Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The control or inspection of precious metals was an ancient concept of examination and marking, by means of inspection stamps (punch marks). The use of hallmarks, at first on silver, has a long history dating back to the 4th century AD—there is evidence of silver bars marked under authority of the Flavius Julius Constans [ 3 ] around AD 350 ...
The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity. The Britannia standard was obligatory in Britain between 1697 and 1720 to try to help prevent British sterling silver coins from being melted to make silver plate .
Silver was important in Byzantine art and society more broadly as it was the most precious metal right after gold. [1] Byzantine silver was prized in official, religious, and domestic realms. Aristocratic homes had silver dining ware, and in churches silver was used for crosses, liturgical vessels such as the patens and chalices required for ...
“Precious metals like gold and platinum are common in fine vintage jewelry,” Cass reveals. “It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with hallmarks for noble metals such as 950 or PT for ...
The loupe also allows you to read any markings (if any exist) regarding gold and silver quality. For example, 10k, 14k, and 18k mean 10-carat, 14-carat, and 18-carat gold, and 925 indicates ...
The metals of antiquity are the seven metals which humans had identified and found use for in prehistoric times in Africa, Europe and throughout Asia: [1] gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, iron, and mercury. Zinc, arsenic, and antimony were also known during antiquity, but they were not recognised as distinct metals until later.
Look for mint marks, dates, and condition to determine their worth, and keep an eye out for coins from specific eras (think Roman or Civil War-era currency). Paper money with unique serial numbers ...
Britannia silver is an alloy of silver containing 11 ozt 10 dwt (i.e. 11½ troy oz.) silver in the pound troy, equivalent to 23 ⁄ 24, or 95.833% by weight silver, the rest usually being copper. This standard was introduced in England by Act of Parliament in 1697 to replace sterling silver (92.5% silver) as the obligatory standard for items of ...