Minerva

Minerva – the assay mark the French use for sterling silver is the head of the goddess Minerva.

Higher than for other countries, the French standard for sterling silver requires a silver content of 950 parts per thousand, or 95% silver as opposed to the English standard of 92.5%. A second mark of the Miverva head next to a ‘2’ is available for items with 80% silver content.

Silver made for export from France has, as its assay mark, the head of Mercury along with a number to indicate the millesimal fineness. The number “1” is used for .920, “2” for .840 and “3” for . 750.