How to Tell If Silver Is Real: A Collector's Guide to .999 Fine Silver
If you're new to collecting silver statues, art bars, or rounds, one question comes up before almost any other: how do I know this is actually silver? It's a fair question — and one worth understanding before you buy from anyone, us included.
Start With the Fineness Stamp
Genuine silver bullion and collectibles are stamped with a fineness mark. The gold standard for investment-grade silver is .999, meaning 99.9% pure silver. Sterling silver, by contrast, is only 92.5% pure (stamped .925) and is meant for jewelry and flatware, not stacking. If a piece has no fineness stamp at all, that's a red flag.
Weight and Size Should Match
Silver has a very specific density — about 10.49 grams per cubic centimeter. A real 1 troy ounce silver bar or statue will weigh almost exactly 31.1 grams. If something is marketed as "1 oz silver" but feels suspiciously light for its size, weigh it. A kitchen scale is enough to catch most fakes.
The Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. If a magnet sticks to your piece — or even drags noticeably as you slide it across the surface — it's not solid silver. This is one of the fastest, lowest-cost tests you can do at home.
The Ring Test
Genuine silver produces a long, high-pitched ring when tapped, especially rounds and coins. Base metals tend to produce a duller, shorter thud. This isn't foolproof on its own, but combined with weight and the magnet test, it adds confidence.
Look for Serialization and a Certificate of Authenticity
Reputable mints and small studios — including ours — laser-engrave each piece with its fineness and a unique serial number, and include a matching certificate of authenticity. This does two things: it proves the metal content, and it ties your specific piece to a documented, limited mintage, which matters for collectibility down the line.
Buy From Sellers Who Show Their Work
Beyond testing the metal itself, look at how a seller talks about their process. Hand-poured and lost-wax cast silver pieces should come from a seller willing to explain their casting method, mintage numbers, and serialization — not just a stock photo and a price tag.
At Tormint, every piece is hand-poured in .999 fine silver, laser-engraved with its fineness and serial number, and shipped with a certificate of authenticity and insured worldwide shipping. Explore the collection →