silver standard

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

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

As the price of silver mounted all the world began to sell silver to the U. S. China alone of all countries was on a silver standard.

From Time Magazine Archive

That is, beginning with the gold standard, and ignoring the silver standard, Mr. Lepper reaches bimetallism!

From The Arena Volume 18, No. 93, August, 1897 by Various