Still beautiful after all these years

American-coin silver hollowware and flatware was made beginning in the 1820s, a time when silver ore was in such short supply that silversmiths had to melt silver coins and transform the vat of boiling metal into spoons, bowls, candlesticks, and other utilitarian objects. Typically, they are rather plain looking and devoid of ornament. Some pieces, however, are embellished with plump strawberries or egg-on-dart borders.

Coin silver contains 90 percent silver, which is why it is usually less expensive than sterling, which has a higher silver content - .925.

After 1820, silver companies such as Tiffany made superb silverware that has never been surpassed. Especially prized are the company's Japanese-style serving pieces that tantalized customers a century ago and still do. Close behind in popularity is silver by Gorham, which also made glorious serving pieces, as well as a unique line of Art Nouveau silver called Martelé.

Among collectors of modern silver, the pieces of Danish artisan George Jensen are favored because of their superb craftsmanship and timeless design. While not as well known, Petersen silver, which comes from Montreal, is also worth collecting.