Scrap Silver Value Calculator
Current silver spot price: Unavailable
Scrap Silver Value Calculator
Common Scrap Silver Items
| Item | Purity | Typical Weight | Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Flatware Set | .925 | 1000g | — |
| Sterling Jewelry Piece | .925 | 15g | — |
| Silver-Plated Tray | Plated | 500g | — |
| .999 Fine Silver Scrap | .999 | 31.1g | — |
Sterling Silver vs. Silver-Plated
Understanding the difference between sterling silver and silver-plated items is critical when calculating scrap value. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver (marked “925” or “Sterling”) and has significant melt value. Silver-plated items have only a thin coating of silver over a base metal, making their silver recovery minimal.
Scrap Value = Weight (troy oz) × Purity × Spot Price
To test silver at home, use a magnet (silver is not magnetic), check for hallmarks (“925,” “Sterling,” or a lion passant), or use a nitric acid test kit. Silver-plated items are often marked “EP,” “EPNS,” or “Silver Plate.”
When selling scrap silver to refiners, expect payouts of 85–95% of melt value for sterling items. For example, a sterling flatware set weighing 1,000 grams contains about 29.74 troy ounces of pure silver, worth approximately calculated above at current spot per troy ounce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Silver
How do I tell sterling silver from silver plated?
Sterling silver is marked with “925,” “Sterling,” or a lion passant hallmark, indicating 92.5% silver content. Silver-plated items are marked “EP,” “EPNS,” or “Silver Plate” and contain only a thin layer of silver over base metal. A magnet test can also help, as sterling silver is not magnetic.
What hallmarks indicate real silver?
Look for “925” or “Sterling” stamped on the item, which indicates 92.5% pure silver. British silver carries a lion passant hallmark, while Mexican silver often shows “925” with an eagle mark. Coin silver may be marked “900” or “Coin,” indicating 90% silver content.
Is silver-plated flatware worth anything?
Silver-plated flatware has minimal scrap value because the silver coating is extremely thin, typically only 1–2% of the total weight. Most scrap refiners will not accept silver-plated items. However, antique or collectible silver-plated pieces may have value to collectors beyond their metal content.
Where can I sell scrap sterling silver?
You can sell scrap sterling silver to online precious metal refiners, local coin dealers, jewelry buyers, or scrap yards that accept precious metals. Online refiners typically offer 85–95% of melt value for sterling silver. Getting multiple quotes and comparing payout percentages will help you find the best deal.
How much do silver refiners pay?
Silver refiners typically pay 85–95% of the calculated melt value for sterling silver scrap. The exact percentage depends on the quantity, purity, and condition of the material. Larger lots of clean, sorted sterling silver command higher payout rates than small mixed lots.
What is the best way to weigh silver at home?
Use a digital kitchen scale or jeweler’s scale that measures in grams with at least 0.1-gram precision. Weigh each item individually and note its hallmark to determine purity. To convert grams to troy ounces for value calculation, divide the weight in grams by 31.1035.