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

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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

In his house at Lake Hopatcong, N. J., resting on a silver standard, is a baseball which Babe Ruth has not autographed.

From Time Magazine Archive

So far as the attainment of the closest possible approach to ideal justice is concerned, a silver standard would have served the purpose better than a gold one.

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

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