Articles made from silver are created from silver alloys containing differing amounts of pure silver. United States silver pieces made after 1870 typically bear a mark designating them as either “pure” or “sterling” silver. The most common of these, usually stamped into the surface of an object, is the word “sterling.” The fraction “925/1000” or simply the number “925” also designates items as made from sterling silver. These number marks indicate that the article is created from ninety-two and one-half percent silver. The remainder of the alloy is usually copper which counteracts the soft, malleable nature of absolutely pure silver. This allows the object to hold its shape and withstand wear, making it durable and lasting.
However, if you are interested in “pure” silver, or .999 silver, then you should avoid any item with the designation “sterling”. Sterling silver, by definition, is not pure since it is combined with other metals.
Here at Golden State Mint, we only sell pure, .999 silver.
The high silver content of pieces created in US markets makes them considerably more valuable than items that have been simply “silver plated” or dipped in a silver coating. This practice is common in the making of jewelry and silverware. Other countries identify “pure silver” in differing amounts of actual silver. These items, considered pure in their country of origin, may have less silver content than US sterling.
