NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER), HIGH BID WAS
625.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2023 May 11 @ 16:00UTC-7 : PDT/MST
Call +1-561-203-9502 to bid by phone.
In the early 1980s, a small silver refining company named Dugan & Helterbrand (D&H) emerged in Marshfield, Missouri. The firm specialized in extracting silver from discarded x-ray films, a process they managed to perfect over time. This story offers a glimpse into the history of this enterprising company, shedding light on its operations, unique silver bars, and eventual decline. D&H was founded by Whitfield Dugan and his son-in-law, Joe Helterbrand. They collaborated with a chemist who, upon completing his education, joined the duo in refining the chemical process required for producing silver bars. The chemist, along with a pilot friend, would fly across the country to collect lithographic and x-ray film from various sources, including hospitals, government and military facilities, and private individuals. In exchange for the film, they would offer a combination of cash and silver bars. The silver bars produced by D&H came in different styles: some featured the company’s initials (D&H) and a single scale, while others were unmarked or carried the full company name and multiple scales. Most of the silver was sent to Engelhard, a renowned precious metals company, in the form of crude castings that were later remelted. The marked bars, however, were primarily used for bartering with film suppliers. In 1983, D&H’s team embarked on their final film collection run, after which they decided to cease operations due to the plummeting price of silver. To commemorate the end of an era, they created a special batch of silver bars inscribed with the full company name, “DUGAN & HELTERBRAND,” and two scales. These bars were reserved for the company’s inner circle, including close friends and family members. Despite their best efforts, the company faced financial difficulties and was eventually implicated in an environmental scandal in the late 1980s. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated their property a Superfund site in 1990, as hazardous chemicals had been dumped nearby, leading to a fish kill and the death of several cattle. D&H was forced to shut down production, and Joe Helterbrand, who had taken over the company after Whitfield Dugan’s death in 1985, faced legal challenges. The story of Dugan & Helterbrand is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of two individuals who, despite limited resources, managed to capitalize on a unique market opportunity. Their silver bars, crafted from discarded x-ray film, serve as a reminder of a fleeting moment in history when the price of silver reached unprecedented heights. Today, these rare and precious works of art are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
(Courtesy of D. Housley & J. Sister)
Auction Location:
3651 S Lindell Rd Suite 259, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89103, United States
Previewing Details:
Central States Numismatic Society Annual Convention
Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29, 2023
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center
1551 North Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Lot Specific Fees:
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
No Info Available
Payment Details:
To pay by Check/Money Order:
Mail to:
VCD
1452 W. Horizon Ridge PKWY #663
Henderson, NV 89012
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Account # 6580961867
Routing # 121000248
Items under $3,000 USD can be pay via Zelle
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Items that are paid via Wire Transfer or Zelle will be shipped out the fastest.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Check/Cheque
- Wire Transfer
- Zelle
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This is a public auction, conducted in accordance with these Terms and Conditions of Sale, by Vegas Coin Dealer LLC (hereinafter referred to as “VCD"). By bidding on any lot offered by VCD, the bidder indicates acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions of Sale.
BUYER'S PREMIUM A 20.00% buyer’s premium will be added to all successful bids, and is payable by the winning bidder as part of the total purchase cost.
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VCD is acting as an auctioneer. Title to the lots purchased passes directly from the Consignor to the Buyer. Accordingly, VCD is not making, and disclaims, any warranty of title. Bidder acknowledges that the numismatic market is speculative, unregulated and volatile, and that coin prices may rise or fall over time. VCD does not guarantee or represent that any customer buying for investment purposes will be able to sell for a profit in the future. Bidder acknowledges and agrees that neither VCD, nor its employees, affiliates, agents, third-party providers or consignors warrant that auctions will be unimpaired, uninterrupted or error free and accordingly shall not be liable for such events. Waiver and Release Bidder, for himself, his heirs, agents, successors and assignees, generally and specifically waives and releases, and forever discharges VCD, and its respective affiliates, parents, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, subsidiaries, employees, managers and members and each of them, and their respective successors and assignees from any and all claims, rights, demands and causes of actions and suits, of whatever kind or nature, including but not limited to claims based upon Auctioneer's negligence, whether in law or equity, tort or otherwise, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected (a "Claim"), which Bidder may assert with respect to and/or arising out of, or in connection with any challenge to the title to or authenticity of any goods purchased, the sale itself, any lot bid upon or consigned, and/or the auction. It is the intention of Bidder that this waiver and release shall be effective as a bar to each and every Claim that may arise hereunder or be related to the Auction Sale. Disputes If a dispute arises concerning ownership of a lot or concerning proceeds of any sale, VCD reserves the right to commence a statutory inter-pleader proceeding at the expense of the Consignor and Buyer and any other applicable party, and in such event shall be entitled to its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. VCD reserves the right to cancel or postpone the Auction Sale or any session thereof for any reason whatsoever. No Bidder shall have any claim as a result thereof, including for incidental or consequential damages. Neither VCD nor any affiliated or related company shall be responsible for incidental or consequential damages arising out of any failure of the Terms of Sale, the auction or the conduct thereof and in no event shall such liability exceed the purchase price, premium, or fees paid. Rights granted to Bidders under the within Terms and Conditions of Auction Sale are personal and apply only to the Bidder who initially purchases the lot(s) from VCD. The rights may not be assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, whether by sale of the lot(s), operation of law or otherwise. Any attempt to assign or transfer any such rights shall be absolutely void and unenforceable. No third party may rely on any benefit or right conferred by these Terms and Conditions of Auction Sale. Any dispute arising out of or related to these Terms of Sale, the Auction Sale or any lot, with the sole exception of actions by VCD to collect amounts owed to it and other damages, shall be submitted to binding arbitration with any arbitration hearing to occur in San Francisco CA and any arbitrator that is selected must be agreed to by both parties. Bidder shall pay any and all fees for the arbitration. Absent an agreement of the parties, the arbitrator shall limit discovery to that which is necessary to enable the hearing to proceed efficiently. The arbitrator shall not have the power to award punitive or consequential damages, nor alter, amend modify any of the terms of this Agreement. The award by the arbitrator, if any, may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Actions by VCD to collect amounts owed to it and other damages shall only be subject to arbitration at the sole discretion of VCD. Bidder acknowledges and agrees that the competent courts of the State of California shall have exclusive in personam jurisdiction, subject to the requirement to arbitrate, over any dispute(s) arising hereunder, regardless of any party's current or future residence or domicile. Bidder agrees that any arbitration or legal action with respect to this Auction Sale is barred unless commenced within one (1) year of the date of this Auction Sale.
[1] Auctioneer’s “Qualifications to Bid” include that an individual bidding must be at least 18 years of age, must have no prior bankruptcy filings, no outstanding judgments against them that have not been fully satisfied with a full satisfaction of judgment, no outstanding accounts in collections, and that they have no unpaid invoices with VCD
[2] “Client in Good Standing” shall be individuals who have met the “Qualifications to Bid” and in particular that there are no outstanding unpaid invoices with VCD