Ever think about what causes someone to start collecting a particular thing? Well, if you are one of those who chose silver – whether it’s antique silver flatware, silverplated tableware or hollowware, silver jewelry or coins, maybe you have royalty in your blood line!

Actually, there was a time when only royalty owned silver. However,today, silver is within the reach of the rest of us collectors and if you are one of them, you are into a hobby that definitely appreciates with time.

As we know, sterling silver is .925% silver and fine silver is .999% pure silver, so in collecting silver coins and jewelry, this is important in determining it’s value. In collecting objects that have applied silver, the word “sterling” will be found on any American silver dating after 1860. Early American silver is quite rare and is usually marked with only the maker’s name or initials. Silverplate will have the maker or company name and often includes language such as “A1″ or “quadruple plate.”

The sellable value of much silver collecting, such as coins and minted objects, is often determined by the current market price of gold and silver. But, regarding other collectibles, there are other factors such as design, craftsmanship, and age that will establish the value.

If you are a beginner in collecting sterling or silver plate flatware or hollowware, About.Us offers wonderful tips for collecting these silver items. Here is another web-link with great history on Antique Silver .

Grandma’s Treasures Online offers an unusual silverplated Hollowware tray by Sheffield Silver.

Silver Ingots are a special interest of mine. Back in the early 1970’s and continuing for a decade, The Franklin Mint famously produced an annual Proof Sterling Silver Christmas Ingot of 1,000 grains fine silver (2.08 ounces). In 1974, a 500 grains (1.04 oz) ingot was added to the annual issues bearing the same design as the larger ones.

We offer two silver ingots in our online store, one in the 1000 grains of fine silver and one in the 500 grains of fine silver, with beautiful Christmas scenes sculptured on each.

‘Big Bob’ is an expert when it comes to Franklin Mint Silver. He gives some insight for other collectors in his Franklin Mint Silver Bullion Coin Sets Buy/Sell Guide, “Very few new art medal collectibles like these have been produced since about 2000 because the high price of gold and silver coupled with high minting and direct marketing costs make the price of a new set almost prohibitive. However, because the existing sets typically sell today based primarily on the precious metal value, they represent an attractive alternative to bullion coins or simple precious metal ingots because you can get fantastic artwork, proof quality minting, and beautifully presented collectibles for prices similar to raw silver or gold bullion!”

Also, Keith Scott, who has been a collector of coins for over thirty years has an excellent website Coin Collecting Articles, offering history of US coins, metal market updates and news about your favorite coins. .

If you are one of those with the hobby of a king – that collects ANYTHING that has to do with silver, share your interests and expert advice in the comments below for others who may be considering it. After all, obtaining Royal status through collecting can be quite inviting!