850
850 (silver / platinum) · 85% pure
Silver · Platinum
850 means 85% pure. On platinum it's a recognised fine grade — 85% platinum, a step below the usual PT950, sometimes used for casting or older pieces. On silver, 850 is an 85% standard found in parts of Europe. In both cases it's solid precious metal, just more alloyed than the more common higher grades.
Hallmark Translator
Translate a purity you know into how any country marks it — gold, silver, platinum, palladium — or compare two countries side by side.
Why 85%?
Platinum is hallmarked at several grades — 850, 900, 950 and 999 — and 850 is the lowest commonly recognised, 85% pure with the rest usually cobalt or ruthenium. You'll meet it less often than the standard PT950.
As silver, 850 is one of the lower continental standards, sitting above 800 but below sterling.
850, metal by metal
The same number means the same purity on every metal — but what it's called, and the mark struck beside it, changes with both the metal and the country.
On silver
85% silver — an 85% European silver standard, between 800 and sterling.
Independent assay
On platinum
85% platinum — a recognised lower platinum grade, below PT900 and PT950; seen on some cast and older pieces.
Independent assay
Mandatory maker's mark
What people actually ask
What is PT850 / 850 platinum?
85% pure platinum — a recognised fine grade below the usual PT950, sometimes used for casting or on older pieces.
Is 850 platinum real platinum?
Yes — 85% platinum, the rest usually cobalt or ruthenium.
Is 850 or 950 platinum better?
PT950 is the higher, more usual standard (95%); 850 is more alloyed (85%). Both are solid platinum.
What is 850 silver?
An 85% European silver standard — solid silver, between 800 and sterling in purity.
A reference guide, not an authentication service. The same number can appear on different metals, and the mark beside it varies by country, date and maker — consult the relevant assay office or standards body for definitive identification.