RARE 1981 A-MARK 1oz Chunky Silver Ingot A158S Raised Assay Cartouche Error For Sale

RARE A-MARK 1 TROY OZ “CHUNKY” SILVER INGOT – A158S RAISED ASSAY CARTOUCHE / DIE TRANSITION VARIETY

A particularly scarce and highly collectible variety of the classic vintage A-Mark 1 Troy Ounce “Chunky” Silver Ingot, struck for A-Mark by U.S.V.I. Ingot Co. during the 1980–1981 production period.

What makes this particular ingot special is the A 158 S assay marking on the underside. This piece exhibits the distinctive raised/protruding assay cartouche and double-ring effect associated with the transition in stamping methods used during production.

THE VARIETY / ERROR

During the 1981 production period, U.S.V.I. Ingot Co. transitioned to a two-piece die system, utilizing a separate changeable numbered cylinder for the assay identification. According to vintage bullion research and production information, assay batches 158 through 161 are associated with this particular die setup.

On the A 158 S example, the numbered cylinder did not properly align with the primary die. Rather than producing a conventional recessed or flat stamped assay area, the misalignment resulted in a noticeably raised assay marker/cartouche, creating the characteristic double-ring appearance and protruding raised area visible on the underside of the ingot.

This is a fascinating example of a die-transition production variety, rather than simply a different assay number. The subsequent examples in this sequence also show evidence of the changing die condition, with the die eventually cracking around batch 161 and producing tilted numbers before retirement.

CONDITION

This is an exceptionally attractive example for a vintage A-Mark Chunky.

The ingot retains gorgeous original luster with only a small amount of natural toning around the outer frame. The toning is just enough to emphasize the age and vintage character of the piece, and the overall appearance suggests it has not been harshly cleaned or stripped of its original surfaces.

There are a few very light handling/contact marks, but nothing significant enough to detract from the presentation. Overall, I would describe the condition as Excellent, with outstanding eye appeal for a vintage 1980–81 A-Mark ingot.

KEY FEATURES:

• A-Mark 1 Troy Ounce “Chunky” Silver Ingot

• Struck by U.S.V.I. Ingot Co.

• 1980–1981 production era

• Classic oval A-Mark logo

• Assay: A 158 S

• Raised assay cartouche / protruding marker

• Distinctive double-ring die effect

• Scarce die-transition variety

• Gorgeous original luster

• Light natural vintage toning

• Only very minor handling/contact marks

• Attractive, exceptionally well-preserved example

A fantastic opportunity for the A-Mark, vintage poured/struck silver, silver ingot, and bullion variety collector looking for something considerably more interesting than a standard example.

Please examine the photographs closely, as they are an important part of the description and clearly show the unusual raised assay area and overall condition of this exceptional piece.