If you’re thinking about selling your gold to a pawn shop, you’re not alone. In 2025, with gold prices nearing all-time highs, many Americans are looking to cash in on old jewelry, coins, or scrap gold. But how much can you realistically expect to get at a pawn shop? The answer isn’t straightforward — and knowing what affects the offer can help you negotiate a better deal.
How Much Do Pawn Shops Pay for Gold?
Pawn shops in the U.S. typically pay between 30% to 60% of your gold’s current market value — also known as the spot price. Why so low? Because pawn shops operate on margin: they need to resell your item and still make a profit.
Let’s say the current spot price of gold is $70 per gram. That means a pawn shop might offer you $21 to $42 per gram, depending on purity and their pricing policies. Some high-end or competitive shops, especially in major cities, may go as high as 60%, but this is more of an exception than the rule.
What Determines How Much You’ll Get?
Several factors affect what you’ll be offered for your gold:
Gold Purity: The higher the karat, the more gold content per gram, and thus the more valuable it is. 24K is pure gold, while 10K is about 41.7% gold.
Item Weight: Heavier pieces are worth more, but only the actual gold content counts — gemstones or decorative parts usually don’t add value.
Spot Price of Gold: This is the global market price of gold at the time you sell. It changes daily and heavily influences what pawn shops offer.
Resale Potential: If your jewelry is a recognizable brand or has collectible value, a pawn shop might offer a better price.
Pawn Shop Markup Strategy: Some shops pay more to remain competitive, especially in urban or high-traffic areas.
What You Might Get — Example Price Ranges (Per Gram)
Here’s an estimated range of what pawn shops might pay per gram in 2025:
| Gold Purity | % Gold Content | Estimated Payout (per gram) |
|---|---|---|
| 10K | ~41.7% | $32 – $38 |
| 14K | ~58.3% | $42 – $49 |
| 18K | 75% | $56 – $72 |
| 22K | ~91.6% | $76 – $100 |
These are approximations based on multiple U.S. sources and assume a spot price between $70–$80 per gram.
How to Get the Best Price for Your Gold at a Pawn Shop
Getting top dollar requires a bit of prep work. First, check the current spot price on reliable sites like Kitco or CNBC. Then, examine your item for a karat stamp (e.g., 10K, 14K, 18K). You can also weigh it at home using a small scale.
Next, visit multiple pawn shops and ask each one to evaluate your piece. Make sure to ask for a breakdown of their calculation: what spot price they’re using, what purity they’re assuming, and what percent of that they’re offering.
Negotiation is expected. Use the info you’ve gathered to leverage better offers — especially if you can show that another shop offered more.
Also, remember that pawn shops don’t always have certified gemologists or gold specialists. If your item might have designer value (like vintage Tiffany or Cartier), you could do better selling it to a specialized buyer or jewelry store.
Pros and Cons of Selling Gold at a Pawn Shop
Selling gold at a pawn shop is fast, but not always the most profitable option.
- Instant cash
- No shipping, waiting, or paperwork
- No credit checks or long appraisals
- Lower payouts compared to online gold buyers or jewelers
- Not all pawn shops are transparent about how they price gold
- You may be pressured into accepting a lowball offer
Should You Consider Other Options?
Yes — especially if your item is valuable or sentimental. Online gold buyers, local jewelers, or high-end gold dealers can often offer 70–90% of the spot price — much higher than pawn shops. These options typically take longer, but the tradeoff is a better return.
For example, specialized buyers might offer up to 99% of market value for larger gold pieces or investment-grade coins. Some online buyers even cover insured shipping and offer price-match guarantees.
If you’re not in a rush, it’s worth comparing.
Final Thoughts
Pawn shops are convenient if you need fast cash, but they usually don’t offer top dollar. Expect somewhere between 30% and 60% of your gold’s value, depending on purity, weight, and current market rates.
To get the most for your gold:
- Know the current spot price
- Understand your item’s purity
- Shop around
- Negotiate with knowledge
And if your gold is part of a high-end brand or vintage piece, explore selling through specialty dealers for even better value.
Pawn shops in the U.S. typically pay 30–60% of gold’s market value, depending on karat, weight, and the spot price at the time. Higher-end or competitive shops in 2025 may offer closer to 60%, but specialized buyers may pay significantly more.
