. The final example is the smallest and also had a Type II oval hallmark.All San Francisco sheared plate ingots are rare and over the past few years have significantly increased in desirability and value. For more on sheared plate ingots and other government silver ingots, check out SILVERINGOTS.COMKen Conaway

100 oz class silver ingots produced by the United States Assay Office San Francisco are fairly common; most have no markings and are the true "grease bars" with only the weight marked in grease pencil. Early productions were hallmarked, serial numbered and stamped with 999 fineness. As time passed and demand increased, production ramped up and markings fell by the wayside. The U.S. Treasury Department letter pictured, announces the reduction of fineness to .996 and .998 as of November 1, 1967. The ingot pictured is a very rare .998 example with hallmark.  For more information on grease bars, check out SILVERINGOTS.COM