Abstract: A primary alkaline cell having a stable divalent silver oxide depolarizer mix comprising a negative electrode (anode), a divalent silver oxide (AgO) depolarizer mix, a separator between said negative electrode and depolarizer mix, and an alkaline electrolyte. The surface of the depolarizer mix is treated with a mild reducing solution to form a reduced layer surrounding the mix, and the surface of the reduced layer adjacent to the separator is coated with a layer of silver. The reduced layer surrounding the depolarizer mix in combination with the layer of silver provides improved stability of the depolarizer mix in the alkaline electrolyte and a single voltage plateau during discharge of the cell. The primary alkaline cell is characterized by a maximum open circuit voltage of about 1.75 volts.