How Selling Silver Works
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Selling silver is easy way to get some extra cash. Perhaps you’re looking to clear out some unwanted silver items such as sterling silver flatware or serving pieces. Cash for USA offers a convenient way to trade in silver from the comfort of your home. Simply request your a free Appraisal Kit to start the process now.
Where to Sell Silver: "Near Me" or Online?
When deciding where to sell silver, local “near me” options and online buyers each offer unique advantages. Whether you look for silver buyers “near me” or online depends on your need for convenience, speed, and security.
Here are Some “Where to Sell Silver Near Me” Options
For those interested in a more immediate transaction, selling locally has several benefits, including receiving instant payment and having the silver inspected in person. Do searches for “who buys silver near me” or “places that buy silver near me” and the results will show these kinds of establishments:
Jewelry Stores: Many jewelry stores buy silver jewelry, coins, or bullion, often assessing and purchasing items on-site.
Coin Shops: These operations often buy silver in various forms, particularly silver coins, bars, or rounds. They tend to have expertise in evaluating silver content and purity.
Precious Metals Dealers: Local precious metal dealers usually have more expertise in buying gold and silver. It’s helpful to check if the dealer provides free appraisals and whether they follow fair market pricing for silver.
Pawn Shops: Pawn shops buy silver items quickly, typically offering cash payments. While they may not always offer top dollar, they can be convenient for an immediate sale. Comparing offers from several pawn shops can help you gauge fair pricing.
Antique Shops: Some antique stores buy silver, particularly if you have vintage or unique silver items. They may pay a premium for items with historical value, making them an option for those selling antique silverware, collectible coins, or rare jewelry.
Request your free, insured Appraisal Kit now to start the process of selling silver.
What to Expect When You Decide to Sell Silver “Near Me”
When you work with silver buyers “near me,” keep in mind factors that can affect the amount of your payout:
- Local shops often have higher overhead costs, which can lead to lower offers for your silver compared to online buyers, who typically have lower operational expenses.
- Some local buyers might charge fees for appraisals or handling, which can reduce your final payout.
- Local silver buyers’ prices tend to vary greatly, so make sure to visit several shops and compare offers.
Ensuring the buyer’s reputation and understanding the terms of sale beforehand can help you avoid common pitfalls and secure a fair price for your silver.
Benefits of Selling Silver Online with Trusted Buyers
Online buyers simplify the selling process, often providing free insured shipping and appraisals, enabling you to sell silver from anywhere. Online silver buyers also offer competitive prices and unique benefits like price-matching guarantees and volume bonuses.
For example, at Cash for Silver USA, a highly-rated online buyer, we offer our Price "Beat" Guarantee, where we beat any competitor's written offer. With years in the precious metals business and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, people across the country trust our secure, insured process and free appraisal kit because we make it convenient for those who prefer to handle all transactions from home.
Tips for Choosing Between Local "Near Me" and Online Options for Selling Silver
When deciding between selling silver "near me" or online, consider the following:
Current Silver Market Price: Check the live silver spot price, as it helps you determine a fair offer from both local and online buyers.
Reputation and Reviews: Look up reviews and ratings for local shops on platforms like Yelp or Google, and check online buyers’ BBB ratings and customer testimonials.
Transaction Speed: If you need cash instantly, local buyers might be a better option for you. However, many online buyers offer fast payments. At Cash for Silver USA, we will make an offer within 24 hours of receiving your materials, and we offer quick payout options, like PayPal and a virtual credit card.
Potential for Additional Fees: Some local buyers might charge appraisal or handling fees, while most online buyers cover shipping and appraisal costs. Understanding any additional costs can help you determine which option provides better value.
Selling silver to an online buyer can save time and effort, eliminating the need to drive around comparing offers. For many, the convenience of online selling, combined with competitive offers and price guarantees, outweighs the extra steps (and miles driven) of in-person selling. When evaluating the best option for you, think about how much your time is worth, and request your free, insured Appraisal Kit now to start the process of selling silver.
