Silver Seller Guide
Weight or collectible value — how we decide which calculation pays you more
Most silver is sold for its melt value. Some coins are worth significantly more to a collector. We check both and offer whichever is higher.
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
We calculate both values and offer the higher one — melt or collectible
Every piece of silver has a minimum value: its melt value. This is the weight of pure silver it contains multiplied by the spot price, less the buyer's rate. For most silverware, jewellery and common bullion coins, the melt value is the only value — there is no meaningful collector premium to add.
For coins, a secondary assessment applies. Certain dates, mintmarks, proof strikes and low-mintage issues trade at a premium above their silver content — sometimes significantly above. A rare-date silver coin is worth more to a collector or specialist dealer than it would produce as scrap. We identify these pieces and apply the appropriate premium.
The practical implication for sellers is that you should never need to sort your collection before sending. Send everything together and we assess each piece individually on both measures. You receive the higher of the two in a fully itemised offer.
What affects it
What determines melt vs collectible assessment
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
Every coin and piece is assessed both for melt value and collectible premium. You receive the higher of the two in your itemised offer.
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
How do I know if my coins have collectible value?
The key factors are: date, mintmark, mint state (uncirculated vs circulated), and whether it's a proof issue. If you have coins you suspect might be valuable — particularly pre-1900 dates or obvious mint-state examples — note them on your contents list and we'll assess them carefully.
What if I think your collectible assessment is too low?
Our offer is fully itemised. If you believe a specific piece warrants a higher collectible premium, you can decline that item and have it returned while accepting the rest. There's no obligation to sell everything.
I've seen silver coins selling for much more on eBay — why doesn't that apply?
eBay prices include buyer's premium, platform fees, and selling time. They also reflect the highest sale, not the average. A specialist buyer can't replicate eBay's retail price because they're buying, not selling to a final collector. For genuinely rare pieces, specialist auction may realise more than a trade buyer can offer.
Will you identify all my coins by type before making an offer?
Yes. Our offer letter identifies each coin by denomination, date and condition, shows both the melt value and any collectible assessment, and states which figure is applied to your offer.
What's the difference between a bullion coin and a numismatic coin?
Bullion coins (Britannia, Maple Leaf, Eagle) are produced for investment and traded purely on their metal content. Numismatic (collectible) coins are valued for rarity, historical significance, condition or series — independent of their silver content.
Get Started
Send your silver — we assess melt and collectible value on every piece
Request your free insured pack and receive a fully itemised offer within 24 hours. Each coin and piece assessed individually — you receive the higher value.