Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific grade of silver alloy: "Coin silver" refers to a silver alloy that meets the legal standard of purity required for minting official silver coins in a particular jurisdiction. It is not pure silver but an alloy, traditionally containing 90% silver and 10% copper in the United States.

Usage

• As a material: The term is used to describe the metal composition of objects, especially historical items like flatware, jewelry, or tokens, that were made from metal of the same standard as coinage.
  • The antique spoon was made from coin silver, not sterling.
  • This medal is struck in coin silver.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Numismatic context: The term is primarily used in historical, antique, and numismatic (coin-collecting) discussions to specify the metallic content of an item.
  • Collectors value the coin silver three-cent piece for its unique composition.

Variants and Related Words

• Sterling silver: A different, higher standard of silver alloy, traditionally 92.5% silver.
• Silver coin: A coin made of silver. This is a related but distinct term; a "silver coin" is the minted object, while "coin silver" is the type of metal used to make it.

Synonyms

• Standard silver (in a historical minting context).
• 90% silver (specifically for the U.S. standard).

Notes on Meaning

• Not a Phrase for Currency: "Coin silver" is a compound noun describing a material standard. It does not refer to individual coins in general circulation. The common term for money in coin form is simply "coins" or "silver coins."
• Legal Standard: The exact purity (e.g., 90%, 80%) defined as "coin silver" has varied by country and era. The U.S. standard for coin silver from 1837-1964 was 90% silver and 10% copper.

Noun

1. a silver of the degree of purity established for making legal silver coins