How to Sell Gold in the UK: Complete Guide
Looking to sell gold near me? Find verified gold buyers in your area, compare prices, and sell gold jewellery, coins, and scrap safely for the best prices.
How Much Will I Get for My Gold?
Gold value depends on three factors: weight, purity (carat), and the current spot price. Here are today's UK gold prices:
9ct
£46.52
per gram
14ct
£72.57
per gram
18ct
£93.04
per gram
22ct
£113.63
per gram
24ct
£123.93
per gram
What Dealers Actually Pay
The prices above are spot prices (market value). Dealers pay less to cover refining costs and margins:
- Gold Jewelry: 70-80% of spot
- Gold Coins: 85-95% of spot
- Gold Bars: 90-98% of spot
- Scrap/Dental Gold: 60-75% of spot
Where to Sell Gold in the UK
High street gold buyers offer the best combination of price and convenience. You can watch the weighing and testing process.
Pros:
- • Immediate cash payment
- • Face-to-face transaction
- • Can negotiate in person
- • See testing process
Cons:
- • Need to visit in person
- • Prices vary between dealers
- • Limited to local options
Send gold by insured post. Convenient for those without local dealers, but requires trust.
Pros:
- • Convenient from home
- • Often competitive prices
- • Free insured postage kits
Cons:
- • Must post valuable items
- • Can't see testing process
- • Payment delay (1-3 days)
Quick cash option with nationwide availability, but typically offer lower prices than specialist gold dealers.
Pros:
- • Quick and easy
- • Found on most high streets
- • Option to get loan instead
Cons:
- • Lower prices (50-70% of spot)
- • Not gold specialists
- • Less knowledge of gold
Best for rare or antique pieces that may have value beyond gold content. Not suitable for scrap gold.
Pros:
- • Potential for higher prices
- • Good for collectible items
- • Expert valuations
Cons:
- • Fees (15-25% commission)
- • Long wait for payment
- • No guaranteed sale
Step-by-Step: How to Sell Gold
Identify Your Gold
Check for hallmarks stamped on your items. UK hallmarks: 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), 916 (22ct), 999 (24ct). If no hallmark, a dealer can test it for free.
Weigh Your Gold
Use accurate kitchen scales or jewellery scales (available from £10). Weigh in grams. Separate items by carat - don't mix different purities together.
Check Current Prices
Know today's gold prices before visiting dealers. Current rates: 9ct = £46.52/g, 18ct = £93.04/g. Use our calculator for your specific gold.
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least 3 gold buyers to compare offers. Don't accept the first offer. Reputable dealers will provide written quotes you can take away.
Choose Your Buyer
Select based on price, reputation, and convenience. Check reviews. Verified dealers in our directory are vetted for legitimacy.
Complete the Sale
Bring valid photo ID and proof of address (required by law). Get a receipt. Payment is typically immediate for cash, 1-2 days for bank transfer.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
- Get quotes from at least 3-4 dealers
- Know the current spot price before visiting
- Separate gold by purity/carat
- Check dealer credentials and reviews
- Ask to see the weighing process
- Get written quotes to compare
- Negotiate - dealers expect it
- Accept the first offer without comparing
- Sell without knowing current prices
- Let dealers mix different carats together
- Feel pressured into immediate decisions
- Sell to door-to-door buyers
- Use unverified online buyers
- Forget to get a receipt
Red Flags and Scams to Avoid
- Door-to-door buyers - Never sell to anyone who comes to your home uninvited
- "Gold parties" - High-pressure social events often pay 30-50% below market
- Prices far below market - If an offer seems too low, it probably is
- No written quotes - Legitimate dealers provide written valuations
- No physical premises - Be cautious of buyers without a shop front
- Pressure tactics - "Price only valid today" is a red flag
- ✓ Use established, verified dealers
- ✓ Check for business registration
- ✓ Read online reviews (Google, Trustpilot)
- ✓ Visit physical premises
- ✓ Get written quotes
- ✓ Keep your receipt
- ✓ Trust your instincts - walk away if uncomfortable
Tax When Selling Gold UK
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Gold sales may be subject to Capital Gains Tax if your profit exceeds the annual allowance.
CGT-Free Gold
- • UK Gold Sovereigns (legal tender)
- • UK Gold Britannia coins
- • Sales under annual allowance (£3,000 for 2026/27)
May Be Taxable
- • Gold bars and bullion
- • Foreign gold coins
- • Gold jewelry (if sold for profit)
Disclaimer
Tax rules are complex and can change. This is general information only, not tax advice. For significant gold sales, consult a qualified tax advisor or accountant.
Calculate Your Gold's Value
Get an instant estimate based on today's UK gold prices
Specific Items We Can Help You Sell
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Frequently Asked Questions
The amount depends on weight, purity, and current prices. Today's rates: 9ct = £46.52/g, 18ct = £93.04/g, 22ct = £113.63/g. Dealers typically pay 70-90% of these spot prices.
Yes, UK law requires valid photo ID (passport or driving license) and proof of address for gold sales. This is required under anti-money laundering regulations.
Gold prices are currently near historic highs. The current 24ct price is £123.93/g. If you need to sell, current prices are favorable compared to historical averages.
Local gold dealers typically offer the best combination of price and convenience. Avoid door-to-door buyers and "gold parties". Get quotes from at least 3 dealers. Our directory lists 242+ verified UK gold buyers.
UK Sovereign and Britannia coins are CGT-free as legal tender. Other gold may be subject to Capital Gains Tax if profits exceed your annual allowance (£3,000 for 2026/27). Consult a tax advisor for large sales.
Compare Gold Buyers UK: Who Pays the Most?
Different types of gold buyers pay different percentages of the gold's melt value. Always get at least 3 quotes before selling.
| Buyer Type | Typical Payout | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist gold dealers | 90-98% of melt | Same day | Best price overall |
| Online/postal gold buyers | 85-95% of melt | 1-3 days | Convenience, no local dealer |
| High street jewellers | 75-90% of melt | Same day | Small amounts, convenience |
| Cash for gold shops | 70-85% of melt | Instant cash | Quick cash, walk-in |
| Pawnbrokers | 40-60% (loan) / 70-85% (sale) | Instant | Temporary loan, want gold back |
Always check your gold's melt value before visiting any buyer so you know what a fair offer looks like.
Ready to Sell Your Gold?
Find trusted gold buyers near you from our network of 242+ verified UK dealers
About the Author
Founder & Market Researcher
Taro has been actively investing in precious metals and financial markets for over 15 years. Frustrated by the lack of transparent, accurate gold pricing information in the UK, he built London Gold Exchange as a data-driven resource for fellow investors. The site combines real-time market data, verified dealer information from 242+ UK businesses, and insights drawn from years of hands-on experience in the gold market.
- ✓15+ years investing in precious metals & equities
- ✓Built verified database of 242+ UK gold dealers
- ✓Daily market data analysis and price tracking