Other Notable “T” Hallmarks

Anyone who is familiar with the CMI
(Constitution Mint) mold will immediately recognize the similarity here. TNT is one of the only bars I have every come across in the CMI mold. Wish I knew more about the company, but it’s a scarce example.

Side view. It has a rough pebble type character.

Another unique “T” is Triple AAA. I’ve only come across 3-4 of these ever.

Can anyone tell me what that “E” is for? This is interesting. It isn’t that different from the mold of of many 5 oz Engelhard 5s that I own. I like the possibilities, but not saying it’s related.

I like the portrait style reverse with stamp at bottom.

October 2, 2020 1

TENTEX Silver Bars – Kit Kats

I’ve been digging for information and have gotten some good hits lately that I’m happy to share with our readers. The company was out of Chino, CA and they operated in the early 80’s. In 1984 Sunshine Mining out of Idaho, acquired the company. The name TENTEX is a combination of the words Texas and Tennessee, which happens to be the birthplaces of the husband and wife team who founded the company. The company primarily made silver rounds and silver bars for bullion dealers and marketing companies in the industry across the country. Here are some examples of their bars.

Reverse. Note all the TENTEX pieces are extruded. Have never come across a poured variety.

October 1, 2020 0

Tri-State Refining Silver Bars

This old refiner started back in 1973 in Iowa, but settled in South Dakota in 1976 where they ran a smelting operation near the owners farm in Hudson, South Dakota. The following link is from a 1988 court case that details the inner workings of the business with some related entities. It appears the entities became hostile toward one another in the late 80s with Tri-State being awarded damages. Very interesting link. https://law.justia.com/cases/south-dakota/supreme-court/1988/15953-1.html

Tri-State did pressed and poured bars in sizes of 1, 5, and 10+ oz. Here are a few from my collection and Brian Rs collection.