Scrap Gold Calculator
Find out what your gold jewelry, coins, or scrap gold is worth at today's live spot price. Select the karat purity, enter the weight, and get the melt value instantly. Look for a stamp on your item — common markings include 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K.
Live gold spot price: $2650.00 / troy oz
How to Use This Calculator
- 1. Find the karat stamp on your item (e.g. "14K", "585", "750").
- 2. Weigh it on a kitchen or jewelry scale — grams is the most common unit.
- 3. Enter the weight and select the unit above.
- 4. The melt value is the theoretical gold content value at spot price — dealers typically pay 70–90% of melt.
How to Read Gold Karat Stamps
Gold jewelry is stamped with its purity. US jewelry uses karat marks (10K, 14K, 18K) while European and international pieces often use millesimal fineness stamps (three digit numbers representing parts per thousand). Both systems indicate the same thing — what percentage of the item is pure gold.
| Karat | Fineness Stamp | Gold % | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% | Bullion bars, investment coins |
| 22K | 917 | 91.7% | High-end jewelry, American Gold Eagles |
| 18K | 750 | 75% | Fine jewelry, European pieces |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | Most common US jewelry |
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% | Budget US jewelry, minimum legal karat |
What Dealers Actually Pay for Scrap Gold
The melt value this calculator shows is the theoretical maximum — the full spot price value of the pure gold content. In practice, buyers pay less because they need to cover their own costs and make a profit.
- Pawn shops — Typically pay 40–60% of melt value. Convenient but the lowest offers.
- Gold buying shops / mail-in services — Usually pay 60–75% of melt. Vary widely — always get multiple quotes.
- Local coin dealers — Often pay 80–90% of melt for clean, identifiable scrap. Better for larger quantities.
- Refiners (direct) — Can pay 95%+ of melt but usually require minimum quantities of several ounces.
Always calculate melt value first so you know what percentage of melt any offer represents. Never sell without knowing this number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "14K" mean on gold jewelry?
14 karat gold contains 14 parts pure gold out of 24 total parts, making it 58.5% pure gold. The remaining 41.5% is typically copper, silver, zinc, or nickel depending on whether the piece is yellow, white, or rose gold. It's the most common alloy used in US jewelry.
Is gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry worth anything?
Gold-filled jewelry has a very thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal core. The gold content is usually so small (1/20th by weight at most) that the melt value is negligible — often under a dollar per piece. Gold-plated items have even less gold. Neither is worth selling as scrap gold.
My item has no stamp. How do I know if it's real gold?
Unstamped gold is common in older pieces predating marking requirements, imported items, or custom jewelry. A jeweler can test it with acid or an XRF machine in minutes. Reputable coin shops often test for free if you're considering selling. Never assume something is gold or not gold based on appearance alone.
Should I sell my gold jewelry as scrap or keep it?
Jewelry with significant craftsmanship, brand name, or antique value may be worth more sold intact than as scrap. Check eBay sold listings for similar pieces before scrapping anything. Melt value is the floor price — not necessarily what the piece is worth to a collector or buyer who values the design.