Disclosed is a liquid composition comprising a histidine-silver complex, which does not cause discoloration or precipitation, and which can keep its germicidal activity for a long period. Also disclosed is a coating composition. Specifically disclosed is a liquid composition comprising: a histidine-silver complex in which histidine is coordinated by a silver ion； and at least one member selected from the group consisting of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, a polycarboxylic acid, a salt of the hydroxycarboxylic acid and a salt of the polycarboxylic acid. The histidine-silver complex (which is an active ingredient of the composition) can be stabilized for a long period even in an aqueous solution by mixing the histidine-silver complex with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, a polycarboxylic acid, a salt of the hydroxycarboxylic acid and a salt of the polycarboxylic acid (particularly preferably at least one member selected from the group consisting of glucuronic acid, citric acid, a salt of glucuronic acid and a salt of citric acid). The composition can be used for the inhibition of the growth of harmful microorganisms or sterilization by the action of a silver ion.
