What Is a Gold Crown Worth & How Do You Sell It?
Discover the real worth of your gold dental crown and learn the practical steps to sell it effectively.
Gold dental crowns, a common restorative option, contain precious metals with financial worth. Assessing a crown’s value involves identifying gold type, determining purity and weight, and understanding market prices.
Composition of Gold Crowns
Gold dental crowns are typically gold alloys, not pure gold. These alloys combine gold with other metals for durability. Gold purity is measured in karats (24 karats is pure gold). Common dental gold alloys range from 10K (41.7% pure gold) to 22K (91.7% pure gold).
The remaining percentage consists of metals like silver, copper, platinum, and palladium. These metals contribute to the crown’s strength, wear resistance, and color. Gold primarily determines value, though other precious metals like platinum and palladium also have market value, their contribution is usually less.
The blend of metals influences the crown’s appearance, from yellow to white gold. Dental gold alloys are biocompatible and corrosion-resistant for oral function, balancing precious metal content with functional requirements.
Key Determinants of Value
A gold crown’s monetary worth is influenced by three factors: gold purity (karatage), gold content weight, and current market price. Gold purity, expressed in karats, dictates the percentage of pure gold in the alloy. For example, 14K gold is 14/24, or approximately 58.3% pure gold.
The crown’s total weight, measured in grams or troy ounces, is significant. Only the net gold weight (pure gold within the alloy) matters for valuation. This is calculated by multiplying the crown’s total weight by its gold purity percentage. For example, a 5-gram 14K gold crown contains approximately 2.915 grams of pure gold.
The market price of gold, or “spot price,” fluctuates daily based on global supply and demand. This price is quoted per troy ounce of pure gold. To determine a crown’s value, multiply its net gold weight by the current spot price. For instance, if pure gold trades at $3,360.16 per troy ounce and a crown contains 0.1 troy ounces of pure gold, its intrinsic value would be approximately $336.02 before deductions.
Estimating Your Crown’s Worth
Estimating a gold crown’s worth requires ascertaining its weight and purity. While a kitchen scale offers a rough estimate, a jeweler’s or precious metals dealer’s scale provides precision. Total weight includes non-gold materials like porcelain or cement, subtracted during professional assessment.
Professional appraisal by reputable jewelers, precious metal dealers, or refiners is essential for accurate valuation. These professionals use specialized equipment, like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, to non-invasively test gold purity without damaging the crown. They also precisely determine the net gold weight by accounting for non-gold materials.
A reliable appraiser provides a clear breakdown of the crown’s material value, including total weight, gold purity, and net gold weight. They factor in the current spot price to estimate intrinsic value. This information is crucial for understanding market potential before selling. Professional assessment ensures transparency and prevents undervaluation.
The Selling Process
After professional assessment determines a gold crown’s worth, find a suitable buyer. Reputable gold buyers, precious metal refiners, and some pawn shops purchase scrap gold. Refiners typically offer prices closest to intrinsic metal value; pawn shops may offer less due to their business model. Obtain quotes from multiple buyers to compare offers.
When selling, the buyer will re-weigh the crown and verify its purity. The offer is calculated by multiplying the net gold weight by the current spot price, then applying a 10% to 40% deduction for services. This deduction covers operational costs, refining fees, and profit margin. For example, a $100 melt value might result in an offer between $60 and $90.
Payments are typically made via cash, check, or bank transfer after the agreement. Sellers should request a detailed receipt outlining the weight, purity, spot price, and deductions. Selling scrap gold, including dental crowns, is considered a sale of personal property for tax purposes. If the sale results in a gain (selling price exceeds original basis), it may be subject to capital gains tax. Retain transaction records for tax reporting, especially if significant, as gains from collectibles like gold can be taxed at a higher rate (up to 28% for individuals).