The invention relates to a wire for producing a sliding contact, wherein at least an inner core of the wire comprises a copper/silver alloy. The invention also relates to a sliding contact with at least one such wire, wherein a mating contact is provided, with at least one of the wires resting on the conductive surface of said mating contact, wherein the spring force of the wire on the conductive surface of the mating contact brings about electrical contact between the wire and the mating contact, and the mating contact is moveable towards the wire, with the result that the surface of the wire slides over the mating contact during a movement of the mating contact. Finally, the invention also relates to a potentiometric sensor, a potentiometer, a sliding controller, a position sensor, a rotary switch, an electric motor, a generator, a wind turbine, a slip ring system, a servo drive or a current collector with such a sliding contact.