What are my Wood & Hughes Coin and Sterling Silver Pieces Worth?

GREG ARBUTINE
Jul 19
4 min read

What are my Wood & Hughes Coin and Sterling Silver Pieces Worth?

In general, most Wood & Hughes coin and sterling silver flatware, hollowware and jewelry pieces are going to be worth a premium more than scrap silver. Wood & Hughes is considered a premium maker. Some of their more elaborate and ornate pieces can go for between double to quadruple their intrinsic metal value or more.

Wood & Hughes was established in 1833 by Jacob Wood and Jasper H. Hughes and was in business until 1899. The company was based in New York, New York and produced a prolific amount of flatware and hollowware. W&H retailed 33 full line silverware patterns as well as many other design pattern design styles. Most notable were their 3 dimensional medallion head patterns and also their high relief Japonesque aesthetic leaf designs.

Silver Flatware Values: Most of their 33 full line patterns will be in general worth more money than the scrap out price for silver. Prices depend on the condition, piece configuration and if it is monogrammed. The more ornate the pattern, the more likely it will fetch a higher premium. A complete set in excellenet condition will likely be worth more than just a few miscellaneous pieces. Fancier serving pieces with gold plating in the bowls will also be worth more money.

Medallion Pattern Flatware Values:

Wood & Hughes Medallion Head flatware will be worth usually at least double or more of scrap silver values. Wood & Hughes was one of the earliest designers and manufacturers of medallion flatware pieces and some of their design renditions are absolutely amazing. Many have very large 3 dimensional high relief portraits of fine ladies and gentleman. Others may have depictions of Greek or Roman deities or soldiers. All are highly collectible and sought after.

Homeric Pattern Flatware Values:

Wood & Hughes "Homeric" patterned flatware is pretty rare and usually fetches at least triple to quadruple of the weight of the intrinsic silver value, sometimes even more depending on how elaborate the piece is made. What distinguishes "Homeric" between the "Medallion" head flatware is that in the Homeric pattern, the entire piece is decorated in a completely Greco-Roman theme, whereas, the Medallion head designs are restricted to just the cameo area and the rest of the piece has a Victorian Style. Many manufacturers created pieces in the "Homeric" pattern, most notably George W. Shiebler of Brookyn, New York and their pieces tend to go for much higher prices than other manufacturers versions. However, it is very interesting to note that the Wood & Hughes versions of Homeric are somewhat unique in designs and include themes not seen in other manufacturers as well as their liberal use of the Greek Alphabet and letters incorporated into the designs.

Medallion Pattern Hollowware Values:

Wood & Hughes Medallion head hollowware is highly sought after and you can typically expect to pay double to quadruple the scrap price of silver to acquire these types of pieces.

Medallion Pattern Jewelry Values:

Wood & Hughes Medallion head jewelry is usually going to sell for between $300- $600 per troy ounce. These pieces are usually going to be in the "Homeric" design style.

Leaf Designs and Lily of the Valley

Wood & Hughes 3 dimensional leaf designed and Lily of the Valley patterned pieces will usually be worth double to quadruple the scrap silver value of the piece. The more intricate the work and the more detailed, the more the price will be.

Aesthetic Designs

Wood & Hughes Japanese influenced aesthetic designs will usually be worth double to quadruple the scrap silver value of the piece. If it has figurals or mixed metal, this is a big plus for values. Items witha complete scene will go for the most money.

Other Hollowware Designs

Most of the Wood & Hughes hollowware designs out there are either aesthetic or have the medallion heads, however, there are some other design types out there. These are typically worth at least double the item's scrap value or more depending on the pieces. Anything with gold plating helps raise up the value.

Conclusion:

If you own a piece of Wood & Hughes coin (90% silver) or Sterling (92.5% Silver) then you are likely going to receive a premium above scrap when you go to sell it. Although the brand is not quite as prestigous as Tiffany & Co., Gorham, George W. Shiebler, Georg Jensen, Buccellati, or other higher end makers, the company did produce many gem pieces that are highly sought after by antique silver collectors from around the world. Some of the pieces can easily be worth between double to quadruple their scrap silver value or more. Don't just sell your Wood & Hughes piece for scrap at your local coin, jewelry, pawn shop or antique store. Please get our offers to maximize your potential profits.

Please Sell Your Museum Quality Silver to The Silver Museum

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Thanks,

Greg Arbutine

Silver Museum Owner