Before You Sell: Preparation
- Identify your silver — Check for hallmarks (925, 800, STERLING, etc.)
- Weigh accurately — Use a digital scale accurate to 0.1 grams
- Know the spot price — Check the current silver price per ounce
- Calculate melt value — Use our scrap calculator to know your floor price
- Separate by purity — Group items by hallmark for accurate quotes
Where to Sell Silver
1. Local Precious Metals Dealers
Typical payout: 85-95% of melt value
- ✅ Immediate cash payment
- ✅ Can inspect and negotiate in person
- ✅ No shipping costs or risks
- ❌ Limited to local options
- ❌ Prices vary — always get multiple quotes
2. Online Precious Metals Buyers
Typical payout: 85-92% of melt value
- ✅ Competitive prices due to lower overhead
- ✅ Convenient — ship from home
- ❌ Must ship your silver (insure it!)
- ❌ Payment takes longer (3-10 days)
3. Refiners (Direct)
Typical payout: 90-98% of melt value
- ✅ Best prices, closest to melt value
- ✅ Professional assay of your silver
- ❌ Often require minimum quantities (50+ oz)
- ❌ Longer processing time
4. Pawn Shops
Typical payout: 50-70% of melt value
- ✅ Quick cash
- ❌ Significantly below fair value
- ❌ Not recommended for selling silver
5. Online Marketplaces (eBay, etc.)
Potential payout: 90-120% of melt value
- ✅ Can get above-melt prices for desirable items
- ✅ Access to worldwide buyers
- ❌ Seller fees (10-15%)
- ❌ Risk of scams, returns, disputes
- ❌ Requires photography, listings, shipping
Tips for Getting the Best Price
- Get 3+ quotes — Never accept the first offer
- Sell on high-price days — Watch the spot price and sell when it's trending up
- Know what you have — Items with numismatic, antique, or brand value may be worth more than melt
- Avoid desperation — If you need cash today, you'll get a lower price. Plan ahead if possible.
- Consider tax implications — Silver sales over $10,000 require IRS reporting. Capital gains may apply.
Calculate your silver's value before walking into a dealer. Knowing the exact melt value puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.
Reputable Places to Sell Silver Online
These are well-known, established precious metals buyers. Always calculate your melt value first so you can compare offers objectively.
One of the largest online precious metals dealers. Strong buy prices, fast payment, free shipping kit over $500.
Get a Quote at APMEX →Popular online dealer with competitive buy prices. Easy online quote tool, multiple payment options including check and wire.
Get a Quote at JM Bullion →Known for low premiums on buying and competitive selling prices. Good for bulk lots of junk silver and common bullion.
Get a Quote at SD Bullion →Well-established Canadian metals trader. Best for larger quantities. Also provides live silver price charts and market data.
Get a Quote at Kitco →Buy Gold and Silver Coins — reliable mid-size dealer with strong prices on common bullion and junk silver lots.
Get a Quote at BGASC →Specialist in jewelry and silverware scrap. Excellent rates for sterling silver flatware, jewelry, and coins. XRF testing available.
Get a Quote at Abe Mor →* Payout % ranges are approximate and based on melt value. Always get a current quote before selling. We are not affiliated with any of these dealers.