How Much Is My Silver Worth? A Guide to Silver Valuation

Silver has a way of accumulating. Old silverware in the back of a cabinet. Coin collections from a grandparent. A bag of mismatched jewelry you never wear. If you have been wondering how much your silver is worth, this guide will give you a clear answer — and the tools to verify any offer you receive.

The Three Factors That Determine Silver Value

Silver value works the same way gold value does. Three things matter: purity, weight, and the current spot price.

1. Purity (What Kind of Silver Is It?)

Not everything silver-colored is actually silver. Here are the most common types and what they are worth:

• Fine silver (99.9%) — Pure silver. Used in bullion rounds and bars. Maximum value per ounce.
• Sterling silver (92.5%) — The most common type in jewelry and silverware. Stamped ".925" or "Sterling." Worth 92.5% of the fine silver spot price.
• Coin silver (90%) — Used in pre-1965 US coins. Worth 90% of spot price.
• Silver-plate — A thin layer of silver over a base metal. Worth very little as silver — usually scrap value of the base metal.
• Nickel silver / German silver — Contains no actual silver. Not worth anything as silver.

The quickest way to check: look for hallmarks. Sterling pieces typically say "925," "Sterling," or "Ster." If there is no marking, it may be silver-plate — a professional test will confirm.

2. Weight

Silver is priced by the troy ounce (31.1 grams). Sterling silverware is heavier than it looks — a full set for 12 people can weigh 6–10 troy ounces or more. That kind of weight adds up quickly at current silver prices.

3. The Silver Spot Price

The spot price is the current global market price for one troy ounce of pure silver. It changes throughout the day. A simple formula: (Weight in troy ounces) × (Purity %) × (Spot price) = Base value

What We Buy at Gold & Diamond Company

At our Fayetteville and Siloam Springs locations, we buy all types of silver:

• Sterling silver jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings)
• Sterling silverware, flatware, and tea sets
• Silver coins — Morgan dollars, Peace dollars, pre-1965 US coins
• Silver bullion bars and rounds
• Silver candlesticks, serving pieces, and decorative items

We do not buy silver-plated items as silver (no silverware marked "EP," "EPNS," or "Silver Plate"). But if you are unsure, bring it in — we will test it and tell you exactly what you have.

Common Questions About Selling Silver in NWA

Is my old silver worth selling?

Almost certainly. If it is sterling or coin silver and has any meaningful weight to it, it is worth at least the melt value. Many people are surprised by how much a bag of old silver chains or a set of silverware is worth at current spot prices.

What about collectible silver coins?

Common circulated pre-1965 silver coins are typically bought at melt value. If you think you have something rare, let us know — we will assess it fairly.

Do I need an appointment to sell silver?

No. Walk into either of our NWA locations any time during business hours. We test and weigh your silver on the spot and give you a clear, explained offer. Same-day cash payment if you choose to sell.