In the world of numismatics, the Silver Maple Lead coin is known for its craftsmanship, history, and artistry. With its instantly recognizable maple leaf motif and precious metal purity, this silver bullion coin has become sought-after. Join us as we delve into the design and history of the Silver Maple Leaf, exploring its symbolism, evolution, and undeniable popularity.

The Symbolism of the Maple Leaf Motif

The maple leaf motif featured on the Silver Maple Leaf coin holds deep symbolism that resonates with Canadians and collectors alike. As the national emblem of Canada, the maple leaf represents unity, peace, and tolerance. Walter Ott, the designer, set out to design a coin that would symbolize the beauty of nature and the strength of the Canadian spirit.

Craftsmanship and Precious Metal Purity

This symbolism, combined with the coin’s high level of purity in precious metals, adds to its allure and value. The Silver Maple Leaf is produced with .9999 fine silver, making it one of the purest silver coins in the world. This level of purity not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also reflects the commitment to quality and excellence that the Royal Canadian Mint upholds.

Evolution of the Design Over Time

The design of the Silver Maple Leaf coin has evolved over time, reflecting both historical influences and modern aesthetics. From its inception in 1988 with the iconic sugar maple leaf design, the coin has undergone several updates and variations, each iteration adding a unique touch to this beloved piece of numismatic art.

The introduction of security features in 2014 such as radial lines, micro-engraved laser marks, and a complex background pattern has not only enhanced the coin’s security but also brought a new level of sophistication to its design.

Popularity and Collectability in the Numismatic World

The Silver Maple Leaf has become a highly sought-after treasure for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of coin collecting. As this coin continues to captivate the hearts of numismatists worldwide, its place in the history of numismatics remains secure.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, the Silver Maple Leaf coin is a must-have in any collection. To make this exquisite coin part of your portfolio, contact Manhattan Gold & Silver today.

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Want to get your hands on a tangible piece of American history that shines brightly through time? In this article, we invite you along on a behind-the-scenes journey to see the process behind the creation of the American Silver Eagle coin. We’ll make stops at every step of production from sourcing the purest silver to the rigorous quality control measures that define this remarkable coin. Whether you are a collector, an investor, or simply enjoy the beauty of silver bullion coins, join us as we traverse the captivating path from mine to mint. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind this treasured piece of American heritage.

Interested in buying one of the brand new 2023 Silver Eagle coins? We have them available for purchase at Manhattan Gold & Silver for just $5 over the price of silver.

How It Came to Be: History of the American Silver Eagle Coin

The Liberty Coin Act was approved by the 99th US Congress in July of 1985. This came to fruition when the United States Mint began releasing Silver Eagle Coins in November 1986. The very first American Silver Eagle coin was struck on October 29, 1986 in San Francisco.

To truly appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of the American Silver Eagle coin, we must delve into its main ingredient: the purest silver.

At the heart of the sourcing process lies a commitment to ensuring that only the highest quality silver is used. Meticulous attention is paid to the purity and integrity of the silver, with stringent measures in place to guarantee its authenticity. The U.S. Mint certifies the weight, quality, and purity of each 99.9% pure silver coin.

The Art of Minting: Transforming Precious Metal into a Masterpiece

The art of minting is a centuries-old craft that combines tradition, precision, and innovation to turn a mere disc of metal into a treasured keepsake. From the moment the silver arrives at the mint, it is handled with care and reverence.

First, the silver is carefully melted in a furnace, its temperature carefully controlled to ensure a uniform and precise consistency. Once molten, the liquid silver is poured into casts that give birth to blank planchets, the raw canvases awaiting their transformation. These blanks are then subjected to a meticulous pressing process, whereby they are transformed into perfectly round and smooth discs, ready to become American Silver Eagle coins.

A Design Loved by Coin Collectors and the Public

The front of Silver Eagle Coins features the “Walking Liberty” design which was originally used for the US Half Dollar Coin from 1916 to 1947. The popularity of this design made it a clear choice and so it was revived. The front of each silver coin has the year of issuance, as well as “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

In 2021 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the coin program, the back of the coin was updated with a new design which shows a bald eagle landing on a branch and features the phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” “1 OZ FINE SILVER,” as well as “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” in smaller font. This design created by Emily Damstra and engraved by Michael Gaudioso is known as the Type 2 American Eagle Silver Coin design.

