Scrap silver value: how it's priced

Scrap silver value in the UK: how scrap silver is priced on its purity and silver content, what counts as scrap silver, and how to check that a piece is not worth more as an antique before you sell it.

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Quick answer

Scrap silver is priced on its weight and its purity: the more pure silver a piece contains, the more it's worth. We don't publish a fixed rate, because we look at every piece first, and some "scrap" turns out to be worth more as an antique. Silver plate has almost no scrap value.

Broken and worn silver on slate: bent spoons, a snapped chain, cufflinks and a dented napkin ring

What counts as scrap silver

  • Broken jewellerySingle earrings, snapped chains and bent rings
  • Damaged tablewareDented, split or heavily repaired pieces
  • Worn modern piecesPlain pieces with worn engraving or monograms
  • Odd cutlerySingle spoons and forks of no particular maker or pattern

Silver plate (EPNS, EP, A1) is not scrap silver. It has only a thin coating of silver and almost no scrap value. See silver marks and numbers.

Check it isn't worth more first

A good deal of silver sold for scrap would have been worth more as it is. Look for these signs before you sell:

  • A maker's markInitials in a shaped punch that you can read
  • An early date letterGeorgian silver, made before about 1830, is collected
  • A complete setOr a piece in its original fitted box
  • Foreign marksSuch as the French Minerva head (950) or Russian "84"
  • Unusual objectsVinaigrettes, card cases and wine labels

If you are unsure, send us photographs and we will tell you whether a piece is scrap or worth more as an antique. How to read hallmarks

Send a photograph of the piece and its marks for a free valuation.

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How scrap silver is priced

  1. We check the purity. Hallmarks first, then an XRF scan for unmarked or foreign silver.
  2. We weigh only the silver. Knife blades, weighted bases, glass, wood and stones are taken out of the weight.
  3. We make you an offer. You see the weight, the purity and the total before you decide, and there is no obligation to sell.

The silver spot price sets the starting point. For the live figure, see the silver price per gram and per ounce.

How to sell scrap silver

Send photographs using the form below or by WhatsApp. If you accept our offer, bring your silver to Mayfair or Braintree, send it by Royal Mail Special Delivery or book a collection. We pay by bank transfer the same day we receive it. Selling jewellery? See selling silver jewellery. Old coins? See selling silver coins.

Questions

Is there a fixed price per gram for scrap silver?

Not with us. We price each lot on its weight, its purity and what the pieces are, and we'll always tell you if something is worth more than scrap. Send photos for today's offer.

How is scrap silver priced?

On the silver it contains: the weight of the silver parts, times the purity. The market price of silver sets the starting point.

Do you buy broken silver?

Yes. Broken, bent and worn silver is bought on its weight and purity.

Is silver plate worth anything as scrap?

Almost nothing. Plated pieces have only a thin layer of silver over base metal.

How do you test scrap silver?

We read the hallmarks and, where needed, use an XRF scan, which confirms the silver content in seconds without scratching or acid.

Free valuation

Request a free silver valuation

Clear photographs are usually enough for an initial valuation. Please include:

  • The whole piece, including the underside
  • The hallmarks or stamps, close up
  • Any dents, repairs or missing parts

Please do not polish your silver beforehand. Tarnish does not affect the valuation, and polishing can wear away fine detail. Caring for antique silver

  1. Send photographsUse this form or send them by WhatsApp.
  2. Receive your valuationA specialist identifies your silver and makes you an offer, within one working day.
  3. Sell if you wishVisit us by appointment, send it by Royal Mail Special Delivery or book a collection. Payment is by bank transfer the same day we receive it.

Your free valuation

There is no obligation to sell. We reply by email, within one working day.

Prefer WhatsApp? Send photos to 07494 214652

Keep reading

More silver guides

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