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COHEN BROTHERSGOLD & SILVER

FAQ

Straight answers, before you walk in.

The same questions come up at the counter every day. Here they are, answered the way we’d answer them in person.

Is my broken or mismatched gold worth anything?

Yes — usually more than people expect. Gold is bought by purity and weight, not condition, so a snapped chain, a single earring, or a bent ring is worth exactly as much per gram as a perfect piece. Don't pay to repair anything before bringing it in; it won't change the offer.

How do you test purity?

In front of you, always. We start with karat stamps and hallmarks, then confirm with electronic testing and, where needed, an acid test on an inconspicuous spot. Weight is measured on a certified scale positioned so you can read it yourself. We'll explain what each result means as we go.

What's the difference between karat and carat?

Karat (K) measures gold purity — 24K is pure gold, 14K is 58.3% gold. Carat (ct) measures gemstone weight — a 1-carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams. They sound identical but have nothing to do with each other. For selling gold, karat is the one that matters.

Do I get paid the same day?

Yes — cash on the spot, the same visit. Once you accept an offer, you're paid immediately. There's no check to wait on, no mail-in kit, and no processing period.

What do you pay relative to spot price?

It depends on purity, weight, and the market that day — no buyer pays 100% of spot, because refining, assay, and handling all cost money. Our online estimator gives you an honest range before you come in, and your exact offer is made in person after we test and weigh your items. There's never an obligation to accept.

Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome — most appraisals take under 15 minutes. For larger collections or estates, calling ahead is recommended so we can set aside enough time to go through everything properly.

What ID do I need?

A valid state ID, required by law for precious-metals purchases. That's it — one government-issued photo ID, shown once at the time of sale.

Do you buy coins, collections, and estates?

Yes. We buy individual coins, full collections, and complete estates — gold, silver, and platinum. Collectible coins are evaluated for numismatic value above their metal content, and we'll tell you when a piece is worth more intact than melted. Bring the whole box; don't pre-sort.

Something we didn’t cover?

Call and ask — the appraisal and the advice are both free.

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