“My inspiration for this design grew from a desire to show our national bird,” Damstra said, “With all of the values it embodies—in a unique way that could also convey traits such as diligence, cooperation, care, and protection. For that reason, nest-building came to mind. I also liked the idea of including an oak branch in my design, since the oak is America’s national tree and a symbol of strength.”

The Type 1 American Silver Eagle design was produced from 1986-2021. The back of that coin features a design by John Mercanti, the 12th Chief Engraver of the US Mint. This design is reminiscent of the Great Seal of the United States. The eagle is behind a shield and holds an olive branch in its right talon while the left talon is grasping arrows. Above the eagle are thirteen stars to represent each of the original thirteen colonies. This design is inscribed with the following phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER~ONE DOLLAR,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

Which Mint is the Silver Eagle Coin Produced At?

In a previous article, we went on a global tour of mints around the world. The American Silver Eagle coin has been produced at multiple locations of the US Mint. From 1986 to 2000 this bullion coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. In 1999 and 2000, production shifted to the Philadelphia Mint and the West Point Mint. By 2018, production of the bullion Silver Eagle coins had moved solely to the West Point Mint.

However, in March 2020 the West Point mint was shut down due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. Concerned about coin production following multiple closings, the US Mint had 240,000 Silver Eagle coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. These uncirculated American Silver Eagle coins are identical to the ones produced at West Point but are known as Emergency Issues by coin collectors.

How to Add the American Silver Eagle Coin to Your Collection

Join the ranks of those who appreciate the artistry, value, and symbolism of the American Silver Eagle coin. Start your collection today with one of the 2023 Silver Eagle coins by contacting Manhattan Gold & Silver and let the elegance and history of these coins become a part of your own story.

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Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and palladium are turning out to be invaluable allies in our journey toward clean energy. From efficient electricity transmission to emission reduction and hydrogen purification, these metals are at the forefront of innovative technologies, shaping the landscape of renewable energy and as we work toward a more sustainable future.

Gold: The High-Tech Conductor

While known for its aesthetics and monetary value, is perhaps lesser known that gold has a pivotal role in the realm of clean energy, specifically in the electronics of renewable energy systems. Its impressive conductivity makes it ideal for efficient energy transmission, particularly in photovoltaic solar cells. The thin gold film in these cells facilitates the efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, an innovation that’s helping to power our increasingly green world. As our dependency on renewable energy sources grows, gold’s importance in these systems is poised to rise. Researchers are also exploring its potential in other cutting-edge areas, like quantum computing, which could revolutionize the way we process and store renewable energy data.

Silver: The Solar Energy Stalwart

Silver currently has the largest presence and use cases in the solar industry, thanks to its superior electrical and thermal conductivity. It forms the backbone of photovoltaic solar cells, where it is used in the form of a paste that forms the cell’s conductive layers. This silver paste plays a key role in the cell’s ability to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Currently, around 10% of the global silver supply is dedicated to the solar industry. The race is now on to find ways to use silver more efficiently or enhance its performance, promising a shining future for this precious metal in clean energy.

Platinum: The Fuel Cell Catalyst

The power of platinum in the clean energy industry lies in its role as a catalyst in fuel cells, especially those powering hydrogen cars. Fuel cells work by facilitating a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and platinum’s unique properties help speed up this reaction to produce electricity, heat, and water – the only byproduct. While the high cost of platinum presents a challenge, ongoing research is aimed at minimizing the amount needed in these cells. Future applications may extend to large-scale energy systems, like stationary power plants, further expanding platinum’s footprint in clean energy.

Rhodium: The Emission Combatant

Though it’s one of the rarest metals on earth, rhodium has a significant impact on clean energy. Its main role is in automotive catalytic converters, where it helps to reduce harmful emissions by converting them into less harmful substances. As emissions regulations become stricter and hybrid vehicles more common, the demand for rhodium is expected to surge.

In the future, scientists could harness rhodium’s catalytic properties for other applications, such as converting CO2 back into fuel, providing an interesting bridge between fossil fuels and a clean energy future.

Palladium: The Hydrogen Purifier

Palladium may be best known for its role in jewelry, but it’s also making waves in clean energy, primarily through hydrogen purification. This precious metal has the unique ability to absorb a large volume of hydrogen, which can then be easily released, making it an excellent choice for extracting pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells. As the world increasingly turns to hydrogen as a clean energy source, the role of palladium is expected to grow. Additionally, its potential in advanced battery technology could further cement its place in our clean energy future.

