What is 875 Silver?

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Silver 875 is a silver alloy containing 87.5% pure silver and 12.5% other metals, typically copper. It’s historically used in Russia and Eastern Europe, called “84 Zolotnik” from the Russian purity system where 84/96 zolotniks equals 87.5% silver.

The alloy is non-magnetic and generally hypoallergenic, though copper sensitivity may occur. It’s commonly found in Soviet-era jewelry and decorative items, marked with “875” hallmarks or the distinctive Soviet “head with hammer” stamp.

No bullion is made from this standard, though collectible coins exist. Its value equals 87.5% of current silver spot prices.

Learn more about 875 silver below!

Table of Contents

What is Silver 875 (Definition and Meaning)? Why is it Called “84 Zolotnik”?

Silver 875 is a silver alloy that contains 87.5% pure silver and 12.5% other metals, typically copper which is used for to strengthen the alloy.

Silver 875 is a standard used in various countries, particularly in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe, where it was historically used in jewelry and other decorative items.

875 silver is called “Zolotnik 84” because it comes from a Russian silver purity measuring system where 96 zolotniks represents pure silver (fine silver, .999 purity). Therefore, 84 zolotniks is equivalent to 84/96 of pure silver, which simplifies to 875/1000 or 87.5% pure silver.

Is Silver 875 Magnetic?

No, silver 875 isn’t magnetic. It’s diamagnetic.

Silver 875r is a silver alloy composed of 87.5% pure silver and 12.5% copper. Pure silver is diamagnetic, meaning it weakly repels magnetic fields.

Copper is diamagnetic as well.

Is Silver 875 Hypoallergenic?

Yes, silver 875 is hypoallergenic, which means it’s safe for people with sensitive skin.

However, remember that silver 875 contains 12.5% of copper and copper allergies are common in the general population.

Still, 875 silver is less allergenic than silver alloys with lower pure silver content (pure silver isn’t allergenic), and higher copper and occasionally nickel content.

Copper allergies are common in the general population

Is There Bullion Made From Silver 875?

No, there’s no bullion made from silver 875.

Silver bullion (bars and coins) is made from higher purity silver like .999 fine silver or, Britannia Silver (.958) and 925 Sterling silver.

.999 (Fine Silver) bullion is also called IRA-approved silver. It’s the silver coins and bars you can buy to include in your silver IRA account.

Note: Augusta Precious Metals is the best precious metals investment company in the USA. You can get in touch with them to buy the silver bullion you need.

You can purchase silver to keep at your home. Or you can purchase silver coins and bars to include as part of your IRA and have it shipped in a reputable gold IRA depository.

Augusta Precious Metals sell genuine silver bullion

Note: 875 silver coins exist, and they’re valuable pieces on the numismatics market.

Here are below some examples I found.

Is There Jewelry Made From Silver 875?

Yes, there’s jewelry made from 875 silver.

This standard was commonly used in the Soviet Union, and jewelry marked with “875” indicates this silver content.

You can find vintage and antique jewelry, especially from the Soviet era, on Etsy and eBay.

875 silver antique jewelry as sold on eBay

Note: the supply of 875 silver jewelry is limited because nowadays this silver standard is replace by sterling silver as a primary choice for jewelry making and design.

Sterling silver is better for jewelry making than 875 silver because its silver:copper composition provides a good balance of workability, shine, and resistance to wear and tear, making it ideal for a wide range of jewelry pieces.

What is the Hallmark for Silver 875?

The hallmark for silver 875 is typically just “875” engraved on the 875 silver item.

See two examples below of this silver hallmark. In both images I used a red arrow to point to the hallmark given that’s it’s nearly invisible, especially in the second image.

Note: 875 silver produced during the reign of Soviet Union often has a worker’s head facing right with a hammer below in addition to the standard 875 stamp.

This stamp is colloquially known as `”head with hammer mark”.

Silver 875 hallmark on a piece produced during the reign of Soviet Union.

How Much is Silver 875 Worth?

Silver 875 is 87.5% pure, and is therefore worth 87.5% of the current silver 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 875 changes with it.