Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Have you ever wondered what that old gold crown sitting in your drawer is actually worth? Many San Francisco residents are sitting on hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in dental gold without realizing its value. Whether you’re replacing aging dental work or have inherited gold fillings from a relative, understanding where and how to sell dental gold can turn forgotten metal into immediate cash.
San Francisco, CA has a rich history with precious metals dating back to the 1848 Gold Rush, establishing the city as a center for metal refining and assaying. Today, that infrastructure continues to serve residents looking to sell various forms of gold, including the dental variety. However, finding the best place to sell gold dental work in San Francisco requires understanding the process, knowing your options, and recognizing what separates reputable buyers from those who might undervalue your material.
Quick Answer: Where to Sell Dental Gold in San Francisco
The best options for selling gold dental work in San Francisco, CA include specialized precious metals buyers, established dental refiners, and local coin and jewelry dealers who accept dental scrap. Reputable buyers use fire assay methods for accurate valuation and provide transparent pricing based on current gold spot prices. Expect to receive 70-90% of the refined gold value depending on purity and the buyer’s processing fees.
Key Takeaways:
- Gold dental work typically contains 10-22 karat gold (40-90% pure gold content)
- Professional assaying is essential for accurate valuation of dental gold alloys
- Established local buyers and national refiners offer the most competitive rates
- Fire assay testing provides the most accurate determination of gold content
- Payment timing varies from immediate cash to 24-48 hours after assay completion
Understanding Dental Gold Value and Composition
Before exploring the best place to sell gold dental work in San Francisco, it’s crucial to understand what you actually have. Dental gold differs significantly from jewelry gold in both composition and value calculation. Gold has been used in dentistry for nearly 2,000 years, with the Etruscans making gold crowns and bridgework as early as 200 A.D. Modern dental applications developed significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries, when dentists pioneered gold foil cavity filling techniques.
Today’s dental gold typically contains gold alloyed with other metals like silver, platinum, palladium, and copper. These alloys create the strength and durability needed for chewing surfaces while maintaining biocompatibility. This means your gold crown isn’t pure 24-karat gold—it’s usually between 10 and 22 karats, with the exact composition varying based on when and where it was made.
What Types of Dental Gold Can Be Sold
Dental refiners and precious metals buyers accept various forms of dental gold, including bridges, crowns, fillings, inlays, clasps, and dental grindings. Even partial crowns, gold posts used in root canal procedures, and orthodontic appliances with gold components have value. The key factor isn’t the condition or whether the item is intact—it’s the gold content.
While modern materials have largely replaced gold in common dental procedures in the United States, many patients over 60 are replacing older gold-containing dental work, creating a steady supply of recyclable material. Additionally, gold dental work remains widespread in Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, meaning inherited pieces from relatives abroad may have substantial value.
How Dental Gold Value Is Calculated
The value of dental gold depends on three primary factors: weight, purity (gold content percentage), and current spot gold prices. As of January 12, 2026, gold spot prices continue to fluctuate based on global economic conditions, making timing an important consideration. A reputable buyer will weigh your dental gold, determine its purity through testing, and offer a percentage of the refined gold value.
Most legitimate buyers offer between 70-90% of the refined value, with the difference covering assaying costs, refining expenses, and the buyer’s profit margin. A single gold crown weighing 2-3 grams with 16-karat gold content (67% pure) might contain $100-150 worth of gold at current market prices, though the offer you receive will be proportionally less based on the buyer’s percentage.
Common Mistakes When Selling Dental Gold
Many San Francisco residents leave money on the table—or worse, fall victim to unscrupulous buyers—when selling dental gold. Understanding these pitfalls can help you avoid them and secure fair compensation for your materials.
Accepting First Offers Without Comparison Shopping
The single biggest mistake is accepting the first offer you receive. Different buyers use different payout percentages, testing methods, and pricing models. A buyer offering 70% of refined value versus one offering 85% can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars on larger quantities of dental gold. When we work with San Francisco, CA residents looking to sell precious metals, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before making a decision.
