Massachusetts § 77 - Sterling and coin silver; contents; sale; penalty

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 77 — Sterling and coin silver; contents; sale; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 77. Sterling and coin silver; contents; sale; penalty

Section 77. Whoever makes or sells, or offers to sell or dispose of, or has in his possession with intent so to do, any article of merchandise marked, stamped or branded with the words ''sterling'', ''sterling silver'', ''coin'' or ''coin silver'', or encased or enclosed in any box, package, cover or wrapper or other thing in or by which the said article is packed, enclosed or otherwise prepared for sale or disposition, having thereon any engraving or printed label, stamp, imprint, mark or trade mark, indicating or denoting by such marking, stamping, branding, engraving or printing, that such article is silver, sterling silver, solid silver, coin or coin silver, shall, unless nine hundred and twenty-five one-thousandths of the component parts of the metal of which the said article so marked, stamped or branded with the words ''sterling'' or ''sterling silver'' is manufactured are pure silver, or unless nine hundred one-thousandths of the component parts of the metal of which the article so marked, stamped or branded with the words ''coin'' or ''coin silver'' is manufactured, are pure silver, be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 77

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 77 cover?

Section 77 ("Sterling and coin silver; contents; sale; penalty") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 77?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 77" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 77 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.