GOLD STAMP GUIDE
What does 585 mean on gold?
Many pieces use a millesimal fineness stamp instead of a karat mark.
| Stamp | Karat | Gold content |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% |
| 417 | 10K | 41.7% |
| 375 | 9K | 37.5% |
LIVE GOLD VALUATION TOOLS
How Much Is Your Gold Worth?
Calculate one item or a complete batch, compare likely buyer offers, value U.S. gold coins and estimate dental gold from the same live spot reference.
Four calculator modes16 currencies
LIVE GOLD REFERENCELoading…USD per troy ounce
PER GRAMN/A
Waiting for live priceCALCULATE YOUR GOLD
One live price. Four useful ways to value gold.
Updating FXN/A
SINGLE ITEM
Weight and purity
QUICK REFERENCE
Gold value by karat
Indicative pure-metal value at the current spot price. Buyer offers may be lower.
| Purity | 1 gram | 1 dwt | 5 grams | 10 grams | 1 troy oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K100.0% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 22K91.7% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 18K75.0% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 14K58.3% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 10K41.7% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 9K37.5% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
U.S. PURCHASE PLANNING
Sales tax estimator by state
Estimate tax on a gold purchase with a state starting rate that you can edit.
Estimated tax$62.50
Estimated total$1,062.50
Check before buying. This starts with the statewide general rate. Local rates, bullion exemptions, product eligibility and transaction thresholds can change the actual tax.
Review 2026 state and local rate data ↗IDENTIFY BEFORE YOU VALUE
Read the marks. Check the metal. Protect the value.
Simple checks can help you enter a better estimate, but they do not replace a professional assay or collectible-coin appraisal.
QUICK AUTHENTICITY CHECKS
Is my gold real?
Start with non-destructive observations and stop if a test could damage the item.
- Inspect the hallmark
Look for a karat or fineness mark plus a maker’s mark. Plated pieces may show GP, GEP, HGE or RGP.
- Try a strong magnet
Gold is not magnetic. Strong attraction is a warning, but no attraction does not prove the item is gold.
- Confirm professionally
A reputable buyer can use acid, electronic or XRF testing. Acid testing can mark a piece and should be performed carefully.
COIN VALUE GUIDE
Graded value vs. melt value
Melt value measures only the fine gold content at the current spot price. It is the relevant baseline for common bullion and damaged pieces.
Graded or collectible value can include rarity, date, mint mark, condition, certification and buyer demand. Never sell a potentially scarce pre 1933 coin as scrap before checking comparable sales or requesting a numismatic appraisal.
PRINTABLE CHECKLIST
Five steps before selling scrap gold
- Separate items by visible karat or fineness mark.
- Weigh each group with a scale accurate to at least 0.01g.
- Record stones and non-gold parts that may affect gross weight.
- Calculate melt value and choose a realistic buyer payout range.
- Compare written offers from several established buyers.
USEFUL EQUIPMENT
Shopping links are general, non-affiliate search links until GoldPriceNow activates an approved partner program. Testing chemicals require careful handling.Get a more accurate estimate
Basic equipment can reduce guesswork before you request a professional test.
SCRAP GOLD QUESTIONS
Before you sell your gold
A practical starting point for understanding melt value, purity and buyer offers.
Is melt value the amount a buyer will pay?
No. Melt value is the estimated metal value before testing costs, refining charges, minimum fees and dealer margin.
What is a pennyweight?
One pennyweight (dwt) equals 1.55517384 grams. It is commonly used in the jewelry and precious-metals trade.
Does the calculator value gemstones?
No. Remove or separately appraise stones, watch movements and other non-gold parts where possible.
How much is a 14K gold ring worth?
A typical 14K gold ring contains 58.3% pure gold. Multiply its weight in grams by the current 14K gold price per gram, or enter it in the calculator above.
What is the scrap value of 18K gold?
18K gold is 75% pure gold. Its scrap value is higher than 14K but lower than 24K because the item contains less pure gold than its total weight.
How do gold buyers calculate price?
Buyers usually begin with tested gold content and melt value, then deduct refining, operating costs and margin. The buyer payout slider helps compare those deductions.
What is the difference between melt value and market value?
Melt value reflects raw gold content. Market value may also include craftsmanship, brand, history and collector demand.
How can I sell scrap gold for a better price?
Know the weight and karat first, remove non-gold parts where practical, and compare transparent offers from several established buyers.