Silverware value depends first on whether it's solid sterling or merely silver-plated. Sterling has a hard melt-value floor, while sought-after patterns and complete sets sell above scrap.
Typical used price range
$25 – $2,000+
Silver-plated flatware sells cheaply. Sterling has a bullion floor set by weight and spot price; complete named-pattern sets sell above melt to collectors.
Look for 'sterling' or '925' stamps — only solid silver has melt value. 'EPNS' and 'plate' marks mean plated, worth far less.
Sought-after patterns from names like Tiffany, Georg Jensen, and Gorham sell well above melt value to collectors.
A complete service for 8 or 12 with serving pieces sells for more than the same weight scattered or incomplete.
Check for 'sterling' or '925' stamps. 'EPNS', 'silver plate', or 'A1' indicate plating, which has little scrap value.
Complete sets in desirable patterns often sell above melt to collectors; odd pieces usually sell for scrap value.
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