In the Financial District near Montgomery Street and Market Street, several precious metals dealers operate within walking distance of each other, making comparison shopping convenient. Don’t feel pressured to sell immediately—legitimate buyers will honor their quotes for at least 24 hours, and many lock in prices for several days.
Trusting Buyers Who Won’t Explain Their Testing Process
Professional dental gold buyers use fire assay methods for accurate pricing—a process that involves melting the material and chemically testing the resulting sample. This method provides precise gold content measurements, unlike visual inspection or electronic testing, which can be inaccurate with dental alloys. Any buyer who can’t or won’t explain their testing methodology should raise red flags.
Reputable buyers will provide a detailed breakdown showing: total weight, estimated or tested purity percentage, current spot gold price, their payout percentage, and the final offer amount. This transparency ensures you understand exactly how your payment was calculated.
Overlooking Additional Precious Metals in Dental Alloys
Many dental gold alloys contain valuable quantities of platinum, palladium, and silver in addition to gold. A comprehensive buyer will test for and pay for these additional metals, not just the gold content. Some buyers focus exclusively on gold and effectively ignore the value of these other precious metals, which can represent 10-30% of your material’s total value.
Best Options for Selling Dental Gold in San Francisco
Finding the best place to sell gold dental work in San Francisco involves weighing several factors: convenience, payout percentage, testing accuracy, and payment speed. Different seller profiles—whether you have a single crown or a collection of dental pieces—may benefit from different buyer types.
Local Precious Metals Dealers and Coin Buyers
Established local dealers who purchase gold coins, jewelry, and precious metals often accept dental gold as well. These businesses typically offer immediate payment or same-day settlement, making them ideal for sellers who need quick cash. In our experience working with San Francisco residents throughout neighborhoods from the Marina District (94123) to the Mission District (94110), local dealers provide competitive rates and face-to-face transactions that many sellers prefer.
Local options in the San Francisco area include established precious metals buyers like San Francisco Coin Buyers, who can provide professional evaluation services for dental gold alongside numismatic materials. The advantage of local dealers is the ability to watch the testing process, ask questions in person, and receive immediate payment without shipping risks.
Specialized Dental Refiners
National dental refining companies like Garfield Refining (established in 1892 and voted North America’s “#1 Dental Refiner” for multiple consecutive years) specialize exclusively in dental scrap materials. These companies accept all types of dental scrap including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. They typically offer prepaid and insured shipping kits, making the process convenient even without a local presence.
Specialized refiners often provide higher payout percentages than general precious metals buyers because they process large volumes and maintain efficient refining operations. However, payment takes longer—typically 24-48 hours after they receive and assay your material. For sellers with significant quantities of dental gold, this trade-off between higher percentages and delayed payment often makes financial sense.
What to Avoid: Mail-In Gold Buyers and Pawn Shops
Generic “mail-in gold” services heavily advertised online typically offer the lowest payouts—sometimes as little as 40-60% of refined value. These services bank on sellers not understanding dental gold values or not having the patience to pursue better options. Once you mail your dental gold, you lose control and must accept their offer or pay return shipping fees.
Similarly, pawn shops may accept dental gold but rarely offer competitive rates. Their business model focuses on collateral loans and merchandise resale, not precious metals refining. A pawn shop near the intersection of Mission Street and 16th Street might offer convenience but will almost certainly undervalue your dental gold compared to specialized buyers.
How to Prepare and Sell Your Dental Gold
Maximizing the value you receive when selling dental gold requires minimal preparation but strategic decision-making. Follow this step-by-step approach to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Step 1: Clean and Collect Your Dental Gold
Remove any obvious non-metal materials attached to your dental gold (porcelain fragments, plastic components, etc.), though professional refiners can handle contaminated materials. Clean pieces with soap and water—you don’t need special solutions. Collect all your dental gold items together so you can get accurate total-value quotes.
Many San Francisco residents keep dental gold in random drawers for years, accumulating multiple pieces over time. Consolidating everything before approaching buyers ensures you receive quantity-based benefits and simplifies the transaction process.
