The hallmarks and markings engraved on a silver bar are its identity card. Knowing how to read them lets you verify a bar’s fineness, origin and authenticity. Let’s go through them.
The markings found on a bar
An investment-grade silver bar from a recognised refiner generally carries:
- The refiner’s logo (or name): PAMP, Valcambi, Metalor, Heraeus… It is the refinery’s signature.
- The fineness / purity: “999”, “999.0” or “.999 fine silver” for investment silver.
- The weight: “1 kg”, “100 g”, “1 oz”…
- The metal designation: “ARGENT” / “SILVER” / “Ag”.
- A serial number: present on the larger formats (bars of 1 kg and up, high-end minted bars). It allows the bar to be traced and appears on its certificate.
On a minted bar, these elements are crisp and pressed into the metal by the press. On a cast bar, they are often stamped or engraved after casting. The difference between these two manufacturing methods is detailed in cast vs minted bar.
The French guarantee hallmark
In France, silver intended for the sale of wares (jewellery, silverware) is subject to a State guarantee hallmark that certifies its fineness. Historically, the boar’s head or the swan’s head (for second-hand silver) have been used; new wares fall under a dedicated hallmark system. Note: international investment bars (LBMA) do not carry this French State hallmark but the mark of their refiner, the two systems should not be confused.
The role of LBMA accreditation
The hallmark of an LBMA-accredited refiner (Good Delivery) is the most sought-after: it means the bar is accepted on the international market without reanalysis. This is what gives a bar its liquidity. See our article on how a foundry-refinery works.
Verifying hallmarks: the right reflexes
- Crispness: the marks must be sharp, well aligned, without burrs or blur.
- Consistency: the engraved weight and fineness must match the actual dimensions and density.
- Match with the certificate: the engraved serial number must match that on the LBMA certificate and the seal.
- Comparison: check the bar against the refiner’s official images.
Blurred, off-centre or inconsistent hallmarks are a warning sign: cross-check with the other tests for spotting a fake.
Why hallmarks matter on resale
A bar whose hallmarks are crisp and legible, still in its seal, is bought back as close as possible to the spot price, without a “doubt discount”. Conversely, worn markings or a bar taken out of its packaging can lead to a more thorough check, or even a small discount. So always keep the seal, certificate and invoice.
In summary
- Hallmarks indicate the refiner, fineness (999), weight, metal and sometimes a serial number.
- The French State hallmark concerns wares, not international LBMA bars.
- The hallmark of an LBMA-accredited refiner guarantees liquidity.
- Check crispness, consistency and the match with the certificate.
Unsure about a bar’s markings? Request a free valuation. Also check the silver price.
This article is informational and does not constitute investment advice.