Antique silver is one of the most hallmarked antique categories in the world. British silver hallmarks have been required by law since 1300 and can pinpoint the exact year and assay office. American coin silver and sterling carry maker's marks that identify the silversmith.
Typical Value Range
$20 – $100,000+
weight, maker, and hallmark completeness determine value
What to Look For
How to Identify Antique Silver Authenticity & Value
British hallmarks
Look for 4–5 marks: lion passant (sterling standard), date letter, assay office mark (anchor=Birmingham, leopard=London, crown=Sheffield), and maker's initials.
American marks
Pre-1860 American silver is 'coin silver' marked 'COIN' or 'C'. After standardization, sterling pieces are marked '925' or 'STERLING'.
Weight
Silver has intrinsic melt value based on weight. Weigh in troy ounces and multiply by current spot price, but decorative value usually exceeds melt.
Maker
Tiffany & Co., Gorham, Reed & Barton, and Paul Revere (American) command collector premiums. Georgian London silversmiths like Paul Storr are highly sought.
Silverplate vs sterling
Silverplate is marked 'EP', 'EPNS', or 'Sheffield Plate'. It has no melt value. Sterling is marked '925', 'STERLING', or with British hallmarks.
Common Items
Popular Antique Silver Items We Identify
Sterling flatware set
Silver tea service
Paul Revere bowl
Georgian candlesticks
Tiffany & Co. pitcher
Gorham repousse
Coin silver spoon
Victorian inkwell
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
British hallmarks include a lion (sterling), date letter (changes annually), assay office mark, and maker's mark. Our AI can identify hallmarks from a photo and tell you the year and maker.
Check for 'STERLING', '925', or British hallmarks for sterling. 'EPNS', 'EP', or 'A1' indicates silverplate. If in doubt, a magnet test helps — silver isn't magnetic.
Sterling silver sets sell for $300–$5,000 depending on weight, maker, and style. Silverplate sets have minimal melt value but can fetch $50–$500 for decorative examples.