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Silver

Testing silver for authenticity

Autor: Rolf van Zanten Date: 26 February 2025 Update: 26 February 2025 Reading time: 5 min

Testing silver for authenticity is essential to ensure that you are investing in an authentic and pure product. Counterfeit silver coins or bars are often difficult to distinguish from real silver, but by performing simple tests you can quickly check the authenticity.
Recognizing visual characteristics, performing tests such as the magnet test, or having a professional dealer test it can all help ensure that your silver is genuine. At The Silver Mountain, you can be assured of the authenticity of all our silver products, so you can invest with confidence.
 

Why is it important to test silver for authenticity?

Testing silver for authenticity is crucial to ensure that your investment is genuine and not a counterfeit. It is especially important for investors to know that the silver they are purchasing is completely authentic and meets the highest quality standards. 
This not only helps you avoid loss, but also secures the value of your silver in the future. At The Silver Mountain, we guarantee the authenticity of all our products, so you can invest with peace of mind.
 

Visual characteristics of real silver

Real silver has a number of visual characteristics that you can use to verify its authenticity. Pure silver has a characteristic shine that is difficult to counterfeit. Additionally, silver coins and bars are often hallmarked to indicate purity and weight. Also, check that the manufacturer’s inscriptions and logo are clear and well-finished, as counterfeits often have less sharp detail.
 

Different ways to test the authenticity of silver


There are several methods to test the authenticity of silver. A simple test is the magnet test: silver is not magnetic, so if your silver is attracted to a magnet, it is probably a fake. Otherwise, perform the sound test: tap the silver with a coin. Real silver gives a clear, high-pitched sound.
Counterfeits often sound dull and the sound is often lower. For a definitive check, use special equipment, such as a silver tester, which analyses the composition of the silver.
 

How can you determine the authenticity of silver without specialized equipment?

Without specialized equipment, there are a few simple methods to determine the authenticity of silver. The magnet test is a good first step, but you can also put a drop of vinegar on the silver.
If the material starts to discolour, it is not pure silver. Another option is to weigh the silver and compare this weight with the standard weights of recognised silver bars or coins. These methods will give you a first indication of the authenticity.
 

Where can you have silver professionally tested?

If you want absolute certainty about the authenticity of your silver, it is wise to have your silver professionally tested. At specialized dealers, such as The Silver Mountain, your silver can be tested using advanced techniques.
An example of such a test is X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), which can accurately determine the composition of the silver. At The Silver Mountain, all silver products are checked for authenticity and quality before they are placed on the market.
 

Buyback guarantee at The Silver Mountain for real silver

At The Silver Mountain, we offer a buyback guarantee on all silver you purchase from us. This means that you can always count on us to buy back your silver at fair market prices, as long as the silver meets our quality criteria.
You can also be sure that the silver you buy from us comes from reliable LBMA-certified producers. This way you can be sure that you are investing in real silver of the highest quality. Do you have any questions about this? Please contact us!