How to sell silver  — “near me” and online — for cash in 2023

Silver is a naturally occurring white (or, well, silver) metal that is used to make jewelry, coins, and tableware or flatware. It’s also used extensively in electronics, due to its conductivity, and in pharmaceuticals, due to silver’s natural properties as an antibiotic.

Silver prices were up 15% in March, 2023, as metals become attractive to investors as inflation and bank failures send the stock market into tumult.

What is the best way to sell silver?

Online silver buyers make it easy to get a quick quote for your 925 sterling silver jewelry, silver scrap, silverware, flatware or coins.

Top online silver buyers include:

• CashforSilverUSA.com
• JM Bullion
• APMEX.com
• MoneyMetals.com
• Luriya.com

A reputable place to sell your 925 sterling silver jewelry, silver ring, silverware, coins and silver scrap is CashforSilverUSA; their family-run parent company has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. CashforSilverUSA pays within 24 hours and guarantees the highest price, or will return your item with no questions, free of charge. No minimum.

How much is silver worth? Value of silver today—check the price of silver:

As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at $ per ounce, or $ per gram.

Despite lower prices through most of 2022, silver prices spiked in the last quarter and are poised to continue climbing in 2023, with some experts predicting a 9-year high.

Silver that is stamped with the markings 950, 925, 900, 800, Sterling, or Coin all contain high amounts of silver and will be worth the most. Items marked Plate will be worth the least, as these items are not pure silver and only have a thin coat of silver on their outer layer.

An online jewelry buyer like CashforSilverUSA typically can offer a competitive price for our silver since they have lower overhead, higher volume and play in a more competitive market (the world, via the Internet) than a local jewelry store or metals buyer.

This video goes into more detail about how to value silver:

Value of fine or pure silver vs. sterling silver 

Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and other metals (typically copper or nickel). Therefore, sterling silver is worth 92.5% of the spot price of fine or pure silver.  

Value of silver plated vs. sterling silver 

Silver plating has no real silver value, while sterling silver is worth 92.5% of the spot price of pure silver. 

Learn more about silver plated vs. sterling silver.

Value of silver vs. white gold

Sterling silver and white gold are both alloys made up of different metals: 

• Sterling silver = 92.5% pure silver + other metals (like copper or nickel) 
• White gold = 58.3%-99% pure gold (varies) + other metals (like silver, nickel, palladium, or zinc)

White gold is also usually plated with a layer of rhodium, which makes it appear white and prevents the gold from scratching. 

Learn about the difference between sterling silver vs. white gold.

Value of argentium silver vs sterling silver

Argentium silver is a newer silver alloy developed in London in 1990. It is a mixture of 93.5% pure silver or 96% pure silver combined with germanium. Therefore, it is worth 93.5% or 96% of the spot price of silver. 

Sterling silver, on the other hand, is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals like nickel and copper. Its value is 92.5% of the spot price of silver. 

Argentium silver is considered more durable, is fire stain resistant, and has a higher melting point than sterling silver. It is also seven times more tarnish resistant.

How to sell your silver in 3 easy steps

Just as you might sell gold or platinum, you can sell silver in a number of ways. The most common of these is to bring your silver to a local pawn shop, a silver exchange, a consignment shop, a local jeweler, or by using an online website. 

1. Check the markings on your silver to understand its quality.

Before selling your silver to anyone, though, it’s important that you understand the current going price for the metal so that you will not be ripped off. Typically, you’ll never get the exact spot price (the buyer needs to be able to make money reselling it, after all), but you can shop around to find the buyer who is willing to give you as much as possible for your metal.

Silver markings, called stamps or hallmarks are small marks left in silver objects by the silversmith who created the item. They are typically required by law for commercially sold silver goods. These marks indicate how much silver is in the metal (for example, 925 for sterling silver and 900 for coin silver). Sometimes, the markings may also indicate the region or country of origin.

