Is BRITANNIA the same as Britannia mark?

Yes. BRITANNIA, Britannia mark, SEATED BRITANNIA all denote the same material — 95.8% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.

How much is BRITANNIA worth?

Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.958 × 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 BRITANNIA 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 BRITANNIA hallmark: meaning, purity & value

British assay mark: seated figure of Britannia with shield and spear. Indicates Britannia silver (958, higher than sterling). Mandatory 1697-1720, then optional. Often paired with lion's head erased.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Metal: Silver
Purity: 95.8%
Fineness: 958/1000
Common regions: UK

Stamps that mean the same thing

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

What BRITANNIA tells you

British assay mark: seated figure of Britannia with shield and spear. Indicates Britannia silver (958, higher than sterling). Mandatory 1697-1720, then optional. Often paired with lion's head erased.

How to value it

The melt value of a BRITANNIA piece is silver spot price × 0.958 × 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 BRITANNIA or an equivalent such as Britannia mark.
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

UK Wrought Plate Act 1697
Wikidata Q865987

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is BRITANNIA the same as Britannia mark?: A. Yes. BRITANNIA, Britannia mark, SEATED BRITANNIA all denote the same material — 95.8% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
Q. How much is BRITANNIA worth?: A. Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.958 × 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 BRITANNIA 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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