3 oz Union Mine, Value: $24.35, Mixed Metal Ingot
From the Lily Collection, now housed at the Smithsonian Institution. Likely a fabrication that was routed through Ford. This is the only known ingot of its kind at this time.
Obverse Text: GOLD 354 / SILVER 619 F / UNION MINE / REWARD CAL / B ASSAY G / 3 OZS. / VAL. $24.35
Size: 4.8 cm x 3.2 cm x .4 cm; 1 7/8 in x 1 1/4 in x 5/32 in
See: https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1102247
There have been several mines with the name “Union Mine” over the years so it’s difficult to say with certainty which one was originally intended as part of this ingot. There was one in California in Inyo County but that wasn’t discovered until 913. Perhaps it could also be a reference to the Union Mine off the Comstock Lode in Storey County Nevada, discovered 1879. However, this would not explain the ‘Reward Cal’ component, presumably a reference to California. Whatever it was, really is of no real consequence since the ingot is undoubtedly a forgery and made in the 20th century.