Silver Recycling

Recycling Industrial Silver

While silver may not be priced as highly as some other metals, it has seen increases over the past few years. Given its value throughout time, it’s no surprise that the words “silver” and “money” are the same in nearly a dozen languages. We at Manhattan Gold & Silver will work with you to ensure you receive the highest amount for your silver recycling needs.

Silver can be tested by hand or melted depending on the quantity and your needs. We accept items in any form for silver recycling. Since silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal, it is widely used in a variety of industrial capacities. Every year 250 million+ ounces of silver are used in industrial applications.

Some of the silver items we accept for silver recycling include:

• Medical / dental products.
• Photography and electronics.
• Electrical contacts and conductors.
• Jewelry byproducts, such as filing dust and polishings.
• Silver bullion, including:
  • Maple Leaf (Canada)
  • Eagle (United States)
  • Libertad (Mexico)
  • Panda (China)
  • Philharmonic (Austria)

American coins minted before 1964 also contain a certain percentage of silver. These include:

• 1932-1964 Washington Quarter, 90%
• 1916-1947 Liberty Half Dollar, 90%
• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, 90%

Silver Purity

Silver is found in abundance on all continents except Africa and Antarctica. The majority of current production hails from Peru and Mexico, with Australia and China mining slightly less.

We regularly test sterling silver flatware and jewelry, as well. Typically these items are 92.5% pure, with the remaining 7.5% consisting of copper. For an item to be called “silver” in the United States, it must consist of at least 92.5% silver, but some flatware made with silver can contain different percentages depending on the country. Sterling silver is commonly “flashed” or “plated” with a thin coat of 99.9% pure silver, to give it a shiny finish.

We have compiled a Silver Purity Chart (below) for your reference.

Bars commonly contain 99.9% pure silver and can be assayed to determine their exact purity.  Please contact us today to learn more about how we do business and to discuss your silver recycling needs.