What Is 926 Gold and How Much Is It Worth?

Many people acquire an item marked “926” and seek to understand its composition and worth. Accurately determining its value requires a clear understanding of precious metal markings and their relation to purity. This article clarifies what a “926” mark typically signifies and provides a framework for assessing an item’s potential value.

Understanding Gold Purity and Markings

Gold purity is universally measured through two primary systems: the karat system and the millesimal fineness system. The karat system expresses gold content as parts out of 24, where 24 karat (24K) represents 99.9% pure gold. For instance, 18K gold contains 75% pure gold and is often marked as “750” in the fineness system.

14K gold is composed of 58.5% pure gold, commonly stamped as “585,” while 10K gold, marked as “417,” has 41.7% pure gold content. Beyond solid gold, items may bear markings like “GP” for gold plated, “GF” for gold filled, or “HGE” for heavy gold electroplate. These indicate a thin layer of gold over a base metal rather than a solid precious metal composition.

Deciphering the “926” Mark

The “926” mark is not a standard or recognized purity stamp for gold within established precious metal systems. It is highly improbable that it signifies 92.6% pure gold. Standard gold purities are expressed in karats or millesimal fineness numbers like 999, 916, 750, 585, or 417.

One common explanation for a “926” mark is a misreading or worn variation of “925.” The “925” stamp is the universally recognized fineness mark for sterling silver, indicating an alloy that is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. A poorly stamped “925” could easily appear as “926,” leading to confusion about its precious metal content.

Another possibility is that “926” is a non-standard or foreign marking that does not denote gold purity. It might represent a manufacturer’s internal code, a design number, or indicate a gold-plated item where the number refers to something other than the gold content. An item marked “926” is generally not solid gold of that stated fineness.

Estimating the Value of Your Item

Estimating the value of an item marked “926” begins with accurately identifying its true metallic composition. If initial assessment suggests sterling silver due to a “925” misreading, or another metal, professional verification is prudent. Once the metal is identified, precisely weigh the item, typically in grams or troy ounces, as precious metal values are directly tied to weight.

Accessing the current market price for gold or silver is necessary, as these prices fluctuate daily. Reputable financial news websites or precious metal dealer sites provide real-time spot prices per troy ounce or gram. For instance, as of August 2025, the gold price per gram is approximately $108.92, and the silver price per gram is around $1.26.

If an item is identified as 14K gold (58.5% pure) and weighs 10 grams, its melt value is calculated by multiplying the weight (10g) by its purity (0.585) and the current price of pure gold per gram ($108.92), yielding approximately $637.78. Beyond melt value, factors such as craftsmanship, designer, rarity, and gemstones can significantly influence its overall market worth.