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

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

Upholding the gold standard, the majority, or Roberts report, urged every nation that can do so to stick to gold, flayed proposals for bimetallism or a return to the silver standard.

From Time Magazine Archive

To sustain the silver standard would annually cost about one per cent. for abrasion; but that of gold would not exceed one-twentieth of one per cent.

From American Eloquence, Volume 4 Studies In American Political History (1897) by Johnston, Alexander