* silver-plated hallmark
The EPNS hallmark: meaning, purity & value
Electroplated nickel silver. Silver plating over a nickel-silver (cupronickel-zinc) base. Common on Victorian and Edwardian tableware and costume jewelry. Low intrinsic silver value.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Metal
- silver-plated
- Common regions
- UK, international
Stamps that mean the same thing
This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: EPNS / ELECTROPLATED NICKEL SILVER / E.P.N.S.. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.
What EPNS tells you
Electroplated nickel silver. Silver plating over a nickel-silver (cupronickel-zinc) base. Common on Victorian and Edwardian tableware and costume jewelry. Low intrinsic silver value.
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 EPNS or an equivalent such as ELECTROPLATED NICKEL SILVER.
- 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 EPNS the same as ELECTROPLATED NICKEL SILVER?
- A. Yes. EPNS, ELECTROPLATED NICKEL SILVER, E.P.N.S. all denote the same material — silver-plated. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
- Q. How do I confirm a EPNS 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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