How Much Is Bronze Worth Per Ounce?

Bronze, a metal alloy, is a durable material used in many applications. Its market value fluctuates due to economic forces.

Understanding Bronze Composition and Its Value

Bronze is primarily an alloy of copper, typically comprising 88% to 90%, with tin making up the remaining 10% to 12%. The precise proportions of these primary metals directly influence the alloy’s physical properties, such as hardness, ductility, and corrosion resistance. The presence of other alloying elements, such as aluminum, manganese, or silicon, creates variations like aluminum bronze or silicon bronze, each offering distinct characteristics and applications.

These compositional differences directly affect the material’s inherent value. Bronze alloys with higher copper content or specific additives that enhance performance may command a greater price. The form of bronze also plays a role, with cast bronze (for sculptures and fittings) differing in value from wrought bronze (for structural components). Purity and specific type are key to its market worth.

Key Factors Influencing Bronze Prices

The price of bronze is closely tied to global commodity markets, particularly the prices of its main constituents: copper and tin. These base metals are subject to worldwide supply and demand pressures, geopolitical events, and broader economic indicators, which directly translate into the cost of producing or acquiring bronze. Shifts in mining output or supply chain disruptions can lead to immediate price changes for bronze.

Supply and demand dynamics also heavily influence bronze’s valuation. The availability of raw materials, whether from newly mined ore or recycled sources, affects the supply side. On the demand side, industrial sectors such as manufacturing, construction, plumbing, and the arts all contribute to the need for bronze, and changes in their activity levels can significantly impact prices. A surge in construction, for example, might increase demand for bronze pipes and fittings, driving prices upward.

A substantial portion of bronze trading occurs within the scrap metal market. Prices for scrap bronze are sensitive to its purity, volume, and processing costs. Dealers often pay more for larger quantities of clean, unmixed scrap due to reduced handling and refining expenses. Economic expansion generally increases industrial activity, boosting demand and price for metals like bronze.

Determining the Current Price of Bronze

The current price of bronze, especially in the scrap market, fluctuates daily, typically ranging from $1.50 to $3.00 per pound for common grades. One pound contains 16 ounces, meaning the price per ounce would generally be $0.09 to $0.19. These figures are estimates, and actual prices vary based on market conditions and specific alloy compositions.

While a price per ounce may be sought, bronze is most frequently bought and sold in larger units, such as pounds or kilograms, particularly by scrap metal dealers and industrial buyers. Understanding the conversion is important when seeking or providing quotes. For example, a quote of $2.00 per pound translates to $0.125 per ounce.

The most accurate pricing for bronze is typically obtained directly from local scrap metal dealers. These dealers account for local market conditions, the specific grade and purity, and their own processing costs, providing a precise offer. While commodity market data for copper and tin offer general trends, these represent raw material prices and do not directly reflect the value of finished bronze or scrap. Online metal marketplaces or price trackers also provide general indications, but these should be used as broad guides rather than definitive quotes.