Solid silver is bought back by its weight of fine metal; silver plate, a mere layer of silver over a base metal, has a value by weight close to nil and is not bought back at the silver price. Knowing how to tell them apart avoids disappointment.
Solid silver is made of silver throughout its mass, at a given fineness (for example 925 or 800). Silver plate, by contrast, is an object in base metal — an alloy often called "white metal" — covered with a thin layer of silver deposited by electrolysis. Visually the two can look alike, hence the frequent confusion over inherited silverware.
The consequence is major when selling: silver plate contains only a tiny amount of silver, too little to be valued by weight. Its value by weight is close to nil and it is not bought back at the silver price. Only solid silver enters the fine weight × day's price calculation.
Several markers help settle it. Silver plate often bears an explicit mention ("silver plated", "metal argenté") or a plated-goods maker's brand, along with a square or rectangular mark. Above all, it never shows a Minerva head, boar's head or crab.
Solid silver, on the contrary, carries one of these official fineness hallmarks. On a worn spoon, the silver layer of plate may even reveal the base metal, yellowish or greyish, at friction points. When in doubt, a professional identifies the nature of the metal free of charge. Our guide on identifying solid silver details hallmarks and tests.
A silver-plated service mainly keeps a use and sometimes decorative value: fine pieces from major houses can be resold second-hand, not for their metal but for their quality and brand. This market belongs to antique dealing or private sales, not to buyback at the silver price.
If you own a mixed lot, sort it: set aside the pieces with an official hallmark (solid silver) and those marked "silver plated". Only the former will be valued by fine weight. To sell your solid silver at the best rate, compare professionals via our silver buyback page and request several free quotes.
No. Silver plate is only a thin layer of silver over a base metal: its value by weight is close to nil and it is not bought back at the silver price. Only solid silver, with an official hallmark, is valued by fine weight.
Look for the mention "silver plated", a plated-goods brand or a square or rectangular mark, and the absence of a Minerva head. Wear revealing a yellowish metal underneath often confirms it is silver plate.