The Franklin Mint Centennial Car Mini-ingot Collection, 100 Sterling Silver Miniature Ingots

The Centennial Car Mini-Ingot Collection, a complete set of one hundred miniature sterling silver ingots issued by The Franklin Mint between 1973 and 1978 to commemorate the first century of the motor car, 1875–1975. Each ingot is struck in .925 sterling silver in proof quality, rectangular form with canted corners, the obverse depicting in high relief one of the hundred most celebrated automobiles in motoring history from Siegfried Marcus's 1875 prototype through to the mid-1970s, each inscribed with the year and marque, the reverse struck with the corresponding marque's emblem or radiator badge.

The cars represented span the full breadth of early, veteran, Edwardian, vintage, post-vintage and post-war sporting and luxury motor cars, including examples from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Duesenberg, Cadillac, Lagonda, Hispano-Suiza, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ford, Peugeot, MG, Austin, Chevrolet, Pierce-Arrow and many others. Each ingot is approximately 17 mm × 9.5 mm and weighs approximately 1.5 g, giving a total silver weight for the complete set of approximately 150 g (roughly 5 troy ounces) of sterling silver.

The ingots are displayed in their original hinged rectangular presentation case in walnut with glazed viewing top, the interior lined in dark green velvet with cut recesses for each ingot arranged in rows around a central gilt-engraved maker's plaque reading "The Centennial Car Mini-Ingot Collection." The hinged glass lid allows the complete set to be viewed as a wall-mounted or table-top display.

Condition: good original condition, complete set of 100 ingots present and correct. The ingots themselves are in excellent struck condition with fine detail retained throughout and only light surface tarnishing consistent with age of sterling silver; most retain a bright mirror-polished proof finish. Minor wear and light scuffing to the walnut case consistent with age and handling; the green velvet lining with minor fading. The glazed lid is intact with no cracks. Please carefully regard all photos as they make an integral part of the listing, and reach out if there are any questions.