What Is the Value of Scrap Silver? | Scrap Silver Price Per Gram UK | Mozeris Fine Antiques

What Is the Value of Scrap Silver?

Understanding how scrap silver is valued helps you make informed decisions when selling. Here's everything you need to know about scrap silver prices in the UK.

The value of scrap silver depends on three main factors: the current silver spot price, the purity of your silver (such as sterling 925), and the weight of the item. In the UK, scrap silver prices fluctuate daily based on global market conditions.

Sterling silver (92.5% pure) is worth more than lower-grade silver alloys. A professional valuation ensures you receive an accurate price based on current market rates.

How Scrap Silver Is Valued

When determining the scrap silver value UK buyers will offer, several factors come into play. Understanding these helps you know what to expect when selling.

Silver Spot Price

The spot price is the current market value of pure silver per troy ounce. This changes throughout the day based on global trading. Scrap silver prices are calculated as a percentage of this spot price.

Purity Grade

Sterling silver (marked 925) contains 92.5% pure silver. Lower grades contain less silver and are worth proportionally less. Hallmarks help identify purity levels.

Actual Weight

Silver is weighed in troy ounces or grams. The heavier your silver, the more it's worth. Professional dealers use calibrated scales for accurate measurements.

It's important to understand that the price you receive for scrap silver will be less than the spot price. This accounts for refining costs and dealer margins. Reputable buyers offer transparent pricing based on current market rates.

Spot Price vs Selling Price

The silver spot price represents the cost of raw silver on commodity markets. However, when selling scrap silver, you'll typically receive 70-90% of the spot value, depending on:

The purity of your silver
Quantity being sold
Current market demand
The buyer's refining costs

Working with trusted silver buyers ensures you receive fair market value for your items.

Scrap Silver Price Per Gram (UK)

Many people ask how much is scrap silver worth per gram in the UK. While exact figures change daily, understanding how prices are calculated helps set realistic expectations.

Silver is traditionally measured in troy ounces (31.1 grams), but UK dealers often quote prices per gram for convenience. The scrap silver price per gram varies based on purity:

Sterling silver (925) — The highest value for common silver items
Coin silver (900) — Slightly less than sterling
800 silver — Common in continental European pieces
Silver plate — Has minimal scrap value as only a thin layer is silver

Because silver prices fluctuate daily, it's always best to get a current valuation rather than relying on outdated price guides. For an accurate assessment, contact a professional silver valuation service.

What Counts as Scrap Silver?

Scrap silver includes any silver item sold for its metal content rather than its aesthetic or collectible value. Common examples include:

Broken Jewellery

Chains with broken clasps, single earrings, damaged rings, and other jewellery that can no longer be worn but still contains valuable silver.

Damaged Flatware

Bent spoons, forks with missing tines, worn serving pieces, and incomplete cutlery sets that have seen better days.

Worn Items

Silver pieces with heavy tarnish, dents, or wear that affects their appearance but not their metal value.

Incomplete Sets

Mismatched pieces, partial tea services, or items missing components that reduce their collectible appeal.

Is It Worth Selling Scrap Silver?

Many people wonder whether selling scrap silver is worthwhile. The answer depends on several factors:

Current silver market prices
The quantity of silver you have
Whether items have collectible value
Your personal circumstances

Silver prices have risen significantly in recent years, making now a potentially good time to sell unwanted items. However, before selling, consider whether any pieces might be worth more as antiques or collectibles than as scrap.

How to Get an Accurate Scrap Silver Valuation

Getting an accurate valuation ensures you receive fair value for your scrap silver. Here's what to look for in a professional valuation:

Expert assessment — Experienced dealers can identify purity and spot valuable pieces
Transparent pricing — Clear explanation of how the price is calculated
Current market rates — Prices based on today's silver spot price
No obligation — Freedom to accept or decline the offer
Instant payment — Quick payment if you decide to sell

Professional valuers may also identify pieces worth more than scrap value. Antique silver, designer pieces, or items with historical significance could command premium prices from collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scrap silver prices change daily based on the global spot price. Sterling silver (925) typically commands the highest prices for common scrap items. For today's accurate pricing, it's best to contact a professional dealer who can provide a valuation based on current market rates.

Sterling silver is a type of scrap silver — specifically, silver that is 92.5% pure (marked 925). It's worth more per gram than lower-purity silver alloys because it contains more actual silver. However, sterling silver items in good condition may be worth more than their scrap value if they have collectible or antique appeal.

Absolutely. Antique silver, particularly pieces by notable makers, with rare hallmarks, or of historical significance, can be worth considerably more to collectors than their scrap metal value. This is why professional valuation is important — an expert can identify pieces that shouldn't be sold as scrap.

Look for hallmarks — British silver typically has a lion passant (walking lion) mark for sterling silver, along with date letters and maker's marks. Continental silver often shows numeric purity marks like "925" or "800". If you're unsure, a professional valuer can test your items to confirm their silver content.

Silver-plated items have minimal scrap value because only a thin layer of silver covers a base metal (usually copper or nickel). The amount of silver is too small to be economically recovered. However, some antique silver plate, particularly by makers like Elkington or Mappin & Webb, may have collectible value.

Get a Free Silver Valuation

Wondering what your scrap silver is worth? Our experts provide free, no-obligation valuations with transparent pricing based on current market rates.

Get a Professional Silver Valuation Call 01376 334482