§296 Standard of Fineness of Silver Articles; Deviation

Summary

When silver items are brought into or out of the United States, mailed, or given to a carrier, their real silver content must match what the mark on them says. If a fineness number or mark (not the words “sterling” or “coin”) is shown, the actual fineness cannot be more than four one‑thousandth parts (0.004) lower than the mark. The words “sterling” or “sterling silver” may only be used if the item is 925 one‑thousandth parts pure silver, and “coin” or “coin silver” only if it is 901 one‑thousandth parts pure silver. For items labeled “sterling” or “coin,” a four one‑thousandth part (0.004) drop below those numbers is allowed. When testing, the sample taken must not include any solder or lower‑grade alloy used to join parts. If the whole item (including solder and all alloys) is tested as one piece, its overall fineness cannot be more than ten one‑thousandth parts (0.010) below the marked fineness. Both the part test rules and the whole‑piece rule apply.