Briefly, here is what you need to know about silver markings:

• Brittania silver (stamped 950): Brittania silver is an alloy made of 95% silver, which is actually more than the requirement for sterling silver, and qualifies as sterling, even if Brittania silver is slightly softer than sterling pieces marked 925.
• Sterling silver ( marked 925): Sterling is the standard for silver, and requires the metal be at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper (or another metal) for strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling.
• Coin silver (marked 900): Since it is only 90% silver, this coin silver alloy cannot be referenced as sterling. Items made from this alloy may include marks Coin, and Standard.
• European silver (marked 800): A.K.A. “continental silver,” this is type of silver alloy may have marks including 800, 825, 830, or 850, indicating 80, 82.5, 83, and 85% silver content.
• Silverplate: A silverplate marking is sometimes incorporated into a manufacturer’s mark, and indicates that the item was made by electroplating a base with a thin coating of silver. Sometimes items are marked “Quadruple Plate,” indicating four layers of silver were applied to the item over the base metal.

Learn more about silver markings. Note that silver buyers typically only buy 925 sterling silver, not plated silver items. More on this below.

2. Check Kitco's silver price.

Kitco's exchanges provide a widely accepted market spot price for precious metals, including silver prices.

3. Seek a reputable buyer.

CashforSilverUSA is a reputable buyer and our top choice. Here’s why we recommend using this online silver buyer:

• A+ BBB rated
• Pay within 24 hours — check, ACH or Paypal
• Trackable, free FedEx or USPS shipping
• In business since 2005
• Insurance up to $100,000
• No minimum
• Also buys diamonds, gold, coins, flatware, fine watches

Ready to sell your silver? How much you could get for selling silver

How much you will get for selling your silver depends on the quality of your silver (sterling, or plated), whether your item demands a premium price or will be sold for melt value, the price of silver the day you sell, and the offer you agree to.

Silver flatware

You can sell your silver flatware by either bringing it to a pawn shop, silver exchange, or leveraging an online buyer. Each of these buyers will pay you based on the purity and weight of the silver that you are exchanging; the purer and heavier your items, the more you will receive.

Learn more about selling sterling silver flatware, where we outline the going rate for various silver brands, and how much you can fetch for a full, 32-piece set of sterling silver at melt — which will be about $800 to $1,500.

Silver flatware is usually 90% sterling silver, though that percentage can vary substantially. Silver-plated flatware will contain much less silver has very low resale value.

Again, though, it is worth noting that antique or collectible items may hold more value due to their craftsmanship or history. An appraiser or antique shop may be able to offer you guidance on this worth and may even purchase the items from you.

Silver bullion

Silver bullion is typically 99.9% pure silver.

As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at $ per ounce, or $ per gram.

A 10-ounce silver bar goes for about $210.

Silver bullion can be sold in the same places as silver jewelry, flatware, or coins. Pawn shops, silver exchanges, and online silver buyers like CashforSilverUSA will give you cash for your silver bullion.

CashforSilverUSA recently paid $4,290 for these fine silver bars:

Sell silver coins

Silver coins can also be sold to pawn shops, silver exchanges, and online silver buyers, each of which will give you cash in exchange for your coins (based on the weight of the coin) and then proceed to melt them down. 

Most silver coins contain 90% silver. Learn more about selling your silver coins.

CashforSilverUSA recently paid $300 for these silver American Eagles:

This collection of Kennedy silver half dollar coins sold to CashforSilverUSA for $1,956:

925 sterling silver

Sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% coming from another metal or metals. With this in mind, virtually all venues that buy pure silver would also be interested in purchasing your sterling silver. This includes pawn shops, metal exchanges, and online silver buyers such as our recommended choice, CashforSilverUSA.

Silver jewelry

If your silver jewelry is mass-produced or simply does not have value outside of the silver it contains, then you will want to find a silver buyer. While you can go to a pawn shop or metal exchange, online silver buyers tend to offer the best prices. Our recommendation is CashforSilverUSA, which regularly outbids its competition and pays quickly.

Who you sell your silver jewelry to will depend on a few factors. If the jewelry is by a famous designer, is an antique, or is truly unique, then it might have value as a collector's item. In these cases, a jewelry store or antique dealer can help you understand the value of your item and may even be willing to purchase it from you directly.

Antique silver

Antique silver can be valued based on its scrap silver content, though it may be worth more depending on its craftsmanship, maker, history, and rarity. You can take antique silver items to an antique dealer or store to determine what they may be worth.

Check out our guide to selling antique silver flatware.

What is the best way to sell antique silver?

Depending on what you're trying to sell, an antique dealer or jewelry store that deals in antique jewelry may be the best option to sell antique silver.

Once you've determined the value of what you have, you can also sell online through ebay or an online consignment store. It's important to shop around to get the highest price on your antique silver.

