How to Sell Bullion
A Step‑by‑Step Guide to Selling Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium Bullion in 2026
Selling bullion is straightforward when you understand how pricing works, where to sell, and how to compare offers. Whether you’re selling gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, the goal is simple: get a fair price with minimal friction.
This guide explains where to sell bullion, how dealers calculate offers, and how to avoid common mistakes when selling precious metals.
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1. Know What You Have
Before selling, identify your bullion clearly. Buyers will ask for:
- metal type (gold, silver, platinum, palladium)
- product type (coin, bar, round)
- mint or brand
- purity and weight
- condition
Products from well‑known mints (e.g., RCM, Perth Mint, PAMP Suisse) typically sell faster and at stronger prices.
2. Understand How Bullion Pricing Works
Your offer will be based on:
- spot price
- the dealer’s buyback premium
- product type
- brand and mint
- market demand
Typical Buyback Premiums
- Sovereign coins: highest buyback prices
- Bars: slightly lower buyback prices
- Rounds: lowest buyback prices
Dealers usually pay spot minus a small fee for bars and rounds, and spot or spot plus for popular sovereign coins.
3. Choose Where to Sell
Online Bullion Dealers (Best Overall)
- highest buyback prices
- transparent pricing
- insured shipping
- fast payment
Local Coin Shops
- immediate payment
- no shipping required
- lower offers than online dealers
Pawn Shops
- not recommended
- lowest payouts
- limited bullion expertise
4. Compare Buyback Offers
Always compare offers from multiple dealers. Prices can vary significantly based on inventory needs and market conditions.
What to Compare
- buyback price per ounce
- shipping requirements
- payment methods
- processing time
Some dealers offer locked‑in pricing once you confirm your sale.
5. Ship Your Bullion Safely (If Selling Online)
Reputable dealers provide insured shipping labels or detailed packing instructions.
Best Practices
- double‑box your shipment
- avoid labeling packages with metal‑related terms
- use tamper‑evident packaging
- keep tracking information
Once the dealer receives and verifies your bullion, payment is issued.
6. Receive Payment
Dealers typically offer:
- bank wire
- ACH transfer
- check
Bank wire is the fastest option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- selling to the first dealer without comparing offers
- selling collectible coins as bullion
- shipping without insurance
- not knowing the current spot price
- selling during temporary market dips
When Is the Best Time to Sell?
There is no perfect time, but sellers often get better prices when:
- spot prices are rising
- premiums are elevated due to high demand
- inventory shortages increase buyback competition
Watching market trends helps you time your sale more effectively.
Explore More Bullion Guides
- Gold Bullion
- Silver Bullion
- Platinum Bullion
- Palladium Bullion
- Bullion Purity & Hallmarks
- Bullion vs Coins
- Bullion Storage
- How to Buy Bullion
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Final Thoughts
Selling bullion is simple when you understand how pricing works and where to get the best offers. By comparing buyback prices, choosing reputable dealers, and shipping securely, you can sell your precious metals confidently in 2026 and beyond.