Silver Seller Guide
Pawn shop, coin dealer, jeweller or online buyer — where to actually get the best price for silver
Different buyers offer very different rates for silver. The gap between the best and the worst can be 40% or more on the same items.
Why British Gold Exchange
40+
Years in the precious metals business
£0
Cost to request your free insured postal pack
24h
Maximum time to receive your firm, itemised offer
100%
Of items returned free if you decline
Ready to get a valuation?
The short answer
Online specialist buyers consistently pay the most — here's why
The best prices for silver consistently come from specialist online precious metals buyers. They operate with lower overheads than high street shops, have direct access to refiners and secondary markets, and compete for business on price transparency. The best buyers publish their rate as a percentage of spot, allowing you to benchmark any offer before you send anything.
Pawn shops offer convenience but typically pay 40–60% of the silver melt value. They build in a significant margin because they expect to sell on, take on items they may struggle to move, and carry retail overheads. High street jewellers are rarely better — most don't buy silver at all, and those that do typically pay similar rates to pawn shops. Cash-for-gold shops that also buy silver are typically the worst option.
The exception is specialist coin dealers, who can be the best option for genuinely rare or numismatically valuable coins. They understand collector premiums and may pay above melt for key dates. For common coins and silverware, however, a specialist online metals buyer will generally beat a coin dealer on the spot percentage for scrap.
What affects it
Comparing your options
How it works
From first contact to payment
Request Your Free Pack
We post a fully insured, tracked Royal Mail freepost envelope. No cost, no commitment required.
Send Your Items
Use our supplied packaging and post your items. They are covered by our insurance from the moment you drop them at the post office.
Receive Your Offer
A firm, itemised offer arrives within 24 hours. Every piece is weighed, XRF-tested and priced at a published percentage of the live spot price.
Get Paid
Accept and receive a same-day bank transfer. Decline and we return every item free of charge — no questions asked.
Common questions
Questions we hear most
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes — getting two or three quotes is always sensible. With reputable postal buyers, this costs nothing: items are insured in transit and returned free if you decline. Use our offer as a benchmark for any comparison.
What about Facebook Marketplace or local selling?
Possible for individual pieces but carries risks: meeting strangers with valuable items, no payment protection, no insurance, and buyers who may not understand silver values. Not recommended for anything of significant value.
Is it safe to post my silver?
Yes, with a reputable specialist buyer who provides insured Royal Mail Special Delivery packaging. Items are insured from the moment you post them. See our safety guide for full details.
Are coin shows a good option?
Coin shows allow you to approach multiple dealers in person and get competing offers on the spot. This can work well for numismatic pieces. For bulk silverware or common coins, the convenience of postal specialists usually outweighs the benefit.
What if I have a very large collection?
Contact us directly before sending. For large lots — estate collections, full canteen services, significant coin collections — we arrange insured courier collection and may be able to offer enhanced rates for volume.
Get Started
Compare our offer — free, insured and fully itemised
Request your free insured pack, send your silver, and receive a transparent offer within 24 hours. If you find a better offer elsewhere, we'll return everything free.