Scrap Gold Price Per Gram by Karat
| Karat | Purity | Melt Value/Gram | Est. Dealer Pays/Gram |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | $145.29 | $116.23 |
| 22K | 91.7% | $133.18 | $106.54 |
| 18K | 75.0% | $108.96 | $87.17 |
| 14K | 58.3% | $84.75 | $67.80 |
| 10K | 41.7% | $60.54 | $48.43 |
What Is Scrap Gold?
Scrap gold is any gold item sold for its metal content rather than its design, brand, or collectible value. This includes broken chains, single earrings, old class rings, bent bracelets, dental gold, watch cases, and any other gold item that has more value melted down than worn or displayed.
Gold-plated items are generally not worth selling as scrap because the gold layer is extremely thin — typically less than 0.05% of the item's total weight. However, gold-filled items (marked GF) contain a thicker layer and may have enough gold to be worth refining. Solid gold items stamped with a karat mark (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.) are always worth selling as scrap.
The "scrap price" you receive is the gold melt value minus the dealer's margin. The melt value is calculated from the current spot price, the weight of the item, and its karat purity. A dealer or refiner then deducts their processing costs and profit margin, which is why scrap gold sells for less than the full melt value shown in the table above.
How Much Do Dealers Pay for Scrap Gold?
Most reputable gold dealers pay between 70% and 90% of the melt value for scrap gold. The exact percentage depends on the buyer, the quantity you are selling, and the form of the gold. Larger lots — 50 grams or more — typically command higher payouts because the buyer's per-transaction costs are spread over more gold.
Online gold buyers and local coin shops tend to offer better prices than pawn shops. Pawn shops often pay only 50–70% of melt value because gold buying is not their primary business. Dedicated gold buyers and refiners can afford to pay more because they process gold more efficiently and in higher volumes.
Always get at least two or three quotes before selling your scrap gold. Prices can vary significantly between buyers. For a competitive, spot-based quote on any quantity of scrap gold, contact US Gold & Coin.
What Affects the Scrap Gold Price Per Gram?
The primary factors are karat purity, the current gold spot price, the weight of the gold, the buyer's margin, and the form of the gold. A 14K gold ring and a 14K gold chain of the same weight have the same melt value, but a gold bar or coin may fetch a slightly higher percentage because it requires less processing by the refiner.
Higher-purity gold commands better payout percentages because refiners spend less time and fewer chemicals separating it from alloy metals. A batch of 22K gold scrap may get an 85–90% payout, while 10K gold — which is more than half non-gold alloy — might only get 70–80%. The current gold price per gram sets the baseline for all of these calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap gold worth per gram?
The scrap gold value per gram depends on the karat purity. At today's spot price, 24K scrap gold has a melt value of $$145.29 per gram, 14K is worth $$84.75 per gram, and 10K is worth $$60.54 per gram. Dealers typically pay 70–90% of these melt values.
Where can I sell scrap gold near me?
You can sell scrap gold at local coin shops, jewelry stores that buy gold, pawn shops, and online gold buyers. Coin shops and dedicated gold buyers usually offer the best prices. Search for "gold buyer" or "coin shop" in your area and compare quotes from at least two or three buyers before selling.
Do pawn shops pay spot price for gold?
No. Pawn shops typically pay 50–70% of the gold melt value, which is significantly below the spot price. Dedicated gold dealers and online buyers usually pay 75–90% of melt value. If you want the best return on your scrap gold, avoid pawn shops and seek out specialized gold buyers.
How do I know the karat of my gold?
Look for a karat stamp on the piece. Common markings include 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, or equivalent numeric stamps like 417 (10K), 585 (14K), 750 (18K), or 916 (22K). If there is no stamp, a jeweler or gold buyer can test the gold using acid tests or electronic karat testers. Do not assume unmarked gold is a particular karat.
Is it worth selling a small amount of scrap gold?
Yes. Even a few grams of gold have meaningful value. A single 14K gold ring weighing 5 grams has a melt value of about $$423.75. However, some buyers have minimum purchase amounts, and you may get a better per-gram rate if you accumulate more gold before selling. If you have less than 5 grams, consider combining pieces.