Beginning in 1970 and continuing at least through 1980, The Franklin Mint produced
an annual Proof Sterling Silver Christmas Ingot of 1,000 grains fine silver
(2.08 ounces).
This
1973 Christmas Ingot is the fourth in the annual series of holiday
ingots. This solid sterling silver ingot is dated and produced in a
strictly limited edition by The Franklin Mint. The design for each
particular year will never be minted again. The 1973 ingot features an
original work of art sculptured in bas-relief of detailed "The Carolers" which captures finely sculptured
detail of a group of carolers singing as the snow falls and is enhanced by its beautifully mirrored and
frosted finish. A guarantee of its 1000 grain silver content and the
Franklin Mint hallmark appear on the reverse of the ingot. It measures
1 3/4" x 7/8". It comes in the case of issue and is mint
condition even though the box shows slight wear of its thirty five years.
'Big Bob' is an expert when it comes to Franklin Mint Silver. He gives some insight for other collectors in his Franklin Mint Silver Bullion Coin Sets Buy/Sell Guide, "Very few new art medal collectibles like these have been produced since about
2000 because the high price of gold and silver coupled with high minting and
direct marketing costs make the price of a new set almost prohibitive. However,
because the existing sets typically sell today based primarily on the precious
metal value, they represent an attractive alternative to bullion coins or simple
precious metal ingots because you can get fantastic artwork, proof quality
minting, and beautifully presented collectibles for prices similar to raw silver
or gold bullion!"