What is 500 Silver? — SEO for the Poor and Determined

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Silver 500, also called “Half Silver,” is a silver alloy containing 50% silver and 50% copper. It was commonly used in British coins from 1920-1946 and occasionally in jewelry where cost is a concern.

Silver 500 is not magnetic (it’s diamagnetic) but is allergenic due to its copper content, making it unsuitable for sensitive skin.

While jewelry exists in Silver 500, it’s rarely used due to softness and tarnishing issues. The hallmark is simply “500,” and its value equals half the current silver spot price.

Learn more about Silver 500 right below!

Table of Contents

What is Silver 500 (Definition and Meaning)? Why is it Called “Half Silver”?

500 silver is a silver alloy that contains 50% silver and 50% copper.

Silver 500 is also known as “Half Silver” because of the exact divide on the middle between pure silver content and copper content.

Silver 500 is commonly found in British silver coins produced between 1920 and 1946. It’s also sometimes used in jewelry and other items where a silver appearance is desired but the full cost of sterling silver isn’t necessary.

Additionally, 500 silver is considered scrap silver and can be sold for its pure silver content.

Is Silver 500 Magnetic?

No, silver 500 isn’t magnetic. It’s diamagnetic. This means 500 silver generates a weak opposing magnetic field when exposed to a magnetic field.

Silver 500 is diamagnetic because copper and pure silver are diamagnetic metals.

Is Silver 500 Hypoallergenic?

No, silver 500 isn’t hypoallergenic. It’s allergenic.

500 silver contains 50% silver and 50% copper or zinc. or both. Silver is hypoallergenic, but copper and zinc are allergenic to people with sensitive skin.

This means items made of 500 silver have too much copper and zinc for people with sensitive skin to comfortably wear or use.

Is There Bullion Made From Silver 500?

No, there’s no bullion made from silver 500. Silver bullion is made from 999 silver (Fine Silver) and this type of silver you can purchase to own physical coins and bars or to put them in your silver IRA account.

You can buy IRA-approved silver coins and bars at Augusta Precious Metals, the best gold IRA company in the United States.

Augusta Precious Metals sell IRA-approved silver bullion

Is There Jewelry Made From Silver 500?

Yes, there’s jewelry made from 500 silver, although 500 silver is rarely used for jewelry design.

500 silver is too soft and prone to tarnishing to give excellent jewelry pieces and the only real reason to use use this silver alloy is because of its price. 500 silver is almost 2x cheaper than sterling silver because it has almost 2x less pure silver in it.

What is the Hallmark for Silver 500?

The hallmark for silver 500 is typically just “500” engraved on the .500 silver item.

See example below of this silver hallmark.

How Much is Silver 500 Worth?

Silver 500 is 50% pure, and is therefore worth half the current spot price.

Silver spot price changes multiple times during the day because of the interplay of supply and demand so the value of your silver 500 changes with it.

What is 500 Silver? Conclusion

Silver 500 is not magnetic (it’s diamagnetic) but is allergenic due to its copper content, making it unsuitable for sensitive skin. No bullion is made from this alloy – only fine silver (999) is used for investment purposes.