Once called Easterling Silver (origin Germany) is now referred as Sterling Silver that is 92.5 percent pure, which usually stamped on the metal, occasionally with initials of the designer and/or country of origin as a hallmark. Sterling was used as currency in England from the 12th century until the middle of the 20th century.

Additional Silver Standards

Fine Silver is 99.9% silver or better. This grade of silver is used to make bullion bars for international commodities trade. Fine Silver is understood to be too malleable for universal use.

Britannia Silver is purer than Sterling Silver, at least 95.84% silver and up to 4.16% copper. Its marks were Britannia and a lion's head in profile. The Britannia standard was in Britain between 1697 and 1720 to try to help prevent British Sterling Silver coins from being melted to make plate. The United Kingdom and Ireland is now denoted by the hallmark "958,” with the symbol of Britannia used only occasionally.

Mexican Silver is also purer than Sterling Silver, generally 95% Silver and 5% Copper. Mexico is the only country currently using silver in its coinage, but these coins are not minted from 95% Mexican Silver.

Coin Silver is 90% silver and 10% copper as dictated by United States FTC guidelines. Coin Silver is lesser grade than Sterling Silver. The Coin Silver standard was established in the US in the 1820’s.

Silver In Disguise

Nickel Silver (also know as German Silver, Alpacca or German Sterling) is the generic name of a non-precious bright silvery-grey metal alloys, composed of copper, nickel and zinc. Regardless of its name contains no real silver; Nickel Silver was and still is widely used for the commercial production,

Written by Annette Nolan of AnnEpiphany of Wisconsin

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