silver standard

American  

noun

1. a monetary standard or system using silver of specified weight and fineness to define the basic unit of currency.

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silver standard British  

noun

1. a monetary system in which the legal unit of currency is defined with reference to silver of a specified fineness and weight and sometimes (esp formerly) freely redeemable for it

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Etymology

Origin of silver standard

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

silver standard

Judging by that silver standard, England have come a long way during his three years in charge.

From BBC ● Mar. 14, 2026

Half income is said to be the "silver standard."

From BBC ● Mar. 1, 2016

Sometimes you have to settle for the silver standard or the bronze standard, but I still advocate for the gold standard.”

From Slate ● Jan. 23, 2013

Last week silver standard China had a taste of the same, though silver instead of gold was the metal wanted.

From Time Magazine Archive

Under a silver standard the rise in prices will take place in the end; and we are concerned with the social consequences of such an eventual result....

From Readings in Money and Banking Selected and Adapted by Phillips, Chester Arthur