What Does 958 Mean on Silver?
A 958 stamp on silver indicates Britannia silver — an alloy containing at least 95.84% pure silver, a higher grade than sterling's 92.5%. It is a British standard introduced in 1697, historically identified by a figure of Britannia in the hallmark and today by the millesimal number 958.
The Full Explanation
The 958 mark denotes Britannia silver, a British standard of 95.84% purity (958.4 parts per thousand). It sits between sterling (925) and fine silver (999), and it remains one of the officially recognized silver standards in the UK hallmarking system.
Britannia silver has an unusual history. It was introduced in 1697, when England temporarily banned sterling for silverware to stop silversmiths from melting down sterling coinage for raw material. The higher standard was compulsory until 1720, when sterling was restored as an option; Britannia remained legal and has been used by choice ever since. Pieces made to this standard were marked with a seated figure of Britannia and a lion's head erased (a lion head with a jagged neckline), replacing the sterling lion passant. Modern UK hallmarks express the standard as the number 958 in an oval shield, often still accompanied by the Britannia figure.
Because the alloy contains less copper, Britannia silver is softer than sterling. That makes it well suited to raising, chasing, and fine hand-work, but less ideal for hard-wearing flatware. You will most often see the standard on early 18th-century English silver, on modern artisan and presentation pieces, and on bullion — the Royal Mint's Britannia coins were struck in 958 silver until 2012, when they moved to 999.
A 958 piece carries slightly more silver per gram than sterling, and hallmarked early Britannia-standard silver from the 1697–1720 window is actively collected.
Where to Look
On British holloware — bowls, cups, coffee pots — the hallmarks are usually struck on the underside of the base or near the rim. Flatware is marked on the back of the handle. Look for a group of small punches together: the Britannia figure or the 958 number, an assay office town mark, a date letter, and a maker's mark.
On modern pieces, the millesimal 958 appears in an oval surround. On antique pieces from 1697 to 1720, expect the Britannia figure with the lion's head erased rather than any number.
Quick Tips
- 1958 means 95.84% pure silver — a higher standard than sterling's 92.5%
- 2The Britannia figure in a British hallmark is the traditional symbol for this standard
- 3English silver hallmarked between 1697 and 1720 is Britannia standard by law and is collectible
- 4Britannia silver is softer than sterling, so inspect handles, rims, and feet for dents or repairs
- 5A full UK hallmark set — standard mark, assay office, date letter, maker — helps confirm authenticity
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Related Questions
A 925 stamp on a ring means it is made of sterling silver — an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals,
What Does 999 Mean on Jewelry?A 999 stamp on jewelry means it is made of fine silver or fine gold — 99.9% pure precious metal with only trace amounts
What Does the Lion Stamp Mean on Silver?A lion stamp on silver is the 'lion passant' — the traditional British hallmark confirming that a piece meets the sterli
What Does 800 Mean on Silver?An 800 stamp on silver means the piece contains 80% pure silver, alloyed with 20% other metals, usually copper. It is a
Frequently asked questions
Is Britannia silver better than sterling?
It is purer — 95.84% silver versus 92.5% — so it contains more silver per gram and has a slightly whiter color. It is not better for every use, though: the lower copper content makes it softer, which is why sterling remains the standard for most flatware and everyday items.
Why was the Britannia standard created?
In 1697 England raised the required standard for wrought silver above the sterling coinage standard. This discouraged silversmiths from melting coins for raw material, since coin silver would no longer meet the legal grade. The requirement was compulsory until 1720 and optional afterward.
How can I tell Britannia silver from sterling?
Check the hallmarks. Sterling British silver carries a lion passant (walking lion); Britannia silver carries a seated Britannia figure, historically with a lion's head erased, or a 958 millesimal mark on modern pieces. The two alloys look nearly identical to the eye, so the marks are the reliable guide.
Are Britannia silver coins the same as 958 silverware?
The Royal Mint's Britannia bullion coins were struck in 958 Britannia silver from 1997 through 2012, matching the historic standard. From 2013 onward they have been minted in 999 fine silver. Older Britannia coins are therefore 95.84% silver, not 99.9%.
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