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Help, how can I figure out the silver content of this?

coin22lovercoin22lover Posts: 3,540 ✭✭✭
in Precious Metals
This is a plate about 18x12" and weighs 2 lbs 9.2 oz on my postal scale... It was carefully packed away along with another plate that had an engraving "presented Aug. 1928"; This is toned similar to the way an old coin would tone if left in an album. Is this most likely .999 silver and is there any value to it beyond that? that's what I'm wondering. Since I probably want to sell it, I don't want to short change myself..or the buyer.

imageimage

Comments

  • secondrepublicsecondrepublic Posts: 2,619 ✭✭✭
    any marks on it? if silver it should have some kind of a stamp or marking. It will not be .999 silver but could be .925 or .800 depending on where it was made.
    "Men who had never shown any ability to make or increase fortunes for themselves abounded in brilliant plans for creating and increasing wealth for the country at large." Fiat Money Inflation in France, Andrew Dickson White (1912)
  • scrapman1077scrapman1077 Posts: 334 ✭✭
    I have seen similar plates, my guess is that it is plated and the fancy edge on top and the feet are pewter.
  • OPAOPA Posts: 17,119 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I have seen similar plates, my guess is that it is plated and the fancy edge on top and the feet are pewter. >>



    image

    If it was silver it should have a hallmark on the plate...All silver plated plates will tarnish. Best to have it tested to make sure.
    "Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
  • coin22lovercoin22lover Posts: 3,540 ✭✭✭
    Would it definitely be marked even if it was made in the 1920's? What about collectible value?
  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,128 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Would it definitely be marked even if it was made in the 1920's? What about collectible value? >>



    Yes.
    The rule is, if it is good, the manufacturer will brag about it and mark the fineness.
    If the fineness is not marked, it is NOT silver, just plate.
    Trust me.
    TD
    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • OffMetalOffMetal Posts: 1,684 ✭
    The general rule I follow on the "field" when I hunt at yard sales is that if it isn't marked, I assume that there is no silver (or gold, in some cases) content. There has been some instances where I buy a piece anyway because it feels too "right" and sometimes find that there actually is a mark that is well hidden, for example, in dark toning or that it is worn off.
    -Ben T. * Collector of Errors! * Proud member of the CUFYNA
  • coin22lovercoin22lover Posts: 3,540 ✭✭✭
    I tested it with a magnet and it appears non-magnetic. How does this weigh in to the factors?
  • OPAOPA Posts: 17,119 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I tested it with a magnet and it appears non-magnetic. How does this weigh in to the factors? >>



    ?????

    Tin, Stainless Steel & Aluminum, just to name a few, are all non magnetic.
    Has no bearing.
    "Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
  • coin22lovercoin22lover Posts: 3,540 ✭✭✭
    True, but what metals will tarnish like that? Sorry, I know nothing about metals.
  • OPAOPA Posts: 17,119 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>True, but what metals will tarnish like that? Sorry, I know nothing about metals. >>



    as mentioned before....silver plating....
    "Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
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