Q: What is sterling silver?
A: Sterling silver is 92.5 % silver and 7.5% copper. Always look for the '925' or 'sterling' stamp on silver before you buy.

Q: What is coin silver?
A: Coin silver is 90% silver and 10% copper. All U.S. dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars minted prior to 1965 are made of 90% silver, coin silver.

Q: How much silver is in an old U.S. silver coin?
A: A silver dime, like a 'Mercury Head' has .07 ounce pure silver, a silver quarter, like a 'Standing Liberty', has .18 ounce pure silver, a half dollar, like a 'Walker or a Franklin' has .36 ounce pure silver and a dollar, like a 'Morgan', has .77 ounce pure silver.

Q: What is fine silver?
A: Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. All silver ingots and rounds are made of fine silver, the most common size being one-troy ounce of silver. 

Q: What makes silver so unique?
A: Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal and it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element. Silver is very ductile and malleable. Silver has the whitest color and the highest optical reflectivity of any metal. Silver has been know since ancient times as a precious metal and has been used in coins since at least 700 BC.