Gold usually gets the attention, but its little brother silver made an even stronger climb over the past year. For anyone with old cutlery, silver coins or jewellery at home, that is important news. We set out what happened and what your old silver is worth today.
A spectacular climb
Silver had one of its strongest years in decades in 2025. According to the Silver Institute’s World Silver Survey 2026, published in April 2026, the average silver price that year was around 40 dollars per troy ounce, about 42 percent higher than in 2024. From the start to the end of 2025 the rise was even sharper: the price climbed from about 29 to over 70 dollars. In early 2026 silver peaked higher still, before cooling sharply, like gold, to around 58 dollars now. Even after that dip, the price is well above the level of a few years ago.
Why silver rose so sharply
Silver has a dual character. It is at once a precious metal, a safe haven like gold, and an industrial metal. More than half of all silver demand comes from industry: electronics, solar panels and batteries. That demand keeps growing.
At the same time there is a structural shortage. According to the Silver Institute, the world has for years consumed more silver than is produced, with another deficit expected for 2026. Growing demand and tight supply push the price up. That dual character also makes silver more volatile than gold: it often rises faster, but also falls back faster.
What analysts expect
Opinions differ. JP Morgan is counting on an average around 81 dollars per ounce for 2026. Bank of America’s metals specialist holds the boldest scenario, with a possible peak between 135 and 309 dollars. Others warn precisely of a sharp correction after the strong rally. One thing they do share: silver remains the more volatile little brother of gold.
What this means for your old silver
As with gold, the value of old silver lies mainly in the metal itself, not in the shape or the brand. A few points to watch:
- Look at the hallmark. Solid silver carries a hallmark: 925 (sterling), 835 or 800. That fineness determines the value per gram.
- Silver-plated is something other than solid. Much old cutlery is not solid silver but plated, a thin layer of silver on another metal. That has hardly any precious-metal value. The hallmark makes the difference.
- Your silver is worth more than a few years ago. Old coins, cutlery and jewellery fetch far more today, despite the cooling, than two years ago.
Our advice
Are you wondering whether your silver is solid or plated, or exactly what it is worth? Have it valued without obligation. We weigh it, determine the fineness and convert it back to the current silver value per gram. That way you know exactly where you stand, whether you sell or not.