It’s one of the most common things we see at our 47th Street office: someone walks in with a box of old flatware they found in a parent’s or grandparent’s home. Sometimes it’s worth hundreds of dollars. Sometimes it’s nearly worthless. The difference comes down to one thing — whether it’s real silver or silver-plated.
Real Silver vs Silver-Plated: How to Tell
Real sterling silver will have a numeric purity stamp: 925, 800, or the word “Sterling.” It holds significant melt value.
Silver-plated flatware has stamps like EPNS, EP, EPBM, A1, or “Silver Plate.” This type has minimal melt value — usually a few dollars for an entire set.
Quick trick: Rub a white cloth firmly on a piece. If it leaves a slight black tarnish mark, it’s more likely real silver. Silver-plated pieces often show a yellowish or copper-colored tint on worn edges.
What to Look For
- 925 or Sterling — Solid sterling silver, 92.5% pure — worth selling
- 800 — European silver, 80% pure — worth selling
- 900 — Coin silver — worth selling
- EPNS, EP, A1, Silver Plate — Plated only — minimal value
Complete Sets vs Loose Pieces
For melt value purposes, it doesn’t matter whether you have a complete set or random assorted pieces — it all gets weighed the same way. However, complete sets in good condition from well-known makers can sometimes have collectible value above melt.
Sterling Silver Brands Worth the Most
- Tiffany & Co. — Among the most collectible sterling flatware ever made
- Gorham — One of the oldest American silver makers
- Reed & Barton — Classic American sterling brand
- Wallace — Known for the Grand Baroque pattern
- International Silver
What Is Your Silverware Worth?
A typical 48-piece sterling service might weigh 1,500–2,500 grams total. At 92.5% purity and current silver prices, that puts the silver content value roughly in the range of $1,400–$2,600 for a solid sterling set. That’s not money to leave sitting in a cabinet. Bring your silverware to our NYC office for a free evaluation.