A hallmark is an official marking stamped onto precious metal items that certifies the metal’s purity and identifies its maker or assay office.
History
Hallmarking originated in 14th-century England at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London (hence the name). It remains one of the oldest forms of consumer protection.
Common Hallmark Components
- Maker’s Mark: Identifies the manufacturer or refiner
- Fineness Mark: Indicates the metal purity (e.g., 999, 750)
- Assay Office Mark: Identifies which assay office tested and certified the item
- Date Letter: Indicates the year of assay
Hallmarks on Investment Metals
Modern investment bars typically display:
- Refiner name and logo
- Weight in troy ounces or grams
- Purity (fineness)
- Serial number
These markings serve the same function as traditional hallmarks — guaranteeing the identity and quality of the metal.