What the Future of Clean Energy & Precious Metals Has in Store

As we continue to advance into the clean energy revolution, it’s clear that our path toward sustainability is shining with precious metals. Gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and palladium have assumed new significance in their unique roles within the clean energy industry. Their contributions range from efficient energy transmission to reducing harmful emissions and advancing hydrogen-based technologies. The future of these metals is not only glistening but also green, promising to play an increasingly central role in our journey towards a sustainable and clean energy-driven world.

While challenges in cost and efficiency persist, the innovative applications of these precious resources underscore their invaluable contribution to a green, sustainable future.

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At the heart of these cutting-edge solar systems lies a critical element: silver. This precious metal plays a vital role in the production of solar cells, enabling the conversion of sunlight into usable electricity. From the creation of conductive grid lines to reflective coatings, silver’s high conductivity and durability make it an essential component in the efficient generation and transmission of electricity.

In this article, we delve into the ways in which silver is used in solar technology, exploring some of the most common applications and highlighting the important role that this versatile metal plays in the creation of sustainable energy solutions for a greener future.

Common Ways Silver is Used in Solar Technology

Grid Lines

One of the most common ways that silver is used in solar technology is in the creation of the grid lines that make up the electrical circuitry of a solar cell. These grid lines are typically thin strips of silver that are deposited onto the surface of the cell in a process known as screen printing. The silver acts as a conductor, allowing the electricity generated by the cell to be transmitted to other components of the solar panel.

RELATED: See Our Infographic on How Silver is Used in Solar Technology

Reflective Coatings

Another way that silver is used in solar technology is in the creation of reflective coatings for the back of solar cells. These coatings help to reflect sunlight back into the cell, increasing its efficiency and reducing the amount of energy that is lost as heat.

Contacts and Connectors

In addition to these applications, silver is also used in the production of other components of solar cells, such as contacts and connectors. It is valued for its high conductivity and durability, making it an ideal material for use in the harsh conditions of the outdoors.

Looking Ahead: New and More Efficient Solar Cells

As solar technology continues to advance, new and innovative uses for silver are likely to emerge. One potential area of development is the use of silver nanoparticles in the creation of more efficient solar cells, which could improve the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Additionally, new methods of depositing silver onto solar cells may be developed, such as the use of inkjet printing, which could improve the precision and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

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There are a couple of reasons why silver can tarnish. But regardless of what may be causing the issue, there are several solutions that will improve its appearance. Whether you’re looking to refresh a family heirloom, clean your favorite piece of jewelry, or you’re trying to keep your finest cutlery in tip-top shape for the next family gathering, these at home remedies for cleaning silver will put your mind at ease.

Soap & Water

It may come as a surprise, but routinely using these kitchen essentials can help remove subtle silver tarnish and prevent it from tarnishing further.

With a plastic bowl, create a simple cleaning solution with a few drops of dishwashing soap and cold water. Place your silver items in the bowl and allow them to soak briefly. Delicately wash each piece in the soapy solution with a soft cloth. Rinse with cool water and then use a separate dry soft cloth to buff and dry.

Baking Soda, Salt, Aluminum Foil, Large Pot or Pan, and Boiling Water

For larger silver items, heavily tarnished pieces, or sets of items you’d like to clean in bulk, these five simple ingredients pack a powerful punch. The best part? You probably already have them.

First, use enough aluminum foil to cover the bottom and sides of your pot or pan. Then, fill the container with boiling water and add ¼ cup of baking soda and a few dashes of salt. Next, gently place silver items into the container ensuring that they touch the aluminum foil, which will trigger a chemical reaction that removes silver tarnish. Allow the items to soak in the solution between 5 and 10 minutes. Heavily tarnished pieces of silver will require more time.

After soaking, safely remove all pieces with plastic or rubber tongs and buff dry with a soft, dry cloth.

Hand Sanitizer

In the age of COVID, there’s probably a pretty good chance you have some form of hand sanitizer laying around the house. Conveniently, it can also serve as a reliable silver polish.

Apply several drops of typical hand sanitizer to a soft dry cloth and begin to polish the items. Once you’ve achieved the desired result, use a separate micro-fiber cloth to buff the silver further.

Vinegar

Vinegar has long been hailed as a reliable cleaning agent both on its own and when combined with other common kitchen supplies. For tarnished silver, it can be just as effective.

