From 2012
Japan Mint (assay authority; object maker unspecified)
Read the fineness numeral together with the flag; 999 replaced 1000 for submissions after March 2012.
stamped · silver · Japan
Read the stamp
999 silver meaning
With 999 silver meaning, 999 SILVER describes fine silver, while 999 GOLD describes fine gold. 999 means 999 parts silver per thousand.
Reading the number in context
999 means 999 parts silver per thousand. 999 SILVER describes fine silver, while 999 GOLD describes fine gold. Preserve the metal wording when reading a bar, pendant or other stamped object.
What to check next
Compare with sterling at 925, or 92.5% silver. A stamp inside a company trademark can be a model number, so retain the neighbouring metal and assay marks. Use the maker signature and country device to continue the identification.
Related marks
1 mark