Where to find antique silver buyers near me?

You can Google “antique silver buyers near me” to find local pawn shops, antique stores or dealers, and jewelry stores that deal in antique jewelry.

Zip Code:

Where to sell antique silver?

The best place to sell antique silver is typically an antique dealer who understands the value of what you have. You can also sell antique silver to a pawn shop, antique jewelry store, or through an online consignment store.

If you're wondering “where to sell antique silverware near me,” check out our post on silverware buyers.

What is the finest grade of silver?

Fine silver is 99.9% pure and is the purest grade of silver. 

Is Argentium silver real silver? 

Yes. Argentium silver is an alloy of 93.5% or 96% pure silver combined with other metals like germanium.

Is sterling silver real silver?

Yes. sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver combined with other metals like nickel and copper.

Frequently asked questions about the value of silver

Below are some frequently asked questions about silver that can help you better understand whether you can and should sell your silver.

How much does silver sell for? What is the melt value of silver?

As with platinum and other precious metals, the price of silver can fluctuate widely. This is due to the fact that silver has two primary uses: As both a store of value and as an industrial commodity. While silver often trades in line with gold, silver melt value can be sensitive to industrial demand, rising during times of economic prosperity and falling when consumer demand falls. 

What silver is worth money?

All silver is worth money, but that doesn't mean you'll get a lot of money for any silver item. The purer your silver, the more you'll get for it. The markings that your silver is stamped with will tell you how much silver it contains.

The most valuable silver will be stamped with one of the following markings:

• 950: 95% silver
• 925: 92.5% silver
• Sterling: 92.5% silver
• 900: 90% silver
• COIN: 90% silver
• 800: 80% silver

Silver-plated items, on the other hand, do not contain a lot of silver and merely have a thin coat of metal on top. These items are commonly marked with the stamp “PLATE” and are not worth much money.

How much is silver bullion worth?

Silver bullion is silver that is in the form of either coins, bars, ingots, or rounds. Like all other silver, its value or price is determined by its weight and purity. 

How much is silver worth per gram?

As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at $ per ounce, or $ per gram.

How much is silver worth per ounce?

Silver prices have hovered at record highs this month. As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at $ per ounce, or $ per gram.

How many grams are in an ounce of silver?

Silver is typically measured in something called a troy ounce, which is slightly heavier than a standard ounce (imperial ounce) used to measure a substance. This means that there are 31.10 grams of silver in a troy ounce, compared to 28.35 grams of silver in an imperial ounce.

Frequently asked questions about selling silver

Can you make money selling silver?

No matter the price of silver, you are almost guaranteed to always be able to find a buyer who will be interested in giving you cash for your metal. This means that yes, you can always make money by selling your silver — though the actual profits depend on how much you paid for your silver, and what the current market price is.

Where can I get the most money for silver?

CashforSilverUSA.com is our top choice if you want to get the most money for silver since they offer a highest price guarantee.

However, if you have antique silver that may be worth money based on its craftsmanship and history, you may be better off selling to an antique dealer or antique jeweler.

When should I sell my silver?

In choosing when to sell your silver, timing is everything. 

Silver prices rise when there is increased demand for the metal, either because investors are fleeing riskier investments (such as stocks) and seeking safer investments, or because consumers are purchasing more items that require silver components. Silver prices typically fall, on the other hand, when investors seek growth, or when consumers are purchasing fewer items made out of silver. 

To get the most money for your silver, you should sell it when demand, and prices, are at their highest.

That said, if you have silver jewelry or flatware that you do not use or enjoy, selling it now for cash is better than those items cluttering your drawers. Money in hand now can be used to pay bills, invest, or otherwise enjoy. 

How can I sell my silver?

Silver can be sold to a pawn shop or jeweler near you, a local gold or silver exchange or metals recycler, or a quality online jewelry or metals buyer. We recommend CashforSilverUSA.

Get an offer for your silver from CashforSilverUSA now >>

Bottom line: Is it a good time to sell silver in 2023?

Both silver and gold prices have fallen since Spring, 2022 prices thanks to rising inflation that makes bonds and treasury notes more attractive investments, and the increasingly strong dollar renders metals investments less affordable.

Silver is predicted to reach 9-year highs in 2023, due in part to rising inflation.