Silver Purchasing?

[s.c.shooter]

How do you know when you see say for example a silver bowl for sale , how many ounces of silver it might actually weigh. Is there a formula that one can apply to see if it's actually worth what it's being sold for?

 

[Wildcat]

If it is genuine silver, it will have mint marks. If plated, it will have EPNS and is not worth much at all.

The Cat

 

[NHBandit]

At the auctions I attend most of the regular silver & gold buyers carry small digital scales with them and they know what hallmarks to look for. With the prices of precious metals going through the roof lately it's nearly impossible to find any real bargains anymore.