Understanding Silver Purity
Silver purity, also called "fineness," describes the proportion of pure silver in an alloy. It's expressed as parts per thousand — for example, 925 means 925 parts silver out of 1,000.
Common Silver Purities Explained
999 Fine Silver (99.9%)
The purest commercial form of silver. Used in bullion bars, investment-grade coins (American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs), and industrial applications. Too soft for jewelry.
958 Britannia Silver (95.8%)
A high-purity silver standard established in England in 1697. Still used today for fine British silverware and specialty items. Higher purity than sterling, but less common.
925 Sterling Silver (92.5%)
The world's most popular silver alloy. The standard for jewelry, flatware, and decorative items. Alloyed with copper for durability. More details: What Is Sterling Silver?
900 Coin Silver (90%)
The standard for US silver coinage before 1965 (dimes, quarters, halves, dollars). Also used in some historical jewelry marked "COIN". Calculate values: Junk Silver Calculator
835 Silver (83.5%)
A standard commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries. Used for silverware, small items, and some coinage.
800 Silver (80%)
Common European standard, especially in Italy, Germany, and Austria. Frequently found in antique silverware, serving pieces, and decorative items.
How to Read Silver Hallmarks
Silver items are typically stamped with a fineness number (925, 800, etc.) along with:
- Maker's mark — Identifies the manufacturer
- Assay office mark — Where the item was tested
- Date letter — Year of manufacture (British system)
- Country mark — Country of origin
Why Silver Purity Varies: Regional Standards Explained
Different regions adopted different silver standards based on their historical trade practices, monetary systems, and silversmithing traditions:
- 925 (Sterling): Originated in medieval England and adopted globally. The standard in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and most of Asia for jewelry and flatware.
- 800: The dominant standard in Italy, Germany, Austria, and much of Continental Europe. Widely used in Victorian and Edwardian serving pieces. Contains 80% silver — still highly valuable but lower than sterling.
- 835: Common in the Netherlands, parts of Germany, and Scandinavia. Sits between 800 and 925 in purity and value.
- 900: The standard for pre-1965 US coins. Also used in some French and Latin American silverware. Easy to identify on coins by the date.
- 958 (Britannia): Briefly mandatory in England from 1697–1720 (Parliament required it to stop silversmiths melting coins). Still used for specialty British silverware and commemorative items.
- 999: Pure investment silver. Too soft for practical fabricated items — used exclusively for bullion bars, coins, and specialty applications.
How Purity Affects Melt Value
The relationship between purity and melt value is directly proportional. If fine silver (999) is worth $33.00 per troy ounce, then:
| Purity | % of Fine Silver | Value Per Troy Oz* | Value Per Gram* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 99.9% | $32.97 | $1.060 |
| 958 | 95.8% | $31.61 | $1.016 |
| 925 | 92.5% | $30.53 | $0.981 |
| 900 | 90.0% | $29.70 | $0.955 |
| 835 | 83.5% | $27.56 | $0.886 |
| 800 | 80.0% | $26.40 | $0.849 |
* Based on $33.00/oz fine silver spot price. Use the live calculators linked above for current values.
Silver Purity Testing Methods
If a hallmark is missing, worn, or unclear, several testing methods can determine purity:
- Acid test (nitric acid): Apply a drop of nitric acid to a small scratch on the surface. The color of the reaction indicates purity — cream/white = high silver; green = base metal; no reaction = fine silver. Test kits cost $10–$20 at jeweler supply stores.
- XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) analysis: The most accurate non-destructive method. A gun-shaped device shoots X-rays at the surface and reads the precise element composition. Available at most refineries free of charge for sellers, or at pawnbrokers and coin shops.
- Specific gravity test: Weigh the item dry, then weigh it suspended in water. Pure silver has a specific gravity of 10.49; the ratio of dry to underwater weight reveals the purity. Requires a precision scale and patience.
- Magnet test: Silver is not magnetic. If a magnet strongly attracts the item, it is not silver. However, passing the magnet test does not confirm silver — other non-magnetic metals also pass. Use as a quick elimination test only.
- Ice test: Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. Place an ice cube on a flat silver surface — it melts visibly faster than on other metals. Useful for identifying larger flat items.
For valuable or large quantities, XRF testing at a reputable refiner is the gold standard — it provides a certified purity reading that serves as documentation for the sale.
Purity and Dealer Offers: What to Expect
When selling silver by purity, dealers typically quote a percentage of the published spot price. The actual offer depends on buyer type, quantity, and condition, but as a general guide:
- Online refineries: 90–98% of melt value. Best for bulk lots. Processing takes 5–10 days.
- Coin and silver dealers: 75–90% of melt value. Good for quick same-day sales with negotiation.
- Local jewelers: 65–80% of melt value. Convenient but rarely the highest offer.
- Pawn shops: 50–70% of melt value. Last resort — only for immediate cash emergencies.
Always calculate your melt value first using the calculators linked above, then compare dealer offers as a percentage of that baseline. See our complete guide to selling silver for step-by-step advice.
International Silver Hallmark Quick Reference
Different countries use different hallmark systems. Here are the most common marks you'll encounter on silver items:
| Mark | Country / Region | Purity | Common On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 925 | Global (UK, US, Canada, Australia) | 92.5% | Jewelry, flatware |
| Sterling | UK, USA | 92.5% | Flatware, antique jewelry |
| Lion Passant | United Kingdom | 92.5% | British silverware (pre-decimal) |
| 958 / Britannia | United Kingdom | 95.8% | Fine British silverware |
| 999 / Fine | Global | 99.9% | Bullion bars & coins |
| 900 / Coin | USA, France, Latin America | 90.0% | Pre-1965 US coins, some flatware |
| 835 | Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia | 83.5% | Continental European silverware |
| 800 | Italy, Germany, Austria | 80.0% | European flatware, antiques |
| 84 Zolotnik | Imperial Russia | 87.5% | Pre-1917 Russian silverware |
| 88 Zolotnik | Imperial Russia | 91.6% | Pre-1917 Russian objects |
| 916 | India (Hallmarking Act) | 91.6% | Indian jewelry & silverware |
| EPNS | UK / Global | 0% | Electroplated — no silver melt value |
| EP / Silver Plate | Global | 0% | Base metal with silver coating |
Note: "EPNS" (Electroplated Nickel Silver) and similar plated marks indicate silver coating over base metal. These items have no significant silver melt value — do not confuse them with solid silver.
Silver Fineness vs. Karat: What's the Difference?
Silver purity is expressed in fineness (parts per 1,000), while gold purity uses the karat system (parts per 24). There is no "karat" system for silver — if you see a silver item stamped with a karat number, it is either a forgery or a combination piece (e.g., gold and silver mixed).
The key conversion: fineness ÷ 10 = percentage purity. So 925 = 92.5%, 800 = 80.0%, 999 = 99.9%.