This alloy was used by the United Kingdom from the early 12th century, and Canada, Australia and other countries associated with the British Empire (and later Commonwealth) from the 19th century up to the mid-20th century when debasement took place Sterling silver’s copper content means that it has a stronger tendency to tarnish than other alloys used in coins. The sterling silver alloy is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper or other metals.

Sterling silver has a millesimal fineness of 925.

Thus, the alloy contains 94.79% pure silver and 5.21% copper or other metals. Ninety-one (91) zolotniks have the equivalent millesimal fineness of 947. In its earliest usage, the zolotnik was 1/96 of a pound, but it later was changed to represent 1/72 of a pound. The zolotnik (Russian золотник, from the Russian zoloto, or золото, meaning gold) was used in Russia as early as the 11th century to denote the weight of gold coins.

91 zolotnik Russian silver has a millesimal fineness of 947.

The French 1st alloy is 95% silver and 5% copper or other metals.

The French 1st standard has a milessimal fineness of 950.

It became an optional standard thereafter. It was obligatory in Britain between 16, when the sterling silver standard was restored.

The Britannia standard was developed in Britain in 1697 to help prevent British sterling silver coins from being melted to make silver plate.

The alloy is 95.84% pure silver and 4.16% copper or other metals. Britannia silver has a millesimal fineness of at least 958.In the modern world, fine silver is understood to be too soft for general use. This grade of silver is used to make bullion bars for international commodities trading and investment in silver. Also called pure silver, or three nines fine, fine silver contains 99.9% silver, with the balance being trace amounts of impurities. Fine silver has a millesimal fineness of 999.

This list is organized from highest to lowest millesimal fineness, or purity of the silver. Silver standards refer to the standards of millesimal fineness for the silver alloy used in the manufacture or crafting of silver objects. For the monetary standard, see Silver standard. This article is about the standards of millesimal fineness for the silver alloy used in the manufacture or crafting of silver objects.

Silver 7