Is 900 the same as COIN SILVER?

Yes. 900, COIN SILVER, FRENCH 2ND STANDARD all denote the same material — 90.0% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.

How much is 900 worth?

Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.900 × 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 900 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 (10.3 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 900 hallmark: meaning, purity & value

Coin silver / French 2nd standard (90%). Historical US silver standard melted from coins. Common in 19th-century American flatware and southern US jewelry.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Metal: Silver
Purity: 90.0%
Fineness: 900/1000
Common regions: United States, FR-historic
Density: 10.3 g/cm³
Standard: ISO 9202

Stamps that mean the same thing

This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: 900 / COIN SILVER / FRENCH 2ND STANDARD. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.

What 900 tells you

Coin silver / French 2nd standard (90%). Historical US silver standard melted from coins. Common in 19th-century American flatware and southern US jewelry.

How to value it

The melt value of a 900 piece is silver spot price × 0.900 × 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 900 or an equivalent such as COIN SILVER.
Weigh the piece and estimate its volume — the density should land near 10.3 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.

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is 900 the same as COIN SILVER?: A. Yes. 900, COIN SILVER, FRENCH 2ND STANDARD all denote the same material — 90.0% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
Q. How much is 900 worth?: A. Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.900 × 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 900 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 (10.3 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.

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