Sterling vs Junk

[Songbirdo]

Thank you for your dedication to providing us with high quality information for free, and not at a dollar per minute.

What's your opinion on sterling?

Sterling is 92.5% pure silver. Junk silver at 90% (in some cases 35% or 40% depending on the coin). So why does junk silver cost more than sterling on a metal-content basis (not counting for the numismatic value of the old coins).

For instance, you can buy sterling silver from APMEX for $0.09 above spot. The purchase of sterling from them is in unknown product sizes and mint, but it is still cheaper than the 3% ($1.05 today or higher) premium that junk silver carries (unknown condition, age, and sometimes denomination) and yet is of higher purity.

Your thoughts?

Thanks,