Understanding dealer payouts for silver and gold
Knowing your melt value before you walk into any coin shop, pawn shop, or precious metals buyer is the most important step in selling silver or gold. Without it, you cannot evaluate any offer.
Typical payout ranges by transaction type
| Transaction type | Typical payout | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junk silver (bags, rolls) | 80–92% of melt | Higher volume = better rate |
| Silver bullion coins (Eagles, Maples) | 90–98% of melt | Recognized coins command higher bids |
| Silver bars | 88–97% of melt | Assay card improves rate |
| Scrap gold (jewelry) | 70–90% of melt | Varies by karat and local competition |
| Gold bullion coins | 96–99% of melt | Recognized coins near spot |
| Dental gold | 70–85% of melt | Mixed alloys, refining cost |
How to negotiate
- Get quotes from at least three dealers — local coin shops, pawn shops, and an online dealer.
- Reference the melt value directly: "My silver calculates to $X at today's spot — what percentage of melt are you offering?"
- For larger quantities ($500+ face), ask for a better rate — dealers have more margin on bulk.
- Online mail-in refiners (APMEX, JM Bullion, Provident) often pay 85–95% of melt for standard material.
- Check the Coin Dealers Newsletter (CDN/Greysheet) for published bid prices on common coins.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only. Market conditions, dealer policies, and local competition all affect actual payouts. Not investment advice.