Add ½ cup of standard distilled white vinegar to a plastic kitchen bowl, and then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Next, add your silver items and enough room-temperature water to cover all pieces. Allow the silver to soak for around 3 hours and then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Buff gently with a micro-fiber cloth and let the silver dry.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another common kitchen item that can be used as a cleanser. In the case of silver, it can be used to spot-polish tarnished pieces. Simply apply several drops of concentrated lemon juice to a soft cloth and polish areas where tarnish is occurring.

Ammonia

Another common household cleaning solution, ammonia can be used to treat tarnished silver. Mix 1 cup of warm water in a plastic bowl or container with ½ cup of ammonia. Allow silver pieces to be submerged for roughly 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water. Buff and dry with a soft cloth.

A Note on Cleaning Silver Plated Items

With respect to cleaning silver plated items, it’s important to be cautious with cleansing methods as certain items and solutions could cause the plating to flake. Many common plated pieces of silver only use a thin layer of the precious metal on the surface.

Scrubbing too hard, using excessively harsh chemicals or soaking items in strong solutions for too long could cause damage. To avoid this, make sure you understand whether or not the item you’re cleaning is solid silver or plated silver. If it is plated, avoid harsh chemicals or polishes, and use sparing amounts of household cleanser. Ensure that you only buff gently with a soft cloth.

Fun Fact: 100% pure silver doesn’t tarnish, so you wouldn’t have to clean it anyway!

Have broken or tarnished silver you’d like to sell?

Manhattan Gold & Silver can assay, weigh, and pay you for silver you no longer want or is too tarnished to clean. You’ll be paid a fair price for silver objects based on the current London market fixing.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss selling precious metals, get in touch with us today by phone or using our online contact form.

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Read on to learn how the Nevada silver rush began and its impact on the American landscape.

Origins of the Nevada Silver Rush

Arguably, the Nevada silver rush is the truest “rush” there ever was. It began when the first prospectors arrived in Nevada, not in search of silver, but gold. It turns out that for a few hopeful miners, their journey to find gold resulted instead in one of the biggest silver strikes in recorded history.

The Comstock Lode started with two brothers, Hosea and Ethan Grosh, who struck a remarkable vein of silver in 1859. So large was the strike that it kicked off a reverse migration from California, as ambitious prospectors poured into Nevada’s Washoe Valley.

One of these dogged miners was Henry Tompkins Comstock, a good friend of the Grosh brothers. After both of the brothers died from diseases of the era, Comstock and others laid claim to the famous lode that became the most lucrative silver mine in American history.

Though the lode was a source of great riches, it was no easy task to source silver. The journey to the lode itself was hard enough requiring a long trek up rudimentary mountain trails from California to Nevada. Even upon arrival, life was tough with poor housing and a lack of necessities.

What Made The Nevada Silver Rush Unique?

The Nevada Silver Rush was unique in that it was so accessible.

In California, the gold rush began when prospectors rushed to the state and began panning gold nuggets directly from mountain streams. Eventually, mining companies moved in and excavated deep veins of gold that panners couldn’t reach.

The mining camps formed by these companies evolved into mining towns with stable communities. However, this was not the case for Nevada, where silver formed directly on the surface. Nevada’s harsh climate helped concentrate the silver into dense gray crusts. According to Geologist and writer Andrew Alden, “You could shovel the mineral right off the ground, and you didn’t need a Ph.D. to find it.”

The Effects On The American Landscape

Before the silver rush, Nevada was considered by many to be a wild and untamable land. Once Nevada became a viable center of mining activity, the territory of Nevada was granted statehood in 1864.

You can see remnants of Nevada’s silver age in many of its ghost towns. Except for Carson City, by and large, Nevada’s mining boomtowns are long abandoned.

Got Silver To Share? Exchange It With Us

Though Nevada’s silver rush may have come and gone, silver has not gone anywhere. If you have any silver scrap at home or your business, be sure to consider exchanging it with us. We offer quick and fair payouts based on thorough testing methods and the latest London Fixing prices.

The post What Was The Nevada Silver Rush, and Why Was It Special? appeared first on Manhattan Gold & Silver.

We’ll explain how silver is made from its formation in the earth to how it’s refined.

How Silver Forms In The Earth

Silver is formed from sulfur compounds within the earth where its crust heats up to between 200- and 400-degrees Fahrenheit. In nature, silver is found combined with other metals, or in minerals with silver compounds. These minerals typically include sulfides like cerussite or galena.