How Much Is My Silver Worth?
A big consideration for selling silver is the value, or current market price you will receive for your items. At Cash for Silver USA, the condition or appearance of your silver will not adversely affect your offer. Since a majority of the material we purchase gets melted down, refined, and recycled, we buy silver items of value regardless of how damaged, broken or unsightly they are. The amount we offer for your item(s) is based on the ratio of silver purity and weight. n the U.S. market, silver items typically fall into one of four common purity grades:
Fine Silver
(.999, or 99.9% silver)
Sterling Silver (.925, or 92.5% silver)
We focus primarily on this grade of silver, as it is the most common and can be made into the widest variety of items.
Coin Silver
(.900, or 90% silver)
This includes “junk silver” coins that have no collectible value but were made with 90% silver.
German Silver (.800, or 80% silver)
The purity grade of a silver item can often be found stamped onto the piece somewhere. A sterling silver bracelet, for example, might be marked “sterling silver” or “.925.” In the event it is not marked, specialized testing can be done.
What Kind of Silver Can You Sell?
At Cash for Silver USA, we accept a variety of silver items for purchase, giving you multiple options to sell your unwanted silver. Whether it's silver jewelry, pure silver bullion coins, or sterling silver flatware, our experts will evaluate each piece based on its silver content and weight.
Here’s the silver you can sell to Cash for Silver USA:
Sterling Silver
Unlike soft pure silver, sterling silver is relatively durable and can be used to make all sorts of items. You might sell silver jewelry you never wear, or trade-in your worn sterling silver utensils to help fund a nice replacement set.
Besides jewelry, here are a few common items that contain sterling silver:
Silverware
Plates
Platters
Coffee & Tea sets
To help identify sterling silver, look for common markings that indicate the manufacturer or purity level. For example, sterling silver is often marked with 925, 900, or 800.
Here’s a list of common sterling silver flatware manufacturers:
Alvin Silver
Labeled as “Alvin,” typically over a dragon emblem
Dansk Silver
Labeled simply as “Dansk”
Durgin Silver
Fine Arts Silver
“Fine Arts Silver” in a circular stamp
Gorham Silver
Company emblem includes an anchor and bear and the letter “G”
International Silver
Noted as “International Silver” or “I. S. Co. Sterling”
Kirk and Smith
The words “Kirk & Smith
Lunt Silver
Oneida Silver
Either “Oneida Sterling” or “Heirloom Sterling”
Reed & Barton
Rosenthal Silver
Saart Brothers
Either labeled as “Saart Sterling” or “SB Sterling”
Tiffany & Company
“Tiffany & Company Makers”
Towle Silver
Emblem is the letter T with a griffin inside. May also be listed “Towle”
R. Wallace Silver
Very common brand with tons of different emblems such as “R.W. & S.” and “Wallace Sterling”
Wheelock Silversmiths
Will say “HandMade Sterling Wheelock Newport, R.I.”
“Junk Silver,” a.k.a. Coin Silver
Do you keep a piggy bank or loose change jar in your home? If so, you might have non-collectible “junk silver” coins made with 90% silver that can be sold for a profit above and beyond their face value.
Common American coins you can sell for cash value include:
1878-1904 and 1921 Morgan dollar (90%)
1892-1915 Liberty Head “barber” half-dollar (90%)
1916-1930 Standing Liberty quarter (90%)
1932 and 1934-1964 Washington quarter (90%)
1942-1945 Jefferson “wartime” nickel (35%)
1946-1964 Roosevelt dime (90%)
1964 Kennedy half-dollar (90%)
1965-1970 Kennedy half-dollar (40%)
To help you determine the value of your “junk silver” coins, you will need to weigh them, multiply that by the current spot price of silver, and apply the purity percentage to that total. Although this process may be time consuming, the thrill of the hunt can pay off dividends.
