Pricing gold coins and bullion bars at the pawn counter
Short answer: value a bullion coin or bar from its fine gold content, not its total weight. Multiply the grams of fine gold by today's reference price per gram. Any premium for rarity or condition is a separate question that needs a specialist.
Total weight is not gold weight
Many coins are not pure gold. They are alloyed for hardness, so the coin weighs more than the gold it contains. The value comes from the fine gold content.
| Item | Total weight | Fineness | Fine gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full sovereign (UK) | 7.98 g | 916.7 (22 carat) | 7.32 g |
| Krugerrand, 1 oz (South Africa) | 33.93 g | 916.7 (22 carat) | 31.10 g |
| Investment bar, 100 g | 100 g | 999.9 | about 100 g |
The calculation
Value = fine gold in grams × reference price per gram of fine gold. For a full sovereign at 100 per gram, that is 7.32 × 100 = 732, in your currency.
Bars: check the marks and the packaging
Investment bars usually carry the refiner's name, the weight, the fineness and a serial number, and many come sealed. Record the serial number. A damaged seal or unclear marks are a reason to test before lending.
Collector value is a different question
Rare dates, very fine condition or limited editions can be worth more than their gold. That premium is not in the gold calculation, and it needs an expert. For lending, the gold content is the safe floor.
Fakes
Popular coins are counterfeited. Check weight and diameter against the official specification, and use a tester or XRF when the value is high.
How PawnMeter helps
Enter the fine gold weight and 24k, or the total weight and the coin's karat. PawnMeter calculates the metal value from the official reference price of the day and applies the shop's own percentage.
PawnMeter: Type the item. PawnMeter shows the resale price and a suggested loan, calculated only from what comparable items really sold for. When there is not enough data, it says so instead of guessing.
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