How to sell gold
What you get for gold depends on its form. Bullion coins and bars sell for close to the gold price: one UK dealer bought a 1oz Britannia back at 3.3% below spot on 10 October 2026. Scrap jewellery sells for less, at 77% to 84% of melt value with the two buyers we checked.
Selling is where many first-time owners lose money, usually by taking the first offer. These guides show what real buyers pay, so you know what a fair price looks like before you ask.
Which selling guide do I need?
| Guide | What it covers |
|---|---|
| How to sell gold coins | Where to sell, real buyback prices and tax rules in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. |
| How to sell gold bars | Buyback rates from 1g to 1kg, why assay cards matter and the steps to follow. |
| How to sell scrap gold | Per-gram prices for old jewellery, a karat calculator and tax in four countries. |
Why is the price to sell lower than the price to buy?
A dealer buys below the gold spot price and sells above it. The gap is called the spread, and it pays for the dealer's costs and margin. Our guide to gold dealer spreads explains it with real numbers.
What are the basic steps to sell gold?
- Work out what you have: weight, purity and form. The karat guide and hallmark guide help with jewellery.
- Check today's spot price using the gold value calculator.
- Get at least two or three written offers, with the price per gram and any fees.
- Check how you will be paid and how the gold travels. Insured, tracked delivery is standard with online buyers.
- Keep your records for tax. Rules differ by country, so check the tax section of the guide for your item.
What else should I read before selling?
For the overall picture, see how and where to sell gold. If an offer looks too good to be true, read how gold scams work. For the terms you meet, visit the learn hub and glossary. Thinking of buying instead? See the gold coins hub.
This page is information only and is not financial or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I get when I sell gold?
It depends on what you sell. At one UK dealer on 10 October 2026, bullion coins and bars were bought back at roughly 3% to 4% below the gold spot price. Scrap jewellery fetched less, typically 77% to 84% of melt value at the two dealers we checked.
Is it better to sell gold coins, bars or jewellery?
Bullion coins and bars usually return the most because buyers pay close to spot. Scrap jewellery returns less because of lower purity and the refiner's margin. Check each guide here for real buy prices and the steps to follow.
Where is the best place to sell gold?
Compare at least two or three buyers. Online bullion dealers tend to pay more for coins and bars, while specialist scrap buyers often suit jewellery. Pawn shops and high street cash-for-gold shops generally pay less. Ask for the price per gram and any fees in writing.
Do I pay tax when I sell gold?
It depends on the country and the item. In the UK, Sovereigns and Britannias are free of Capital Gains Tax, while bars and foreign coins may not be. In the US, gains are taxed as collectibles. Canada and Australia have their own rules. See the tax section of each guide.
Should I sell gold when the price is high?
We cannot advise on timing. What we can show is that the price you receive follows the live gold spot price minus the dealer's margin, so checking several buyers on the same day matters more than waiting for a perfect moment.
What paperwork do I need to sell gold?
Expect to show photo ID and sometimes proof of address, because dealers must follow anti-money-laundering rules. For bars, keep the original assay card or packaging, as it can make the sale quicker and the price better. Keep records of what you paid for tax purposes.
Sources
We checked these primary and official sources when writing and fact-checking this page.
Not financial advice. GoldVetted provides general information to help you compare options. It is not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Gold prices go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you pay. Check tax rules with the official source or a qualified adviser before you act.