Scrap Silver
Even if it’s old, broken or in wretched condition, you can still get cash for silver by selling it as scrap. Things like snapped necklace chains, bent silverware, and even an unsightly pair of earrings you inherited from a well-meaning relative can fetch a nice return.
Flea markets, yard and estate sales, manufacturing facilities, and other public places often have scrap silver that is valuable.
We Do Not Buy Silver-Plated Materials
While we are happy to accept your scrap silver and sterling silver, we do not purchase silver plated materials. These items are typically composed of copper, pewter, brass, and other base metals. A thin layer of silver is then added on top to enhance the appearance. As such, there is no melting value of the silver itself. To determine if your item is silver plated or sterling silver, look for a lack of markings, flaking, or green coloring. These are all signs of plating.
Testing Silver Purity
Before you sell your silver online, there are some ways you can confirm it’s real and estimate its purity.
Visual Inspection
If the item’s purity has been stamped or marked on it, you should be able to find it with a visual inspection. Certain types of items tend to be marked in specific places, such as on the clasp of a necklace or the underside of a fork. Depending on the size of the item, the mark may be very small and require a magnifying glass to read.
Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet near the item. If the magnet attracts the silver item you want to sell, it's likely not pure silver.
Polishing Test
Give your silver the white cloth or white glove, treatment. Rub the silver you plan to sell with a soft, white cloth. Genuine silver will leave a black mark on the cloth as you polish it. You might not have real silver if you do not see any black residue.
Acid Test
If the item’s purity has been stamped or marked on it, you should be able to find it with a visual inspection. Certain types of items tend to be marked in specific places, such as on the clasp of a necklace or the underside of a fork. Depending on the size of the item, the mark may be very small and require a magnifying glass to read.
What if, After Testing, You Are Unsure?
Unfortunately, at-home testing methods cannot tell the exact silver purity or silver value of your items. The only way to determine this accurately is to have an expert test it with a specialized tool like an XRF analyzer. This impressive gadget aims an X-ray at the material and uses atomic-level measurements to determine which elements are present and in what amounts, to the nearest part per million.
As a result, many will forego the at-home testing process and send their silver to a reputable business like Cash for Silver USA. Our secured facility and expertly trained team will provide you a valuation and seamless experience.
How to Sell Silver for Cash
Like trying to find a local buyer of silver coins, you can look for online buyers of silver coins by searching “sell coins online for cash” or “sell silver coins online.”
When you find a reputable, trustworthy online silver coin buyer, you will likely follow these three steps to sell silver coins online:
Find a Reputable Buyer
Look at their Better Business Bureau rating and customer reviews. We have an A+ BBB rating and many five-star reviews from our customers.
Consider Selling Silver Coins Online
When you sell silver coins, it is a good idea to get multiple offers. While the common view is if you need money fast, you should sell locally, Cash for Silver USA pays out quickly, within 24 hours of receiving your gold and silver coins.
Research the Value of Your Coins
While the value is primarily based on the gold or silver content and weight, coins with numismatic or historical value might be worth more than the metal content.
The process should be that simple.
How to Sell Silver Online: Our Process
Wondering how and where to sell silver or other precious metal items for cash? Here’s how the Cash for Silver USA process works:
Fill out our short online form to request a free Appraisal Kit.
Once you receive your FedEx label, just package up your silver, gold, platinum, and/or palladium items and use the provided label to ship it to us for free.
Within 24 hours of receipt, our experts will evaluate the silver pieces and we will mail you a check for their determined value.
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Which online silver buyer should I sell to?
Where can I find gold and silver buyers near me?
How do I sell silver coins?
How do I sell silver bullion?
How do I sell silver flatware?
How do I sell silver jewelry?
Should I sell my silver items for cash?
When is the best time to sell silver?
Can I make money from selling my silver?
How do I sell unwanted silver?
How many grams of silver are there in an ounce?
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