Is 800 the same as CONTINENTAL SILVER?

Yes. 800, CONTINENTAL SILVER all denote the same material — 80.0% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.

How much is 800 worth?

Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.800 × the weight in grams. Buyers then deduct roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a quoted buy-back price sits a little below that theoretical figure.

How do I confirm a 800 stamp is genuine?

Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (10.1 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

* Silver hallmark

The 800 hallmark: meaning, purity & value

European silver standard (80%). Common in older German, Italian, and Eastern European silverware and jewelry. Sometimes stamped with a crescent moon and crown (German national mark).

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Metal: Silver
Purity: 80.0%
Fineness: 800/1000
Common regions: Germany, Italy, European Union
Density: 10.1 g/cm³
Standard: ISO 9202

Stamps that mean the same thing

This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: 800 / CONTINENTAL SILVER. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.

What 800 tells you

European silver standard (80%). Common in older German, Italian, and Eastern European silverware and jewelry. Sometimes stamped with a crescent moon and crown (German national mark).

How to value it

The melt value of a 800 piece is silver spot price × 0.800 × weight (g). A buyer typically deducts 5–15% for assay, refining, and margin, so the cash offer lands just under that figure. Stones and complex settings are usually excluded from the metal weight.

How to check it yourself

Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
Confirm the mark reads 800 or an equivalent such as CONTINENTAL SILVER.
Weigh the piece and estimate its volume — the density should land near 10.1 g/cm³ for this alloy.
Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.

Sources

German Punzierungsgesetz

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is 800 the same as CONTINENTAL SILVER?: A. Yes. 800, CONTINENTAL SILVER all denote the same material — 80.0% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
Q. How much is 800 worth?: A. Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.800 × the weight in grams. Buyers then deduct roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a quoted buy-back price sits a little below that theoretical figure.
Q. How do I confirm a 800 stamp is genuine?: A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (10.1 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

* Try it

Identify the jewelry in your hand, right now.

Just take a photo — AI reads the metal, gemstone, hallmark, era, and an estimated value range in seconds. First two scans free, no account required.

Download on the App Store

* Related