Read the stamp

Coin silver hallmarks

For Coin silver hallmarks, a silversmith’s name or initials often supplies the maker information. STERLING denotes the higher 925 standard.

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COIN and 900

COIN, PURE COIN and 900 occur as material descriptions on American silver. A silversmith’s name or initials often supplies the maker information. The word refers to a silver-alloy convention, not a guarantee that a particular object was made from melted coins.

What to check next

Read country and maker together: coinage alloys differed across places and periods. On an American spoon, compare the stamped name on the back of the handle with the maker’s other marks. STERLING denotes the higher 925 standard.