Silver Buying Guide: Sterling, Fine, and Coin Silver
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Silver Buying Guide: Sterling, Fine, and Coin Silver
Know the differences, spot the deals, and avoid the scams.
Types of Silver
Not all silver is created equal. Understanding the different types is essential for calculating value and avoiding overpaying.
Fine Silver (.999)
99.9% pure silver. Used in bullion bars, coins, and rounds. This is the standard for investment silver. Current value: $81.79/oz ($2.63/g).
Common markings: ".999," ".9999," "Fine Silver"
Sterling Silver (.925)
92.5% pure silver, alloyed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for durability. The standard for silver jewelry and flatware. Value: $75.66/oz ($2.43/g).
Common markings: ".925," "Sterling," "Ster," "SS"
Coin Silver (.900)
90% pure silver. Found in pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, half dollars, and some older flatware. Value: $73.61/oz ($2.37/g).
Common markings: ".900," "Coin," or simply the coin date (pre-1965 US)
Current Silver Spot Price
Silver Spot: $81.79/oz ($2.63/g)
Prices fluctuate. Check the Daily Deals page for real-time values.
What to Look For on eBay
- Weight in Grams or Troy Ounces: This is the #1 factor. A listing without weight is a red flag. Always calculate melt value: weight × purity × spot price.
- Hallmarks & Stamps: Look for ".925," ".999," or "Sterling" stamps. Photos of the hallmark should be clear and legible.
- Magnetic Test: Silver is NOT magnetic. Many sellers demonstrate this in their listing photos. If a "silver" item sticks to a magnet, it's fake.
- Tarnish: Real silver tarnishes. A heavily tarnished item is actually a good sign — it suggests authentic silver. Don't be put off by dark patina.
- Seller History: Check that the seller has experience selling precious metals. Look for 98%+ feedback with recent silver/gold sales.
Common Scams to Avoid
- Silver Plated: "Silver plated," "silverplate," or "EP" (electroplated) items have a microscopic layer of silver over base metal. Worth virtually nothing for melt. Do not confuse with solid silver.
- German Silver / Nickel Silver: Contains ZERO silver. It's a copper-nickel-zinc alloy. The name is deliberately misleading.
- Unmarked "Silver": If there's no hallmark and the seller can't verify purity, proceed with caution. Legitimate silver items almost always have markings.
- Fake Bullion: Counterfeit silver bars and coins exist. Buy from established sellers. Check weight and dimensions against known specifications. When in doubt, stick to well-known brands (APMEX, Sunshine Mint, US Mint).
- Inflated Shipping: Some sellers price items low but charge $20+ shipping. Always factor total cost into your value calculation.
Find Silver Deals Below Melt
My automated system scans eBay around the clock, finding silver items priced below their melt value. From sterling jewelry to fine silver bullion, the best deals appear on the Daily Deals page, updated every 10 minutes.