Selling Sterling Silver Flatware in Denver: What Is It Worth?

There isn't a simple answer. Two sets that look remarkably similar can have very different values, and details that may seem insignificant can matter to buyers. That's why sterling silver deserves a closer look before decisions are made about what to do with it.

At Legacies Estate Sales, we regularly uncover, research, and sell sterling silver in Denver-area estates. We identify what we have, determine how it should be presented, and market it to a competitive audience of online bidders—with some sterling flatware sets selling for thousands of dollars.

Sterling Silver or Silverplate?

One of the first things we determine when evaluating inherited silver is whether the pieces are sterling silver or silverplate. Although they can look very similar, there can be a significant difference in value.

Sterling silver contains a high percentage of actual silver, while silverplate has a thin layer of silver over another metal. Age and appearance alone aren't always enough to tell the difference, which is why markings, maker information, and other details need to be examined.

If you aren't sure what you inherited, you don't need to figure it out before contacting us. Identifying the pieces is part of what we do.

Why Sterling Flatware Values Can Vary So Much

Not all sterling flatware has the same value. The maker, pattern, number and type of pieces, condition, age, and buyer demand can all play a role—and sometimes details that seem unimportant can make a difference.

This is why we take the time to research sterling before it is offered for sale. Proper identification helps us describe and market the pieces accurately and gives interested buyers the information they need to bid with confidence.

For someone who has inherited sterling, the important thing is that you don't need to know what you have or what it's worth before calling us. That's part of what we do.

Does a Sterling Silver Flatware Set Have to Be Complete?

No. Inherited sterling flatware does not have to be a perfectly complete service to be worth evaluating. Pieces are often lost, divided among family members, or added to over generations.

Incomplete sets, serving pieces, and even groups of mismatched sterling may still attract buyer interest. What looks like a miscellaneous collection of silver to you may contain pieces worth identifying and properly marketing.

There’s no need to sort, polish, or research it before contacting us. We would rather see everything together and determine what you have.

What Can Happen When Sterling Is Put in Front of the Right Buyers?

Recently, Legacies Estate Sales offered a 65-piece Gorham Rondo sterling silver flatware set through one of our online estate auctions. The set received 43 bids and sold for $4,050.

The set was carefully identified, photographed, described, and presented to online bidders who could compete for it.

For someone who has inherited sterling silver, that’s the important part: you may not know what you have or what buyers will be willing to pay for it—and you don’t need to. Our job is to find out and put it in front of the right audience.

What About Monograms, Tarnish or Wear?

Inherited sterling often shows its history. Monograms, tarnish, scratches and signs of use are common, especially in sets that have been in a family for generations.

Don't assume those things mean the silver isn't worth selling. We evaluate the pieces as a whole and determine how they should be presented to buyers.

And please don't feel you need to polish everything before contacting us. Bring us the silver as you found it—we'll take it from there.

Why How Sterling Is Sold Matters

Finding valuable sterling in an estate is only the beginning. How it is presented and who sees it can make a significant difference in the final selling price.

At Legacies Estate Sales, we research the silver, identify important details, photograph it carefully, and create descriptions that give bidders the information they need to bid confidently.

Then we let the marketplace work. Competitive online bidding gives multiple interested buyers the opportunity to compete, rather than relying on one person's opinion of what the silver is worth.

Have Sterling Silver to Sell in the Denver Area?

If you’ve inherited sterling silver flatware or found silver among the contents of an estate, you don’t need to know exactly what you have before contacting us. That’s what we’re here for.

Legacies Estate Sales handles the research, photography, marketing, and online auction process, putting your items in front of interested bidders throughout the Denver area and beyond.

Whether it’s a complete flatware service, an incomplete set, serving pieces, or simply a box of silver you aren’t sure about, we’d be happy to take a look.

Contact Legacies Estate Sales for a free consultation.