Following is a simplified breakdown of what would be theoretically possible to collect in Ford gold ingots. Just like we’ve done a census for 19th century ingots, we’ve also included a section on the website for fantasy ingots associated with John J. Ford Jr., or general fantasy pieces, especially if they are rare and/or made of gold.
Collecting Ford gold pieces is an extremely difficult task, but just how difficult is it? We aim to put that question to rest by reviewing all the names we know of from the census. We then offset that list with what is NOT housed at a museum such as the Smithsonian Institution in order to derive what is theoretically possible to collect based on what is known to be in private hands.
John J. Ford, Jr. and the “Franklin Hoard” by Karl V. Moulton book cover.
*NOTE: Not all ingots featured in this book are fantasy pieces, including on the cover!
It turns out that only half of the approximate known 40 “brands” are collectible! Even more interestingly, the vast majority of those only have 1-2 examples available to collect of each. This means in many cases that only one individual will have the privilege of owning a Ford piece within a given maker.
The list of collectible Ford ingots is as follows, broken down into 3 tiers. Each group increasingly difficult based on rarity:
== TIER 3: 4 or More Possible ==
We reserve ‘Tier 4’ and lower for the Ford silver ingots which could use their own page, but are generally much more available than their gold counterparts. If you have been able to obtain a Ford gold piece from the ‘4 or more’ category then you have reached Tier 3 collector status — congratulations! Every level you go up the ladder increases with difficulty.
- Star Mining Co (27) – ~6 in past 20 years, many melted
- Felix Grundy Hoard (13) – many melted
- Knight & Co (10) – many melted
- San Francisco Mint (7) – 1 at the Smithsonian, 1 with Bank of California
- Eagle Mining Company (6) – 1 at the Smithsonian
- Parsons & Co (4)
== TIER 2: 2 or 3 Possible ==
Tier 2 starts to get especially difficult – there are only 16 bars that we know of which could land you in this tier.
- Edward Posen (3)
- U.S. Assay Office of Gold (6) – 4 are at Smithsonian
- Blake & Agnell (4) – 2 at the Smithsonian
- Blake & Co (2)
- Nevada Silver Co (2)
A wildcard in this list also could include G. W. Bell of which origins are uncertain. At least 1 ingot may have traces of real and unusual undertype. In this case it may be more suited to Tier 1 or even better.
- G. W. Bell (3) – 1 at the Smithsonian
== TIER 1: 1 Possible ==
Tier 1 is by far the hardest, and just owning one will cement your status as an elite Ford collector, especially if combined with ingots from Tier 2 or Tier 3. They are so rare that for most of these we only have black and white photos! There are 9 possible names you can collect, all of which would be a 1 of 1 ingot (unique). It is also entirely possible that this list is smaller in reality since most of these ingots haven’t seen the light of day in over 20 years.
- Thorne Mining & Refining (3) – 2 are at Smithsonian
- J. J. Ott (1)
- Alder Gulch (1)
- Carlton Mining Co (1)
- Gold Prince Mill (1)
- Haraszthy & Uznay (1)
- J. Bates (1)
- North Star Mine (1)
- Virtue Gold and Silver Co (1)
- Rogers & Brown (1)
Summary
Other ways to level up your Ford gold bar collection are with ingots that are dated or monetized (objective), or that have exceptional eye appeal (subjective).
Whether are you are just starting out, or are a veteran ford gold ingot collector the process of hunting down that next gold bar can be quite fun and exhilarating. Ford gold ingots are far more expensive than Ford silver because they are far more rare (lower mintage and survival), intrinsically more valuable (gold vs silver) and more diverse.
Let the fun begin!