Melting Silver

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

I have started going to Yard sales etc looking for the odd piece of sterling silver, and surprisingly enough finding some. A bunch of old spoons and forks are rather hard to store and carry. How can I melt sterling and form them into 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz "coins"??

Can an individual somehow purify sterling from .925 to .999???

[Shadow]

The short answer is don't. As it is it is marked and is probably sellable as is. Melt it down and it becomes a lump of silver colored metal. At that point you will have to have someone assay it to prove it is silver and what percentage. What I do is buy scrap silver sell it and use the money to buy name brand bars or silver coins, pre 1965 us dimes quarters and half dollars. Works for me. You can find a precious metal dealer that will have a buy and sell price and the difference is a reasonable fee if they are good. If not find another dealer.

[Wisconsin Ann]

I agree. DON'T melt it down. sell it as is.

You could also look at what pattern it is, if it's flatware. The maker and often the pattern will be marked on the back. Some of the older patterns will sell as replacement or antiques for more than the silver is worth. Then you can take THAT money and buy your silver bars or coins.

[Wolf mom]

Some people also use the flatware to make rings, etc...