Pawn Stars: How To if Silver is Fake or Real? | History

The Pawn Stars talk about what silver markings mean, and how to test for fakes.
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[@seanrobinsonjr4363]

It's real silver. Since it has a scratch mark now, best I can do is $5

[@alphacraft9252]

Sean Robinson JR I got a real silver necklace

[@massimilianoilardi2749]

Nn capito nulla quanto pagate il silver al kg

[@3D1ofakind]

Is it scratched?

[@caidencooper2412]

Anthony Gaming! Ok

[@bruceborneman]

That is hilarious!

[@asad2918]

10 years later and they still haven’t fixed the title lol

[@AnthonyTNT85]

Frr loll

[@moses4769]

Make that 11

[@promeyboy]

I didn't realize

[@speeddemon865]

Well maybe you should call up Rick Harrison up and let him know

[@Steveman27]

Do you mean where they left out the word tell? If so, then yes, they should take care of it.

[@dnomarsenoj7063]

I love it when they say dont do this at home. yet, its a how to video.

[@ArieVisker]

For the lawyers hahaha

[@brokenwave6125]

It's not a DIY how to video dumbass. It's just showing how to tell the difference between real and fake silver.

[@Hjvujjnnnjhhy]

Broken Wave chill 😂

[@panda45925]

@@brokenwave6125 CHill lol

[@thebean9575]

I just do it at their house then.

[@brandonc9277]

Producer: The title will be "How To Tell if Silver is Fake or Real?" Rick: Best I can do is "How To if Silver is Fake or Real?" and I'm taking a risk here

[@trollingwithcookies3828]

Lmfao

[@hectorreynoso4153]

This is underrated 😂

[@joeybragg1198]

😂😂😂

[@ShadowGaming26548]

lol

[@_egghead]

Best comment for this video

[@XavierWaterworth]

I'm glad i now know "How To if Silver is Fake"

[@tommytruth7595]

Yes, just don't try to do it.

[@ZefTillDeath8878]

Chum must have wrote the title.

[@mixmack4658]

Lmao

[@Reopen]

Tommy Truth you didnt get it did you

[@laylowtv4418]

I’m just baffled by the amount of people in these comments that have no idea u were just poking fun at the fact that they messed up the title of the video .

[@furyiiiplate]

A great show with seemingly endless stories and real history lessons.

[@rsz3494]

isnt it crazy u commented this 12 years ago just wanted to let yk

[@xyeB]

@@rsz3494yes

[@bigal1774]

You commented 14yrs ago

[@bigal1774]

Your comment is older than me

[@kosmologist]

1:17 "an indiscreet place" Indiscreet means OBVIOUS, discreet means hidden! Doh!

[@Annieareyouokayshamone]

Good spot. 👍

[@lancerd4934]

I think testing the specific gravity would be less destructive.

[@MistaTofMaine]

that's what I was thinking

[@ZipperOfficial]

How would measure specific gravity determine if it were real silver or not? Since there is different grades of silver much like karat for gold is. If it doesn't mention the grade it would be impossible to determine if it was fake would it not?

[@thomask940]

Specific gravity measures the weight of a volume of water to an equal volume of the item(s) being tested...for those who are wondering.

[@davidlindsaytroffer2801]

It's possible to get the same SG as silver with an alloy of plutonium and iron.

[@PaulfromChicago]

This would actually be kind of neat for an expanded series. Explain how holloware is bought and sold, as it's different from most other arts. Talk about the different manufacturers, like Gorham, Tiffany, Mauser, or Kalo, and then the approximate values thereof. Maybe comment on how old silver isn't necessarily valuable.

[@dog-better-than-cat7861]

They forgot the "know" in the title lmao

[@simplyJT27]

I recently started watching this show and I LOVE IT!!

[@JaQuanadon]

This was uploaded on my 5th Birthday, and it has been recommended to me at the age of 16

[@NewEnglandViews]

It’s real silver... But I have to frame it so I’m taking all the risk

[@jordanhoward347]

New England Views It could take a year to sell it.

[@fuelknightmare]

I love it when Rick educate us about "How To if Silver is Fake or Real?"

[@jasperpaws24]

He used the 14k gold solution. It still works, but the silver testing solution turns bright red if silver is present and dark brown and dark green if negative for silver.

[@gabriels1163]

Good advice. At my shop the first thing we do is test with a rare earth magnet, silver doesnt react. If it passes the magnet and is marked sterling then 99.9% of the time its silver. We only break out the acid for stuff that has no marking and doesn''t react to the magnet, which is pretty rare.

