A recognized bar is one that was minted by a major refinery that is very well known and may have international locations or presence, such as Johnsen-Matthey, Engelhard, Credit Suisse/PAMP, and the Royal Canadian Mint. We also consider our own J&M .999 fine 100 oz. silver bars to be recognized. Unrecognized bars are from smaller local refineries that may or may not be in business. The purity of the bullion may be the same but major financial institutions will not accept them. Bars from recognized manufacturers may also be treated as unrecognized if they have major defects, scratches, or bruises. They might also be older poured bars. The reason that recognized bars fetch higher prices is simply one of confidence. It is much easier to sell recognized bullion products than unrecognized. Q: Why is the face value of a one ounce coin only $50 but you are selling it for $700? A: Many mints issue bullion in coin form and to be a coin it must have a negotiable face value (also known as the deno