Is 950 the same as FRENCH 1ST STANDARD?

Yes. 950, FRENCH 1ST STANDARD, Minerva head all denote the same material — 95.0% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.

How much is 950 worth?

Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.950 × 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 950 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, 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 950 hallmark: meaning, purity & value

French first standard silver (95%). Marked with the Minerva head poinçon. Higher than sterling; used by French silversmiths historically.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Metal: Silver
Purity: 95.0%
Fineness: 950/1000
Common regions: France
Standard: ISO 9202

Stamps that mean the same thing

This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: 950 / FRENCH 1ST STANDARD / Minerva head. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.

What 950 tells you

French first standard silver (95%). Marked with the Minerva head poinçon. Higher than sterling; used by French silversmiths historically.

How to value it

The melt value of a 950 piece is silver spot price × 0.950 × 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 950 or an equivalent such as FRENCH 1ST STANDARD.
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

French Code Général des Impôts (poinçons de garantie)

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is 950 the same as FRENCH 1ST STANDARD?: A. Yes. 950, FRENCH 1ST STANDARD, Minerva head all denote the same material — 95.0% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
Q. How much is 950 worth?: A. Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.950 × 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 950 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, 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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