Hey there! Selling antique silverware can be a great way to make some extra money, and it's smart to figure out the best way to do it.
The first thing you'll want to do is determine if your silverware is sterling or just silver-plated. Sterling silver is far more valuable. You can usually find a mark on the back of the pieces that says "Sterling" or "925." If you don't see a mark like that, it's likely silver-plated and won't have much value beyond its decorative use.
Once you've confirmed you have sterling silver, it's important to understand that its value comes from two things: its "melt value" (the price of the raw silver by weight) and its value as a collectible. The maker, pattern, and condition can make a set worth much more than its weight in silver. This is why you should generally avoid places like pawn shops or "we buy gold" businesses. They will almost always only offer you the melt value, or even less, and you could be missing out on its true worth.
For a better price, you have a few good options. You could take it to a local coin shop. They will likely offer a fair price based on the silver's weight, perhaps around 80-90% of the current market price for silver. An even better choice might be a dealer who specializes in antique silver. These experts understand the collector's market and will recognize if you have a rare or desirable pattern, offering you a price that reflects its full value.
If you're up for a little more work, selling the set yourself on a platform like eBay could get you the highest price, as you're selling directly to collectors. This requires you to identify the pattern, take good photos, and handle the shipping. Whichever route you choose, doing a little research first can help you get the best possible price for your treasured silver.
