Sell Your Gold Bars

Yes, you can. Dealers can test the gold to verify its purity using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis. However, having the original assay certificate or sealed packaging makes the process faster and may get you a slightly better price — typically 1-2% more. If you have lost the certificate, note the serial number and refiner name, as dealers may be able to verify against manufacturer records.

Yes. Most gold bars are NOT exempt from CGT in the UK. Only UK legal tender coins (like Sovereigns and Britannias) are exempt. Selling gold bars may trigger a tax liability if your total chargeable gains from all assets exceed the annual CGT allowance (currently £3,000). Keep records of your original purchase price, date of purchase, and sale price to accurately report any gain to HMRC.

From a liquidity perspective, 1oz and 100g bars are the most popular and easiest to sell. Very small bars (1g, 5g) attract a slightly lower percentage of spot due to proportionally higher manufacturing costs. Very large bars (500g, 1kg) are highly valued but fewer dealers can buy them outright due to the capital required. For most private sellers, bars between 10g and 100g offer the best balance of liquidity and value.

The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) maintains a list of approved refiners whose bars are accepted worldwide. Major names include PAMP Suisse, Metalor, Heraeus, Umicore, Argor-Heraeus, Valcambi, the Royal Mint, and the Perth Mint. Bars from these refiners sell for the best prices because their quality is universally trusted. Bars from non-LBMA refiners may still be valuable but typically require additional testing.

For sealed, certified bars from LBMA-approved refiners, dealers typically pay 95-98% of the spot gold value. Larger bars (100g+) tend to get rates at the higher end of this range. Loose bars without certificates may receive 92-95% while the dealer tests authenticity. Online bullion dealers generally pay more than high-street shops. Always get at least three quotes, as the 2-3% difference between dealers can represent a significant sum on larger bars.

Minor surface marks on a gold bar have minimal impact on its scrap or resale value — the gold content is unchanged. However, bars in pristine condition within their original sealed assay packaging command the highest premiums. If your bar has been removed from its packaging and shows handling marks, it may receive a slightly lower offer (1-2% less) than a sealed bar, as the dealer cannot guarantee it has not been tampered with.