[@SandyMMMM]

I have 2 trays at home. Both marked as gorham sterling silver. They do react to rare earth magnetic. Just a little bit force. Are they fake or not?

[@gabriels1163]

​@@SandyMMMM Depends on how much reaction there is. If they stick to the magnet then they probably have a core of a cheaper metal. If they just barely react then they could be real but just not as pure as they should be.

[@PHUCKyoutube689]

@@SandyMMMM Silver is diamagnetic it reacts to magnets but not much. The slide test for coins is an example. Drop the coin on a magnetic slide. If it sticks, it's fake, if it slides right off with no resistance, it's fake, if it slowly slides down, it's most likely real.

[@wilfordbrimley1506]

I didn’t know Rick dropped acid I thought that would be something Chum would do

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

@Wilford Brimley Are you still the President of the Americurn Diabeatus Association of Americur?

[@RyanCangemi]

customer: Hi i have an items for sale Rick: yeah what u got? customer: i have the actuall car which kennedy was assaniated in.. Rick: Can you hang around a sec i have an expert in cars Kennedy was assinated in ill be right back

[@janbaer3241]

Why not use the testing gun? It is non-damaging. Filing a groove into a piece of 100+ year old artwork is a sure way to destroy its value.

[@johno1544]

They have one of those guns at the shop but I think it cost them $14K and I'm not sure if it would work with a thick plating of silver you might still have to file it down.

[@YoloBagels]

They are very expensive but this is really uncalled for. There are so many ways to see if it's real without damaging it.

[@Relhio]

It has to be something grand to be kept as is. Most silverware will just be melted.

[@vacciniumaugustifolium1420]

XRF test are effectice on surface only... old oxyded coins in silver could give a higer silver value than usually only because the copper in the coin surface was altered and washed off, leaving only silver. As you can think, the enriched silver surface is ridiculously thin... Also they could just do a specific gravity test...

[@jessiecassio8349]

@@vacciniumaugustifolium1420 surface only? It's supposed to penetrate the whole thing what's the point of x-rays?

[@mnpd3]

I prefer the magnet test. Silver may not be a ferrous metal, but it has a slight attraction to a moly or rare earth magnet..

[@Schwarze999]

He's an expert and knows how to handle it. I doubt a regular person could be trusted with nitric acid.

[@kurt6410]

i could tell that piece wasn't silver just by the marks on the base. it says ep which means electo plate.

[@jayraninga]

Thank you very much for wonderful video.. I was finding a good way to check silver and your video helped me. Thanks again.

[@SirPetterTheFirst]

I’m Rick Harrison and this is my pawn shop. I work here with my old man and my son, Big Hoss, and in 23 years I’ve learned one thing. You never know what is gonna come through that door

[@dankhill7917]

Why did you feel the need to type this?

[@SirPetterTheFirst]

Trev R Copy&Past, that is the best I can give you for that meme

[@dankhill7917]

SirPetterTheFirst Hold the L SirPeterTheFirst. Hold the L.

[@SirPetterTheFirst]

Trev R LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[@Delicate_Disaster]

Never put the scratch in an indiscreet place, always go for a discreet place! You've got it backwards buddy.

[@albertoguerra3995]

Cutie Pie

[@russellfitzgerald2957]

What..

[@ZsaZsaUmbra]

Irregardless, he could care less.

[@MrAnakin1996]

@@ZsaZsaUmbra Underrated reply. Well done.

[@NannupTiger]

@@russellfitzgerald2957 -- ahm, discreet means hidden... not "indiscreet" l really hope you can get it ?

[@TheBoldImperator]

In addition, checking for silver hallmarks is a useful tool as well. Most silver jewelery or flatware has symbols hammered into it which give information about the maker and the date the piece was pressed (the UK has an extremely complex and standardized system regarding this).

[@KyleKJH]

This really seems like the greatest show on TV. Butt, just to be sure, im gonna call my friend who is an extra on great TV shoes, and he'll let us know

[@SnuffyWuffles]

yeah, that was classic. Even more amazing was what Rick actually PAID for it!

[@zatch6916]

Your a super og bruh 11 years ago I was 1 im 12

[@californiacondor4887]

A real expert can just tell by holding the silver in their hand, it's the way it feels, but if you're a beginner the easiest way to know if something is silver just robb baking powder against it ,if it turns shiny right away, it's real silver.

