How to Tell If Your Silver Is Real: 7 Tests Before You Sell

You've found a tarnished tea set in the attic or a heavy bracelet at a thrift store. It looks like silver. It feels like silver. But silver-plated items contain only a microscopic layer of silver worth virtually nothing as scrap, while the same-looking piece in solid sterling could be worth hundreds of dollars at today's prices. Telling the difference before you sell is the single most important step in the scrap silver process.

1. Check for hallmarks and stamps first

This is the fastest and most reliable at-home test. Genuine silver carries standardized markings, usually found on the bottom of flatware, inside ring bands, or on jewelry clasps. Look for:

• "925" or "STERLING" — Sterling silver, 92.5% pure. The most common mark on genuine silver items.
• "900" or "COIN" — 90% silver, found on older American pieces.
• "800" — 80% silver, common on European-made items.
• ".999" or "FINE SILVER" — 99.9% pure, found on bullion.
• A lion passant (walking lion) — British hallmark for sterling silver.

Red flags that mean it's NOT solid silver: "EPNS" (Electroplated Nickel Silver), "EP" (Electroplate), "Silver Plate," "Silver Tone," "Nickel Silver," or "German Silver." Despite the names, these contain little to no actual silver. Nickel silver is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with zero silver content.

2. The magnet test

Silver is not magnetic. Hold a strong neodymium magnet against the item. If it snaps to the magnet, it's not silver — it's likely steel with silver plating.

One caveat: passing the magnet test doesn't prove an item is silver. Many non-silver metals (copper, brass, aluminum) are also non-magnetic. Use this test to rule items out, not to confirm them.

3. The ice cube test

Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal — higher than copper or gold. Place an ice cube on the item. If the ice begins melting almost immediately, the item likely contains significant silver content. Sterling silver will make ice melt remarkably fast due to its exceptional heat transfer properties.

This test works best on flat surfaces like trays, plates, or bars.

4. The bleach test (use with caution)

Apply a single drop of common household bleach to an inconspicuous spot. Real silver tarnishes rapidly when exposed to bleach — it will turn dark or black within seconds.

Warning: This causes permanent discoloration on the test spot. Only use it on areas that won't affect the item's appearance or on items you intend to sell for melt value anyway.

5. The smell and sound tests

Silver is odorless. If a piece smells metallic or like copper, it's likely plated or a base metal alloy. Additionally, genuine silver produces a high-pitched, bell-like ring when tapped gently. A genuine pre-1965 silver quarter will ring clearly when balanced on a fingertip and tapped. Plated items produce a dull thud.

6. The acid test

Silver acid testing kits are available online for $10–$20. Apply a drop of nitric acid to a small scratch. Genuine silver produces a creamy white reaction, while base metals turn green and silver-plated items show green under the initial silver flash. This is the standard used by most coin dealers and pawn shops.

7. Professional XRF testing

When significant money is at stake, get a professional XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis. This non-destructive test identifies the exact metal composition in seconds. Most coin dealers, precious metals refiners, and many jewelry stores offer XRF testing — often free if you're selling to them. XRF is the industry standard for verifying purity before refining.

Common items that fool people

Silver-plated flatware is the #1 source of disappointment for scrap silver sellers. Millions of American households own silver-plated sets from brands like Rogers, Oneida, and International Silver. These look identical to sterling but contain only a thin wash of silver over a base metal core. Sterling flatware is almost always stamped "925" or "STERLING" on the back of the handle. If you see "plated," "EP," "EPNS," or no mark at all, assume it's plated.

War nickels are a common surprise in the other direction — US nickels minted from 1942 to 1945 contain 35% silver and are identifiable by the large mintmark above Monticello on the reverse. At $85/oz silver, each war nickel contains about $1.60 in silver.

Verified silver? Now find out what it's worth

Once you've confirmed your item is genuine silver and identified its purity, use our free scrap silver calculator to input the weight and purity and instantly see what your silver is worth at today's live spot price.

Sources

• Manhattan Gold & Silver (MGS Refining): mgsrefining.com
• Elemetal, Silver Calculator: elemetal.com
• APMEX, Silver Price: apmex.com/silver-price