Guide
Dental Gold & Scrap Gold — Valuation Guide & Prices Paid
What dental gold actually contains, how scrap gold is tested, and why those old crowns sitting in a drawer may be worth more than you think.
Note
Dental alloys are typically 16–22ct. Use 18ct as a mid-range starting estimate.
Sell dental gold →What's inside
What dental gold actually contains
Dental gold isn't pure gold — it's a carefully engineered alloy balanced for biocompatibility, strength and workability. Depending on the era and manufacturer, a dental crown may contain anywhere from 40% to 92% gold, with the remainder made up of palladium, silver, copper and zinc.
This variability is why accurate testing matters. An unverified estimate could undervalue your crowns by 30–40% or more. XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis gives a precise reading without damaging the piece — it's the industry standard and what we use on every item.
Typical alloys
Common dental gold types
The most common alloy used in older restorations. A good balance of hardness and gold content. Very common in fillings, inlays and crowns made before 1990.
Higher strength, used for bridges and partial denture frameworks. Similar gold content to Type III.
Premium restorations, particularly from Scandinavian and German dental traditions. Significant gold content.
White dental alloys may contain palladium, silver and small amounts of gold. Still valuable due to the palladium content, which trades close to gold.
Modern tooth-coloured crowns (porcelain, zirconia, E.max) contain no precious metal. Send them in — we'll test and confirm if there's any value.
How testing works
XRF analysis — precise, non-destructive
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique that identifies the elemental composition of a metal alloy in seconds. A handheld XRF gun emits X-rays that cause the metal's atoms to emit their own characteristic fluorescent X-rays — creating a unique fingerprint for each element present and its exact percentage.
The result: a precise breakdown of your dental gold's composition, including gold, palladium, silver, copper and any other elements. This ensures the offer you receive reflects the true market value of every element in the alloy — not a guess.
Ready to sell your dental gold?
Free pack · XRF tested · Same-day payment