[@philippayne4951]

I am English and live in London in the United kingdom. I and my friends love your pawn shop programs here in the United kingdom and all the people that come in your shop to do business. Its such a laugh seeing some of these idiots causing problems and how you deal with it all. We do not have pawn shops anything like this in the UK, are they all like yours in America?

[@russkajune106]

i like this guy's videos. how to tell if it's silver or gold. how to tell if it's a real rolex. these are the mainstays of the pawn industry, so no question he's an expert in these things.

[@FakeExotic]

Back when Rick’s best quality for the video is 360p

[@fruitfulfigtree2195]

He Used A $20 Pawned Camera , What Do You Expect From A "Pawn Broker" ?

[@doknox]

Silver also has a distinct sound to it.

[@StennMathis]

I think I have a solid silver milk jug. The main body of the jug has that sound, that ring when tapped. However the handle and legs seem to be comprised of a different metal and possibly the item has been repaired. There is no stamp and I've read that in repaired silverware the stamp could well of been on the original leg that broke off...either way the main body 100% has that distinctive sound when tapped with fingernail or coin..

[@fattony123082]

Reading the side effects of breathing in the Nitric acid vapors can cause excessive hair loss...

[@ontplates]

i like the fact they explain how to determine what is real and what is fake. good to know this if you ever see something nice at a pawn shop you want to buy and the dealer seems like a crook!

[@mikeash7193]

Rick is an extremely intelligent person. He knows soooo much.

[@robertwilliamson6121]

Rick knows so much because he is a book addict. He’s a voracious reader. Reads up on almost every topic.

[@pacovl46]

sterling silver means it's 925. sterling silver is the most common used in jewelry because pure silver is often too soft, depending on the size of the piece of course.

[@jedidrummerjake]

Now all I can think about is trying this at home!

[@Steveman27]

Does Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars remind anyone else of Matt Dillahunty from The Atheist Experience? They look similar, and they both act generally similar.

[@bhawnasingh5514]

watching after buying my first chain i was 7 when this video came out

[@defenderoFreedom]

cool..thanks the the demo Rick!

[@Schizniit]

How to if silver? Awesome! I always wanted to know how to "If" something!

[@daBEAGLE1017]

When Rick sees real silver he gets a creamy white spot?

[@Axel-li1bp]

rick looks the same 11 years later

[@eaglebauersrecordcollection]

“I would get a little creamy white spot.” “Uh Rick…”

[@dankhill7917]

"How To if Silver is Fake or Real?"- I didn't know you could 'if' something... you have created a new grammatical practice. Congratulations!

[@pyeclam]

I'm going to have to ask my werewolf friend to verify this.

[@darykinnaman2319]

You can also do specific gravity test.

[@Ohwaitudidnt]

I love history i think its awesome and interesting and this is boht awesome and interesting

[@Tokilainen]

I've always wondered how to silver

[@KRHEE]

The greatest show on the history channel…. EVER

[@kingofthepod5169]

This show gets played a lot in my metallurgy classes.

[@reign80]

This guy is amazing and needs his own youtube channel or tv show. He knows a lot about silver.

[@jacobshrewsbury1938]

He's a conman like any other pawn shop owner

[@Shaunt1]

This show takes place in Las Vegas.

[@forgetfulLlama31]

The best way to test for real silver isn't nitric acid, it's using the force like this guy did at the end with tea pot.. "because it's silver"

[@bettydaw1970]

i love this guys intellegence!!!

[@dogfight156]

great vid!

[@davidmcmichael8843]

I've heard if you want to tarnish silver on purpose you can put hot egg white from a boiled egg on it and leave it for an hour, so I guess you could try that and if it turns dark it's possibly silver.

[@ichiwo1526]

scratch it with a file, see it's real silver then offer a reduced price because the silverware is damaged... Crooks.

[@MichaelGGarry]

You realise you have just slandered someone right? This is actually how the pros test for silver, its a pretty standard practise. Moron.

[@NOTAMV]

nono, you are just suppose to trust a seller you don't know and pay full retail on a piece he is sure is pure silver.

[@scottwpilgrim]

I want you to open up a pawn shop. I'm gonna come in and pawn my "silver" bricks because you don't damage silver. Jackpot! I've turned lead into gold!