Silver Mining

Silver mines are located around the world. In the United States, silver mining began when the Comstock Lode was discovered in Nevada in 1858, which kicked off a “silver rush” similar to the gold rush.

Though you might think silver is mined in nugget form, this is far from the norm. More often than not, silver is found alongside a range of other metals. This includes gold and copper, and compounds like sulfur. The hunks of alloyed metals mined are then refined, which is where silver is extracted.

Refined silver is melted and poured into bars or ingots. Sometimes, miners and refiners will send their bars directly to consumers. However, most of the time, industrial silver mining companies will ship ingots to commercial clients like private and government mints. The mints will then transform the ingots into silver bullion like coins, rounds, or bars.

Uses of Silver Currency

Only a very small percentage of the world’s silver is now used for coinage. Although silver was a popular form of currency in the past, as industrialized nations produced large quantities of silver coins in the twentieth century, silver became less available and more expensive. The U.S. Treasury changed their minting with a 1965 act of Congress. The Johnson Silver Coinage Act demonetized silver, and excluding bicentennial coins, all newly minted United States coins now consist of an alloy of copper and nickel.

Conclusion

Though silver may not be as expensive as other precious metals like gold, it still holds a respectable amount of value. If you have any scrap jewelry made of silver or silver bullion, be sure to sell it to a precious metals refiner like Manhattan Gold & Silver. We deliver quick and fair payouts for all precious metals you exchange with us.

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Today, we’ll explain why silver tarnishes and what you can do to help prevent your favorite silver accessories or utensils from losing their sheen.

What Causes Silver To Tarnish?

Pure silver never tarnishes. However, you likely don’t own a piece of jewelry or utensil made from pure silver because it is so soft it cannot be used to make these kinds of items.

Pure silver is often mixed with other metals like copper to create an alloy that is stronger and more durable. Usually, sterling silver is created, which is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper). While the addition of copper makes silver more durable, it also makes sterling silver more likely to tarnish by reacting to chemicals in the air.

Often sterling silver will react to sulfur, which is found in the air, especially if you live in an urban or industrial area. When silver meets hydrogen sulfide, which is known for its “rotting egg” smell, it reacts to form silver sulfide, the substance that constitutes the tarnish that forms over silver objects. Copper found in sterling silver will also react with oxygen to form red copper oxide, which could also tarnish your silver’s surface.

Tips To Help Prevent Silver Tarnishing

Luckily, you can help prevent or at least delay the tarnishing of your silver by taking a couple of actions:

1. Wear Your Silver Regularly

A great way to help prevent your silver jewelry from tarnishing is by wearing it regularly. Your skin’s natural oils can assist in keeping your jewelry clean.

2. Polishing cloths

Using a polishing cloth for your silver is one of the best ways to prevent and remove tarnish. You can get microfiber silver polishing cloths from jewelers or jeweler supply shops. These cloths are typically infused with a silver-polishing substance that helps to keep your silver clean.  

3. Keep Your Jewelry In A Dry Area

Moisture can greatly speed up silver tarnishing. The higher the humidity level, the faster your silver will tarnish. To avoid this, place some chalk or silica gel where you store your jewelry. They will help to absorb moisture from the storage area and keep it dry.

Is Your Silver Jewelry Too Old or Tarnished? Sell Your Scrap Silver Jewelry

If you feel it’s time to change out your silver jewelry for something new, don’t stick it in your attic and forget about it just yet. Consider selling your scrap silver jewelry to a precious metals refiner like Manhattan Gold & Silver. We process silver scrap fast and base our valuation on the latest London Fixing Prices.

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Why Are Some Metals Called Precious Metals?

Some metals are called precious metals due to their value as currency or because they’re rare. While many metals can be exchanged for money because of their use in industrial applications (copper, aluminum, iron etc.) only precious metals are used for financial investment purposes, which makes them different from metals not recognized as precious.

Here are precious metals you can expect to find and their respective characteristics.

Gold

Of all the precious metals, gold is the most well-known. Likely its most noteworthy characteristic has been its importance in economies throughout human history. Gold has an inherent value and can be exchanged for modern fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar.

Gold is not the rarest precious metal, but it still isn’t as common as other metals found in nature. All in all, its rarity and use as currency put gold in the category of precious metals.

