Date letters are one of the most important components of silver hallmarks, allowing you to determine exactly when your silver piece was made. Understanding how to read these letters is crucial for proper identification.
How Date Letters Work
Date letters change annually and follow specific alphabetical cycles. Each assay office uses its own system, with letters typically cycling through A-Z over 20-25 year periods before starting again with different fonts or shields.
Different Assay Office Systems
London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh each have their own date letter systems. The style of the letter, the font used, and the shape of the shield around it all help determine the exact year.
Reading Date Letter Cycles
When the alphabet is complete, a new cycle begins with 'A' again, but in a different font or shield style. This allows for precise dating over centuries of silver production.
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