[@thecheesemouse]

Density wont always work, you'll never get the same exact values, its not all pure silver so you'll be off a little bit depending on composition the unknown silver alloy/mixture or plating. Nitric acid works for the reason Silver is high on the reactivity series, more "reactive" than most elements producing a white precipitate in the reaction.

[@nickreeder2979]

This will probably go unnoticed but it’s important to know that there has been a huge influx of ‘silver’ jewellery appearing on the market from China that is stamped, but not silver. I see so many people buy this stuff and think they are getting the real thing for a cheap price, but they are just buying costume jewellery. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

[@communitypark2313]

You are spot on...hope people take notice...

[@anne7463]

I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!

[@NeoXenumi]

POV : you watched some pawn stars clips now its on your suggested

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Very good explanation!

[@BeeDeeBayDee]

great video thanks.

[@alohakah20]

Smart guy!! i learn alot from him. Mahalo

[@vikasbhardwaj007]

He looks like a young Hank from 'Breaking Bad' :)

[@justinsdesigns3614]

That just damage the piece once you scratch it like that,

[@Auto70Galaxy]

Rick looks the same nowadays lol.

[@johndough23]

If you're in Vegas and spot 2 Elvis together odds are high one is an imposter. 🤣🤣🤣

[@adriankingdon3055]

It’s not fake silver, it’s silver plate. Not fake unless it has hallmarks or silver stamps.

[@zerorhythm849]

Pawn Star Rocks !!!

[@billlimpert2909]

This taught me Rick had been bald forever!

[@goodkrypollo1706]

"Yes. Bargain with the gypsy"

[@TheShattenjager]

Really not difficult for anyone to imprint 925 into something that’s not genuine silver. Scratch test with the chemical is probably best. But if you’re very experienced you can sometimes just tell.

[@lukejtmulder]

He was using nitric acid which would react with silver to create silver nitrate, a compound that is insoluble in water and allowing a white precipitate to form. Ag + HNO3 => AgNO3 + NO + H20

[@CaliforniaPickin]

, I think he didnt even have to test it. The EP for elctroplate was the dead give-away! LOL.

[@deepfield23]

Useful Info. Thanks.

[@kmcfadd12]

He is a really smart guy.

[@001GenLee]

Yeah, i learn alot from him too, he's like a Dictionary of information. lol

[@0manoscar]

@SerkantKnight It would be fun to watch someone bring it in, though, Rick would be like, "Let me call my friend who is Joseph of Arimathea's gigagreat nephew-in-law forty seven times removed. He know's all about this, and he'll be able to tell us if this thing is real."

[@onlythewise1]

thanks for the information

[@710Chri]

Now I know how to If! Thank you!

[@bicpapermate]

If it's real silver, the Lone Ranger is riding him.

[@MsBMackn]

Good info. Thanks!

[@unstoppable_disappointment]

No, basically the creamy white you see is silver nitrate and it forms as a powdered precipitate within the nitric acid solution.

[@Isaac-pj5io]

i was 2 years old when they made this

[@feeshtacos]

I won't let anybody check my precious metals unless they have an XRF machine ... Rick should already know about this ...

[@geomodelrailroader]

the acid test is also used on jewelery if its is metal it will tun its natural color fakes are plated if its fake the acid will eat the alloy and show whats under it

[@watchdealer11]

The fact that's been almost 12 years and they haven't fixed the title 😂😂

[@h82sk8]

Nitric Acid can also be used to test LSD purity.

[@Robert697]

He said, "Drop the acid." That cup had YC348. I wonder if that means it's 34.8% silver, and so there would be 65.2% copper. I have a dish that says 665, and nothing else. Anybody know if that means 66.5% silver?

[@jacobshrewsbury1938]

Might be a platinum mark or is a serial number Mark from the production line when made

[@andresbk93]

Proceeds to handle the nasty stuff with no gloves

[@1k_lance]

Thanks recommendation system

[@imkakaya9079]

Well it was a Henry the 8th fine silver antique worth millions but now is damaged with chips and acid on so best we can do is give you scrap silver price

[@covky636]

He had that on his Shelf and was going to sell it as pure silver and just got put on the spot you can tell by his reaction

[@Consst]

you could also just put, for example a spoon half way into boiling water and feel if the heat is transmitted to the other part which isnt...

[@jpm2878]

You could of found something small that was silver to show. It’s hard to believe a salesman.

[@jackflash6670]

Nice watch Pawn Star !!!

[@littleitaly4700]

I miss the good ole days when Rick's old man was still around and it seemed less scripted. I still love the show though.