What uses does silver have?

Silver has been used as a trading metal for hundreds of years. The Mesopotamians used silver as a form of exchange. The founders of democracy, the ancient Greeks, used silver in their coins. Later, contact with the ancient Greeks prompted the Romans to introduce silver coinage in 290BC.

The Romans invaded England in 43AD and introduced their coinage system. By the time of the decline of Roman power in Britain from the fifth century AD, the silver penny had emerged as the dominant coin circulating in England. From 800 AD silver coins regularly bore the names of Kings and coinage became important in spreading their fame. The more often coins passed through people’s hands and the further afield they were taken, the more famous the King became. For many people the only likeness of their monarch they would see in their lifetime was on their silver coins.

Today, Mexico is the only country that uses silver in its circulating coinage. However, silver has many other important uses.

One of the largest uses of silver is in photographic paper and film. Approximately 5,000 colour photos can be taken using one ounce of silver. A large proportion of the photographic demand for silver is for medical x-rays.

Silver is extremely reflective. In fact, it is the best reflector of visible light known to man. Consequently it is used in mirrors and in coatings for glass and other metals. It is also a good conductor of electricity. Since it does not corrode it is frequently used in many electrical appliances. Microwaves, dishwashers, televisions, telephones, computers and washing machines all contain silver. Silver is an excellent conductor of heat, so one of its uses is in the rear-window defrosters of cars. The tiny silver/ceramic lines conduct heat onto the glass, clearing frost, ice and condensation.

And let’s not forget Purdice’s favourite use of silver – to make beautiful jewellery!

Also view our FAQs on silver's healing qualities and the history of silver.

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