Is Sterling / Scrap Silver Worth It?

[aja]

So we all know there are local op shops and antique stores etc yeah… And occasionally we find sterling silver usually in the form of cutlery etc.

But how can we be sure they are genuine sterling? (short of hitting with a XRF)

There seems to be a ton of different stamps out there.

Any tricks?
How much is too much to pay?
And when in possession, what do we do with it being so bulky and all?

Do you just chuck it in a box? Smelt it down? Scrap it? Display it?

Cheers,
AJ

 

[Administrator]

You've got to know what you're looking at. There's too much plated stuff that isn't worth much.

 

[ozcopper]

English hallmarked stuff is best. It is easy to know its real once you learn hallmarks. But you need to buy it way under spot if you want to make a profit.

 

[aja]

You've got to know what you're looking at. There's too much plated stuff that isn't worth much.

yeah that's my worry really, might be best just keeping an eye out for random rounds.

 

[Silver Soul]

Today with the internet it is easy to identify electroplated silver cutlery. EPNS marked . Anything with a lion stamp is Sterling. Keep in mind that many people miss key dates of rarity of some, which fetch many times above their melt value., Those gems are out there so always research

 

[Silver Soul]

yeah that's my worry really, might be best just keeping an eye out for random rounds.

Sure, be careful of those random rounds too. If you are unsure just ask here. Welcome to the forum

 

[aja]

Local antique store has sterling silver teaspoons for $65 - $80 each…

 

[STKR]

I really like stacking .925 necklaces and bracelets. The closer you can get to spot the better. Jewellery has its own market and usually fetches a decent premium to everyday Aussies, but it also has the floor of spot price backing it up.