Not all silver-colored metal is silver, and not all silver is the same purity. Before you sell silverware, jewelry, or decorative items at a coin shop, knowing how to read the markings can save you time and help you understand what you own. At American Gold Buyers, located at 1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607, we evaluate silver items of all kinds from customers throughout Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, and across Upstate South Carolina. Call us at (864) 631-1000 with any preliminary questions.
Why Hallmarks Exist
Hallmarking — the practice of stamping an item with marks indicating metal content, maker, and sometimes origin — has existed for centuries. In England, it has been a legal requirement since the 14th century. In the United States, hallmarking is less rigidly regulated by law but is standard industry practice. These stamps give buyers and sellers a starting point for identifying silver content without requiring a test.
Common Silver Hallmarks and What They Mean
STERLING or STER
The most common marking on American silver, “STERLING” or “STER” indicates 92.5% pure silver. This is the standard for fine silver used in flatware, holloware, and quality jewelry in the United States. Any piece stamped STERLING is solid silver throughout — not plated.
925 or .925
The numerical equivalent of sterling silver. “925” means 925 parts per thousand, or 92.5% silver. This marking is common on jewelry and on pieces made for international markets where numerical fineness marks are the standard. A sterling piece may carry either “STERLING” or “925” — they mean the same thing.
800
An 800 mark indicates 80% silver content. Common on Continental European (particularly German, Italian, and Swiss) silver from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is genuine silver, just at a lower purity than sterling. Items marked 800 are purchased by precious metal dealers at a value proportional to their actual silver content.
830
Eighty-three percent silver, common in Scandinavian silverware (particularly Norwegian and Danish pieces). Often accompanied by maker’s marks and date letters.
900
Ninety percent silver, also known as “coin silver.” Found on some old American silverware made prior to the widespread adoption of sterling standards, and on many pre-1964 U.S. silver coins. Items marked 900 have meaningful silver content.
950 or Britannia Silver
Britannia silver is 95.84% pure silver — higher than sterling. It was the British silver standard from 1697 to 1720, after which sterling was reinstated. Some modern silversmiths still use Britannia silver for its high purity and distinctive appearance.
Marks That Indicate Silver Plate (Not Sterling)
- EPNS: Electroplated Nickel Silver. Not silver at all — nickel silver is a silver-colored alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc
- Silver Plate or Silverplate: Self-explanatory; base metal with silver coating
- Sheffield Plate: An early (pre-electroplating) silver-plating technique; antique Sheffield Plate has some collector interest but is not sterling
- EPBM: Electroplated Britannia Metal. Base metal with silver plating
- A1, A1 Plus, or Quadruple Plate: Various silverplate grades used by American manufacturers
When No Mark Is Present
Older pieces — particularly handmade silverware from earlier eras — may carry only a maker’s mark and no explicit purity mark. Conversely, some foreign pieces carry marks that are unfamiliar to American eyes. When you are unsure, professional testing is the only way to be certain. At American Gold Buyers, we use acid testing and electronic verification to determine silver content on any piece, whether marked or unmarked. This service is provided at no charge when you bring items in for evaluation.
Come See Us in Greenville
Whether you have a single silver bracelet or a complete service for twelve in sterling flatware, we are here to help you understand what it is worth. Customers from Mauldin, Easley, Greer, Simpsonville, and throughout Greenville County visit our shop regularly. We pay cash or check to sellers.
Stop by 1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607, or call (864) 631-1000.