Gold prices touched $2,500 per ounce in January 2026, and many people are now thinking about how to sell gold jewellery or gold coins for cash. You may have old jewellery at home or a few gold coins saved as an investment.
The big question is simple: Which one gives you more money when you sell—jewellery or coins?

In this guide, we compare value, purity, costs, and demand to help you choose the smarter option. The short answer? Gold coins usually pay more. Here’s why.

Gold Purity Breakdown: Jewellery vs Coins

Gold Jewellery Has Mixed Metals

Most gold jewellery is not pure gold.

• Common purity levels: 22K or 18K

• These are mixed with copper or silver to make jewellery strong

• Over time, wear and tear can reduce actual purity

Fact:
22K gold is about 91.6% pure (World Gold Council data).

Example:
An old necklace marked 22K may test closer to 20K after years of use.

👉 This lowers the final price when you sell gold jewellery.

Gold Coins Are Near-Pure Gold

Gold coins are made mainly for investment.

• Standard purity: 99.9% (24K)

• Easy to test and verify

• No design or metal loss

Dealer quote:
“Coins melt clean. There is no waste,” says gold dealer Raj Patel.

Best options:

• Government-minted coins

• Krugerrands, American Eagles, gold bars

Tip:
Always ask for XRF testing when selling coins.

Costs That Reduce Your Payout

Jewellery Has Hidden Losses

When you buy jewellery, you pay extra charges. These are never returned.

• Making charges: 10–20%

• Design value: ignored when selling

• Stone removal charges may apply

2026 data:
Jewellery sellers usually get 80–85% of spot price
Coins get around 97% of spot price (Kitco report).

Real case:
Priya sold a 10g gold chain for ₹75,000
Spot value was ₹85,000

That’s a big loss.

Coins Have Lower Selling Costs

Gold coins are simple to resell.

• Very small buy–sell gap (under 2%)

• No making or design charges

Real story:
Tom sold a 1oz gold coin at $2,480 when spot was $2,500.

Action tips:

• Sell coins at banks or authorised dealers

• Avoid pawn shops—they may pay 30% less

Market Demand: Who Buys Faster?

Gold Coins Sell Quickly

Coins are popular with:

• Investors

• Hedge buyers

• Retirement and IRA planners

Trend:
Gold coin demand rose 15% in 2026 (US Mint data).

Why this matters:
High demand = faster sale = better price
Many coins sell the same day at near-spot value.

Jewellery Is Sold as Scrap

Most buyers do not resell jewellery as jewellery.

• They melt it

• Design has no value

• Buyers deduct extra for risk

Example:
A Mumbai buyer offered 15% less for antique bangles.

Expert view:
“Scrap value rules jewellery,” says analyst Lisa Chen.

Tips to improve jewellery price:

• Sell during festive seasons (up to 5% more)

• Always compare at least 3 buyers online

2026 Gold Price Comparison

January 2026 Snapshot

• Spot price: $2,520 per ounce

• Average coin payout: $2,470

• Average jewellery payout: $2,150 after deductions

(Source: LBMA and market averages)

Idea for blog visual:
Bar chart showing Coins vs Jewellery payout

Smart Ways to Sell Gold in 2026

Best Places to Sell

• Online refiners (some pay 98% of spot)

• Trusted gold dealers

• Bank-authorised buyers

Case study:
A family sold a mixed gold lot:

• Coins earned: ₹5 lakh

• Jewellery earned: ₹3.2 lakh

Same gold weight—very different results.

Simple Selling Tips

• Weigh gold at home first

• Know the daily gold rate

• Ask for purity testing in front of you

• Get payment by bank transfer or instant cash receipt

Pro tip:
Sell coins now if you need money.
Keep jewellery if it has emotional or family value.

Final Verdict: Jewellery or Coins?

Quick Recap

• Gold coins pay more due to high purity

• Lower costs and fast demand help coins win

• Coins can give up to 15% more cash

• Jewellery loses value due to making charges

If your goal is maximum money, coins are the clear winner.