The numbers commonly used to indicate real silver, specifically by international sellers, are 925, 900, and 800. These numbers signify the purity level of the silver.
Understanding Silver Purity Stamps
When you see numbers like 925, 900, or 800 stamped on silver items, they are hallmarks that tell you the percentage of pure silver content in the metal alloy.
Here's a breakdown:
- 925: Indicates that the metal is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). This is the standard purity for Sterling silver.
- 900: Indicates that the metal is 90.0% pure silver and 10.0% other metals. This is sometimes referred to as coin silver or simply 900 silver.
- 800: Indicates that the metal is 80.0% pure silver and 20.0% other metals. This purity is less common in some regions but is recognized internationally.
As the reference states, "International sellers of silver will stamp silver as 925, 900, or 800." These hallmarks are a crucial way to determine the quality and authenticity of silver items. The reference also notes that "Sterling silver has a purity of 92.5 percent or higher."
Common Silver Purity Levels
Here is a simple table illustrating the most common purity numbers:
| Stamp Number | Silver Purity | Common Name | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 925 | 92.5% | Sterling Silver | 92.5% Silver, 7.5% Other |
| 900 | 90.0% | Coin Silver / 900 | 90.0% Silver, 10.0% Other |
| 800 | 80.0% | 800 Silver | 80.0% Silver, 20.0% Other |
These numbers are essentially shorthand for the fineness of the silver, expressed in parts per thousand. For example, 925 means 925 parts per thousand are pure silver.
While other purities exist (like 999 for fine silver, which is 99.9% pure), the numbers 925, 900, and 800 are widely recognized international standards for indicating real silver content in manufactured goods.
