VOCABULARY TERM: GERMAN-SILVER

German-silver. A copper alloy of silver-white color because of the presence of nickel and zinc, now called nickel-silver. There is no silver in German-silver or nickel-silver. The most common formula for German-silver is 55 copper, 25 zinc, 20 nickel; the best is 46 copper, 34 zinc, 20 nickel. But the range of alloys described as German-silver is broad: 50 to 62 copper, 20 to 30 zinc, 15 to 30 nickel. In Western countries the name was dropped during World War I (for anti-German sentiment) in preference to nickel-silver.

German-silver is ideal for striking and makes a hard alloy, particular for badges, charms, keytags and items to be worn. Despite its color it is not a white metal (because of its hardness). See composition.

To read the complete entry on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
German-silver (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionarydetail/515988)

German silver
Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger's term (ca. 1837-64) for any of several white alloys of copper, nickel, tin, zinc, antimony, etc. His other term "American silver" quickly became obsolete; "Feuchtwanger's metal" refers to the alloy he used for his sample coins. Other alloys in the same family are known as argentan, argenton, britannia, maillechort, packtong, etc. None contain any silver. NUM 6/13, pp. 297-302.

To read the complete entry on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
German silver (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionarydetail/514277)

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