How gold buyback prices work
When you sell gold to a dealer, you get the buyback price, not the price you see in the shop. The buyback price is based on the value of the metal at the current spot price, minus the dealer’s margin. That is why the same coin can be worth a different amount at each dealer on the same day.
The table above shows the highest buyback price per item among the dealers we compare, together with the weakest offer. The difference between them is money you keep or give away, depending on where you sell.
What affects how much you get
- The spot price of gold or silver on the day you sell.
- The product: popular bullion coins and bars from well-known mints are usually easier to sell.
- The condition: scratches, damage or a missing capsule can lower the offer.
- Packaging and certificate: bars sold in their original sealed card are easier to check.
- The dealer’s spread: the gap between what a dealer sells for and what it pays when buying back.
How to sell safely
Compare buyback prices before you go, and check the dealer’s terms: how it verifies the metal, how and when it pays, and whether it accepts insured post. A dealer may ask for proof of identity, especially for larger amounts. Prices change during the day, so confirm the final price with the dealer before you sell.
Is buyback the same as the selling price?
No. The selling price includes the dealer’s premium over the metal value, while the buyback price is usually close to or below the metal value. The “Dealer spread” column shows how big that gap is at the best dealer for each product.