Which form of silver might an auctioneer be most likely to encounter first?

The most likely form of silver an auctioneer would encounter first is coin silver. Coin silver refers to the alloy that was traditionally used in the production of silverware and coins in the United States, which typically contained about 90% silver. It was commonly utilized in the 19th century, particularly before the establishment of the standardized sterling silver content.

Auctioneers often come across coin silver items because they have historical significance and are frequently collected, especially in the context of Americana. These pieces may include items like flatware, serving utensils, and other decorative pieces that appeal to collectors seeking pieces of American history.

While sterling silver is another prevalent form, especially in modern contexts, it is the history and variety of coin silver that tends to make it more commonly encountered in auction settings. Silver plate and nickel silver are less likely to be presented first, as they are not true silver and tend to be of lower intrinsic value, meaning auctioneers may prioritize higher quality or historically significant items such as coin silver.