Silver

Silver is the most well-known metal next to gold. Silver has more industrial uses than gold, so it is valuable as both an investment asset and for its industrial properties. It also has a level of rarity just like the other precious metals.

Platinum

Platinum is probably the most precious of all of the precious metals. Why? It is 15 times rarer than gold and more ductile than silver, gold or copper. It also has excellent corrosion resistance, which makes it important in applications like lab equipment and catalytic converters. Platinum is also a useful investment asset and is found in many forms of bullion.

Palladium

Palladium is related to platinum because they both belong to the elemental category known as Platinum Group Metals (PGM). When compared to its counterparts, palladium is a relatively new investable precious metal. The first palladium coin was issued in 1966 by Sierra Leone, and the U.S. only started striking palladium American eagles in 2017.

Palladium is not only a great financial asset, it is also useful for certain industrial applications.  It has some of the same industrial uses as platinum, especially in the creation of catalytic converters. More than half of the palladium available is used like this.

Rhodium

An incredibly rare, silvery-white, hard metal, rhodium is extremely resistant to corrosion under natural environmental conditions, like other platinum group metals. It can be a tricky metal to invest in due to its high cost and price fluctuations, but it can be great for those looking to diversify their portfolio.

Osmium

Osmium is also a precious platinum group metal. It’s one of the rarest metals and has multiple uses, which gives it high economic value. It is available in such low concentrations that it is more commonly produced as a by-product of nickel refining.

Osmium is typically found as a component in platinum alloys and is used in creating needles, instrument pivots, fountain pen tips, and electrical contacts.

Iridium

Iridium is hard and brittle with a silver look. It has an extremely high melting point, and is one of the rarest elements on Earth, making it incredibly valuable.

Like other precious metals, iridium does not oxidize in normal environmental conditions. It is among some of the most corrosion-resistant metals. Apart from its industrial uses, it is a prized collectible asset because of its high value and rarity.

Sell Your Precious Metal Scrap

Many industries and professions including manufacturing and dentistry produce large amounts of precious metal scrap. If you are interested in selling yours, consider exchanging your scrap with precious metals refiner like Manhattan Gold & Silver to put revenue back into your business.

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Read on to learn 6 fun facts about silver that prove just how important a resource it is.

1.   Silver Is Linguistically Interesting

Silver is undeniably associated with money. The words “silver” and “money” are the same in at least 14 different languages. For example, “argent” means money and silver in French, and in Irish, “airgead” means “money” in modern-day English, but originally meant “silver.”

Another fun fact about silver in the English language is that it is one of the few words with no possible rhyme.

2.   Silver Is An Excellent Conductor

Of all the elements, silver is the best electric conductor. It’s the only metal that can score 100 percent conductivity, with the next closest competitor being copper at 97 percent. This makes silver incredibly important in making solar panels where it can account for 6 percent of the total cost of building each unit of a panel.

Silver is also the most effective thermal conductor of all the metals.

3.   Silver Is The Most Malleable Metal Alongside Gold

Silver is the most ductile (malleable metal) along with gold. For example, an ounce of silver can be formed into a wire that is eight thousand feet long. Its malleability is a critical reason why it is great for creating jewelry and silverware.

4.   Silver Is Incredibly Reflective

Silver is the most reflective metal as it can reflect 95 percent of the visible light spectrum. As a result, many mirrors are coated with silver. Its reflectivity also makes it popular for use in telescopes, solar panels, and microscopes.

5.   Mexico Leads The World In Silver Production

According to Investopedia, the country that produces the most silver in the world is Mexico. In 2019, they produced 6,300 metric tons of silver – an increase of 180 metric tons from the previous year. They haven’t hit their peak yet either, silver production in Mexico is expected to continue growing.

6.   Silver Is One Of The Oldest Known Metals

Silver holds a notable place in the history of the elements as it is one of the first five metals discovered by humans. The other four metals are copper, gold, lead, and iron.

Some silver objects date to before 4000 BC in Greece. Silver artifacts have also been found in the Sumerian city of Kish that date from around 3000 BC.

Silver’s Worth Extends Beyond Its Monetary Value

Though silver may not be the most expensive precious metal, it is still historically significant and has many important uses. As a result, silver scrap can be found in a lot of jewelry and industrial byproducts. If you have silver scrap you’d like to sell, consider selling it to a precious metals refiner like Manhattan Gold and Silver. We can help to quickly assess the value of your metals, so you get a quick and fair payout.

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