Sterling Silver
silver having the value or fineness of the standard established by the British Government. It consists of 37 parts of silver and 3 of copper. One pound Troy of silver is coined in 66 shillings. A shilling from the mint weighs 15.27272 grains. The standard value of silver is very variable.
In 1870 it was worth at the Bank of England 5s. an ounce. In 1890 it varied from 4s. to 4s. 2d. In December, 1919, it was 6s. 7½d. See BIMETALLISM.