EPNS is electroplated nickel silver: a base-metal body with a thin silver coating. Sterling is solid silver at 925 parts per thousand. The marks usually settle it in seconds; when they do not, compare the rest of the stamp set and wear clues. Work through the checker, then read the linked guides for the detail. The result is a guide, not a metal test.
Answer the three questions. The result stays cautious on purpose. EPNS is electroplated nickel silver: a skin of silver over another metal. Most of that base is not magnetic, so a magnet that fails to stick does not make a piece sterling. A magnet that sticks can be a steel base, or a rod inside a weighted sterling candlestick. This checker does not give a value.
We make Antiqly. If the stamps are soft or mixed, a photo scan can help sort plate from solid; a single scan costs $3.99 on the App Store and on Google Play.
What the marks usually say
- EPNS / EP / A1 / silver plate point to plate, not solid silver.
- Lion passant, 925, Sterling point to solid sterling (confirm the full set).
- Wear that shows yellow or grey base metal under the surface is typical of plate.
Related references
See the EPNS marks reference, sterling silver identification, and silver plate marks. For a longer walkthrough read EPNS vs sterling: five visible differences. Weigh only solid silver with the melt value calculator (plate scrap is not melt value). Photo help: antique silver hallmarks identifier and identify silver hallmarks.
Common questions
Is EPNS worthless?
No. Plate can have design or maker value, but it is not priced like sterling melt. Do not run plate weight through a sterling melt calculator.
Can a magnet settle it?
No. A magnet cannot tell sterling from plate. Nickel silver, the usual EPNS base, is typically non-magnetic, as is sterling. A magnet that sticks may be steel or another ferrous part, including on some weighted sterling. Compare the stamps and wear clues instead.