How to sell gold in Vancouver without guessing at the value

Start with metal value, not the buyer's offer

A gold offer should begin with three observable inputs: weight, purity and a time-stamped CAD gold benchmark. Multiply those inputs to estimate contained-gold value. That estimate is not the same thing as a cash offer, because testing, stones, non-gold parts, refining loss, settlement cost and resale liquidity can change the economics.

Meridian's standard is to keep those layers separate. The benchmark explains the market. Verification establishes what the item is. Only then can a dealer margin be applied honestly.

Prepare before you visit a dealer

Group items by hallmark where possible and weigh them on a gram scale. Photograph hallmarks, keep original assay cards or receipts with bullion, and separate pieces that may have collectible or jewellery value above melt.

Do not clean coins, remove stones or damage packaging just to make an item easier to test. A recognized coin or sealed bar can lose resale value when its condition or chain of custody is disturbed.

• Record the displayed weight and hallmark.
• Ask which market price and timestamp support the calculation.
• Ask whether the offer is based on melt, resale, numismatic value or a combination.
• Get the final offer and deductions in writing before transferring ownership.

Compare the calculation, not the slogan

Claims such as highest price, guaranteed payout or no fees are difficult to compare. A useful quote shows verified weight, verified purity, the reference price, the payable metal value and every deduction or premium.

For bullion, compare the buyback price with the same dealer's retail price for the identical product. For jewellery or scrap, compare the offer with verified recoverable metal value rather than with an unrelated one-ounce bullion quote.

Put your own figures in context

Use Meridian's calculator to record known weight, purity and the labelled CAD reference before comparing an offer. Keep the same inputs when comparing providers, and ask what each one would change after inspecting the item.

Meridian handles gold and silver enquiries across BC, with a Lower Mainland focus. Use your saved estimate to start a conversation about a private assessment. Appointment details and any final offer are confirmed directly; the calculation itself does not book a visit or lock a price.