question about the worth of Sterling Silver?

Question

Let's say that an ounce of silver is worth $10(just pretend)...and since sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, would that make an ounce of sterling silver be worth $9.25...or would that be incorrect? If so, how much is an ounce of sterling silver worth, compared to an ounce of .999 fine silver.

Answer 1

I don't have a definite answer on this, but logically it would seem that if you have an alloy the value of the silver in it would depend on the weight. So if you have an alloy making up 1 troy ounce total which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, then you would have .925 oz of silver, and at a value of $10 would be worth $9.25.

I did find this:
"On its own pure silver is a very soft metal and can be easily bent much in the same way pure gold can. In order to ensure durability jewelry craftsmen add an additional non-silver metal to create sterling silver. Sterling Silver is an Alloy that has over 90% silver content. The remaining amount that is anywhere from 7-10% of the total is usually copper. Copper is another precious metal that adds unsurpassed durability without compromising the shine of the silver. "

* An Alloy is any combination of two or more metals. This combination is made in order to serve manufacturing needs, associated with the end product. In the case of Silver, the main goal is durability of the product.

As with all precious metals, the addition of another component to create an alloy does not decrease value.

I also found this:
"Pure silver is soft and easily damaged. To give it more durability when creating jewelry, it is combined with copper, which makes it sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, but this alloy does not have an effect on the value of the metal."

This would indicate to me that the fact the silver comprises an alloy does not affect the value of it, so that would mean that the value depends on the weight of silver in the alloy, like what we assumed in our example above.

Answer 2

This silver bit, is confusing, so I will use an item to demonstrate. A U.S. Morgan dollar is made of .900 silver and .100 copper. So it is 90% silver and the coin weighs 26.73 grams. It only has in it .77344 oz of pure silver. Another example a 1902 crown from Great Britain weighs 28.2756 grams of .925 (sterling) and .075 copper, but only has .8409 oz of actual silver weight. Now with most silver dealers the difference does not mean much when dealing with coins to be melted. I know little of sterling silver flatware. They may just melt it all together for they will take out the other metals and pour it in to .999 bars which are a plus/ minus thing anyway.

Answer 3

Hello Marie, I think you will be disappointed to learn that a Bundy flute is not going to be worth very much. It is probably worth more to you than it would be to anyone else. The Bundy plant was closed several years ago and no longer makes musical instruments. When they did make flutes, they were student model beginner instruments of the Selmer line. Now, if you are interested in selling the flute, what you get for it depends on many factors including the condition. If it is in excellent condition, has had the pads replaced and been adjusted, has no dings, dents, tarnish or plating wear.... you may get between $150.00 and $200.00. And if not, you may get $50.00 but keep in mind, in order to sell it.... someone has to want to buy it from you and Bundys are really not that much in demand. I know that is not what you wanted to hear... but it is as honest as I can be. As a flute teacher, I am here to help answer questions about playing and instruments. Thanks for reading.

Answer 4

That's a very good question. I will try my best to try and figure out the answer and I hopefully will get back to you! (You have a very smart mind and something inside of me is telling me that you can figure it out on your own!)

GOOD LUCK!