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How common is it to have no markings on silver rounds?

AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,791 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Precious Metals
Or on bars? I've got several, that are for sure silver, and weigh the proper
31.1 or a bit more that are not marked silver in any way. I also have a bar
marked 25 grams that is not marked silver either. Is this pretty common?

bob

Oh, how do I know they are silver? Right size, thickness and weight. Did
not do a specific gravity or acid test.
Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com

Comments

  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,270 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I've seen stuff from the late 60's without markings, just like some of the early Franklin Mint stuff did not say "STERLING." The various manufacturers quickly learned that marked sells better.

    Specific gravity is not that difficult. Just get an Ohaus triple beam balance.

    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.
  • RedHerringRedHerring Posts: 2,077 ✭
    I will not buy bars or rounds that are not marked, but they are around and I'm sure most of them are legit.

    The thing that bothers me about unmarked silver is that there are many metals very close in specific gravity to Ag and of course, the fineness is in question too.
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,277 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I will not buy bars or rounds that are not marked, but they are around and I'm sure most of them are legit.

    The thing that bothers me about unmarked silver is that there are many metals very close in specific gravity to Ag and of course, the fineness is in question too. >>



    Agree. Also, I imagine much of the unmarked rounds/bars have already been sent to the refiners.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • OPAOPA Posts: 17,126 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I just looked this up on Google & I thought I'd pass this along. (Not sure how accurate it is)

    US Federal law does not require precious metal to be marked with a quality stamp.
    Some European countries DO require marking.
    If goods are quality marked, US law requires a maker's mark in the form of a hallmark or registered trademark in addition to the quality mark.
    "Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
  • AmigoAmigo Posts: 966 ✭

    I tried selling a bunch to APMEX a couple years ago, they wouldn't touch it. I ended up ebaying it for full silver spot.
  • FrankcoinsFrankcoins Posts: 4,569 ✭✭✭
    Some silver-plated base metal rounds are unmarked purposely so that people will assume they are silver.
    Frank Provasek - PCGS Authorized Dealer, Life Member ANA, Member TNA. www.frankcoins.com
  • OPAOPA Posts: 17,126 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The bottom line is ... if it ain't market don't buy it. Better safe than sorry....
    "Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
  • metalmeistermetalmeister Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Buy thinking of selling.
    No markings = no sell
    email: ccacollectibles@yahoo.com

    100% Positive BST transactions
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,277 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The bottom line is ... if it ain't market don't buy it. Better safe than sorry.... >>



    Agree. I also avoid those silver rounds that aren't marked with a recognized manufacturer.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

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