Britannia Silver is a high-grade silver alloy containing 95.84% pure silver, making it purer than the standard sterling silver alloy of 92.5%. Introduced in England in 1697, the Britannia standard was originally established to discourage the melting down of silver coinage. Antique Britannia Silver is recognised by its distinctive hallmarks and is highly prized for its purity, craftsmanship and historical significance.