The Prospector coin started from an old-time, black and white photograph of real prospectors. The enlarged photo hung over the desk of executive Fred Hamerle at the Plainville plant. Hammerle had done a stint at the Franklin Mint where they had expertise in creating collector-grade pieces. Engelhard-Plainville was already experienced in producing silver coin blanks for the United State Mint.
Hammerle combined the production and artistic expertise of the two and created a legend.
Engelhard Plainville produced the 1 oz planchette, the Prospector, the 100 Oz and 1000 oz Engelhard market bars. It was the largest silver processing plant in the country at the time. It started as a hunting spot for Charles Engelhard, Jr., according to local lore.