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The term "sterling silver" actually comes from the "pound sterling," the unit of British currency. British silver coinage was for hundreds of years (excepting various bouts of debasing over the years) 92.5% pure. Thus, "sterling silver," which is 92.5% pure, merely refers to silver which is as pure as the pound sterling. As a historical note, the purity of silver in British coinage was reduced in 1920 to 50% silver, and in 1947, silver was replaced with a cupro-nickel alloy in British "silver" coinage.

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What is worth more sterling silver or silver?

"Sterling silver" refers to the purity of a particular silver object - specifically, sterling silver is 92.5% silver.


What is werth more silver or sterling silver?

silver because sterling silver is 92.5% silver and the purer it is, the more it is worth.


Is sterling silver worth more or less than other silvers?

Sterling silver contains 92.5% of mass silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, often Copper. Sterling Silver is often mistaken for pure Silver, when it is actually a Silver alloy.


Is sterling silver worth more than silver plated?

Basically, yes. Sterling silver means "solid silver, or more properly a solid alloy which is mainly silver". Silver plated means "tin (or aluminium, or iron, or steel, or bronze, or whatever) with a very, very thin coating of silver." ..... Sterling is around 98% solid silver mixed with tiny bit of other metal so that it tarnish less


Is a sterling silver chain worth anything?

Yes, sterling silver has value as a precious metal because it contains 92.5% pure silver. The chain's worth will depend on its weight and current market value for silver. You may be able to sell it for its scrap metal value or more if it has additional worth as a piece of jewelry.


What is they value of a 1935 sterling silver us quarter?

First off, they are not sterling silver, sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, most silver US coins are 90% silver and 10% copper, known occasionally as "coin silver". In average circulated condition, the coin is only worth its silver content, at the time of writing, it is about $5.50 in silver content. If it is in mint-state or otherwise very good condition, it might be worth more than just its silver content if you can find a collector.


Is argentinian silver the same as sterling silver?

Argentium silver uses a different silver alloy that what is contained in sterling silver. Argentium is actually a bit more pure than sterling.


What is worth more money titanium or sterling silver?

Titanium generally costs more than sterling silver due to its higher strength-to-weight ratio and durability. However, the price of titanium can vary depending on market demand and specific titanium grade, while sterling silver prices can fluctuate based on factors like purity and design intricacy.


Does silver plated have any value?

First of all, theres no such thing as "silver plated sterling". Sterling is 92.5% silver, anything plated is just plated. If the item is solid sterling silver, its metal value depends on the current price of silver - but it may be worth more as a collectible. If it's plated base metal it has very little value.


Is nickel silver same value as sterling silver?

No, nickel silver and sterling silver are not the same value. Sterling silver is a precious metal composed of 92.5% silver, while nickel silver is an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc that does not contain any silver. Sterling silver is typically more valuable than nickel silver.


Does pure silver shine more than sterling silver?

Yes, pure silver shines more than sterling silver because it has a higher silver content. Pure silver is 99.9% silver, while sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, like copper, which can affect its shine.


How much is an American 1891 dollar worth in sterling silver?

Circulating US coins were struck in "coin silver" which has more copper in it than sterling silver. The extra copper was needed to make the coins hard enough to not wear out quickly. Please see the Related Question.