Silver is trading around $90 an ounce. Two years ago it was under $25. People who haven't checked in a while tend to be surprised by this.
If you have a set of sterling silver flatware that's been in the cabinet since your grandmother gave it to you, it might be worth a lot more than you think.
Sterling silver vs. silver-plated: the only thing that matters
Sterling silver is 92.5% actual silver. It's stamped "925" or "Sterling" somewhere on the piece. This is what has real melt value.
Silver-plated means a thin layer of silver over a base metal, usually copper or nickel. A silver-plated fork has maybe a few cents worth of silver on it. The stamp usually says "EP," "EPNS," "Silver Plate," or "A1."
If you're not sure which you have, flip it over and look for markings. If it just says "Silver" or has no marking at all, bring it in and we'll test it. Takes about 30 seconds.
What sterling silver is worth by weight
At today's prices ($90/oz), here's a rough idea:
- A single sterling silver fork: about $30-$45
- A full 12-piece place setting (forks, knives, spoons): $400-$700
- A complete set for 8 with serving pieces: $1,500-$3,000+
- A sterling silver tea set: $500-$2,000 depending on size
These numbers are based on weight alone. We're talking about melt value here, not antique or collectible value. Some pieces are worth more than melt if they're from a sought-after maker like Tiffany, Georg Jensen, or Gorham. We'll tell you if that's the case.
"But it's been in the family forever"
If it means something to you, keep it. We're not trying to buy your family heirlooms.
But if it's been sitting in a cabinet for 15 years wrapped in tarnish cloth and nobody uses it because who uses formal silver anymore, that's a different conversation. The silver doesn't care about your memories. It's worth what the market says it's worth, and right now the market is saying a lot.
Coins too
Silver coins are a whole separate thing but worth mentioning. Pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, and half dollars are 90% silver. A single 1964 quarter that's worth 25 cents at face value has about $16 worth of silver in it at today's prices.
If you have a jar of old coins, it's worth sorting through them. Anything dated 1964 or earlier in those denominations is real silver.
Where to bring it
Cash 4 Gold Trading Post buys all forms of silver: flatware, jewelry, coins, bars, bullion, tea sets, candlesticks, whatever you've got. We weigh it, test it, and pay based on the current spot price.
6 locations across Central New Jersey. Walk in Monday through Saturday.
- East Brunswick: (732) 898-6565
- Middlesex: (732) 629-7600
- Millstone: (732) 444-2022
- Brick: (732) 444-2094
- New Brunswick: (732) 543-1313
- Manalapan: (732) 444-2022
No appointment. No pressure. Bring your silver in and find out what it's worth.
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