The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - sterlingadj.

1) genuine, authentic, real, true, pure: Is this candle-snuffer sterling silver? 2 excellent, superior, superb, superlative, first-class, exceptional, matchless, peerless, unequalled, nonpareil, incomparable, fine, very good, worthy, estimable, admirable: Commander Ian Johnston has acquitted himself as an officer of sterling character.