Silver is available in different forms, but hand-poured silver bars is the preferred variety for more than a few stackers.

The silver is melted and purified at very, very high temperatures in a crucible, then poured into a mold.

Anyone can create their own bullion at home. The process is tedious and complicated, not to mention dangerous. You may try pouring if you're interested. It is not for everyone!

The Pouring Process

People have mined silver since the 17th century, but it wasn't until the 1800s that the bar-pouring process took shape. Molten silver, heated in a blazing orange-red crucible at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, is “”cooked”” until the substance is smooth and free of impurities, then poured into bar molds made of graphite or stainless steel. Graphite molds are cheaper for the manufacturer upfront, but less durable in the long run, lasting only 20-40 pours. Stainless steel molds last indefinitely and are the bar-molding choice of true professionals.

Some stackers prefer poured silver bars that are shiny. It's but natural to be attracted to mirror-like, glossy finishes. When it comes to poured silver, antique finishes are likewise desirable.

Each hand-poured bar results to a piece that’s unique, even if the bars are poured in the same mold. Each bar will differ by pour lines, shape, bubble indentations, etc.

I love these kind of silver. But I have matured in my stacking! I realize that one of these days, I have to sell my silver for gold. And I don't intend to sell any of these pieces. So, I have minimized my purchases of hand pours.