When was silver first found?

Silver was first found in large amounts around 5000 BC, when prehistoric people dug the first copper mines. (Silver is often found alongside copper veins.) Large-scale silver mining had developed in Anatolia by 3000 BC. This was to meet the demand from the first ancient city states, which used the metal as a common medium of exchange.

What is the standard for silver?

Sterling Silver or 925: This is the standard for silver meaning that a silver item is at least 92.5 percent silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or sterling. Any mark indicating a higher silver content, such as 950, would also qualify as sterling.

What are the marks on silver?

Marks can include 800, 825, 830, or 850 indicating 80, 82.5, 83, and 85 percent silver content respectively. Sterling Silver or 925: This is the standard for silver meaning that a silver item is at least 92.5 percent silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or sterling.

What was the first silver ETF?

The American Silver Eagle (ASE) would become the world's leading silver bullion coin. The first silver ETF was introduced by iShares in 2006. Trading under the symbol SLV, the iShares Silver Trust was the first financial vehicle to allow easy, highly liquid investments backed by physical silver.