How to sell silver by post in the UK (2026 guide)

Solid silver versus plated

The first thing to know is what is solid silver and what is plated. Solid silver carries a hallmark, usually 925 for sterling, and is bought for its silver content. Items stamped EPNS, "silver plated" or simply "plated" have only a thin surface layer of silver and little recoverable value. Send a photo of the marks on WhatsApp if you are unsure; the XRF assay reads the alloy at the surface, and where plating is suspected the reading is repeated at worn edges so the underlying metal answers. The standards GoldPaid buys and the current per-gram silver figures are on the page for selling silver.

Why silver value is weight-driven

Silver trades far below gold per gram, so silver value usually comes from weight rather than rarity. A full set of sterling flatware will often produce a meaningful offer; a single sterling chain rarely will. Send the whole lot together. There is no postage benefit to sending in batches.

Weighted handles and filled bases

Candlesticks, knife handles, trophy bases and similar items often contain non-silver filler for stability. The XRF assay and weighing account for this, and your written breakdown shows the figure honestly rather than pretending the whole item is solid silver. We still buy the silver content; the filler is excluded.

How to send silver

1. Group everything together, sterling jewellery, flatware, hallmarked silverware, silver coins.
2. Wrap each item to stop movement; small pieces in sealed bags.
3. Use a small rigid box rather than a soft envelope for a heavy lot.
4. Request a Royal Mail Special Delivery label and post at a counter.
5. Receive the written valuation and decide.