Step 2: Research Current Gold Spot Prices
Before contacting buyers, check the current gold spot price on financial websites like Bloomberg or precious metals exchanges. This gives you a baseline for evaluating offers. Remember that your payout will be a percentage of the refined value—typically 70-90%—not the full spot price.
Understanding this relationship helps you identify suspiciously low offers. If gold is trading at $2,000 per ounce and you have approximately 0.1 ounces (3 grams) of 16-karat dental gold (67% pure), the refined gold content is worth about $134. A fair offer should be in the $94-120 range (70-90% payout), not $50-60.
Step 3: Get Multiple Quotes and Ask Key Questions
Contact at least three buyers—ideally a mix of local dealers and specialized refiners. When requesting quotes, ask these essential questions:
- What testing method do you use to determine gold content? (Fire assay is preferred)
- What percentage of refined value do you pay?
- Do you test for and pay for platinum, palladium, and silver in dental alloys?
- How quickly will I receive payment?
- Can you provide a written offer breakdown showing your calculations?
- What happens if I decline your offer after testing? (For mail-in services)
Understanding the importance of written appraisals applies to dental gold just as it does to numismatic materials—documentation protects both buyer and seller.
Step 4: Complete the Transaction Safely
For in-person transactions, meet during business hours in the buyer’s established location—never in secondary locations or private residences. Bring identification, as legitimate precious metals buyers must verify seller identity per federal regulations. For mail-in transactions, use insured shipping with tracking and photograph your materials before sending.
Once you accept an offer, payment methods vary by buyer. Local dealers often provide cash or check immediately, while refiners typically issue payment via check or direct deposit within 24-48 hours of completing their assay. Make sure you understand the payment timeline before committing to a particular buyer.
Local San Francisco Considerations for Dental Gold Sellers
San Francisco’s unique position as a historical precious metals center and modern financial hub creates specific advantages for dental gold sellers. The city’s concentration of established dealers, proximity to refining facilities, and competitive market dynamics can work in sellers’ favor.
San Francisco’s Precious Metals Infrastructure
San Francisco’s precious metals infrastructure dates to 1848, when the Gold Rush discovery at Coloma brought over 150,000 people to California by 1855. Congress appointed an assayer for California in 1850 and appropriated funds for a San Francisco mint two years later. This historical foundation established refining and assaying expertise that continues today, making San Francisco one of the better-informed markets for selling precious metals of all types, including dental gold.
When our teams work with sellers throughout San Francisco—from Pacific Heights (94115) to the Sunset District (94122)—we consistently find that local buyers demonstrate more sophisticated understanding of precious metals values compared to generic buyers in regions without this historical connection to gold refining.
Timing Your Sale in the Bay Area Market
While gold prices fluctuate globally based on economic conditions, Bay Area sellers have a unique advantage: the concentration of financial services professionals and precious metals dealers creates a competitive environment that often translates to better payout percentages. Unlike markets with only one or two buyers, San Francisco’s multiple competing dealers keep pricing competitive.
However, one contrarian insight San Francisco sellers should know: tourist season affects local precious metals dealer capacity. During peak summer months and major conventions, many dealers experience higher foot traffic from visitors selling inherited jewelry and coins. If you have significant quantities of dental gold and want unhurried service with focused attention, consider selling during off-peak months (January-March or October-November) when dealers have more capacity for thorough evaluation and negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Dental Gold
How much is dental gold worth per gram?
Dental gold value per gram depends on purity and current gold spot prices. With 16-karat dental gold (67% pure) and gold at $2,000 per ounce, the refined gold content in one gram is worth approximately $43. Your payout will be 70-90% of this amount ($30-39 per gram), depending on the buyer’s percentage and processing fees.
Can I sell dental gold with teeth still attached?
Yes, professional refiners can process dental gold with tooth material attached. The refining process separates precious metals from all other materials through high-temperature melting and chemical processing. However, you may want to remove obvious non-metal materials for aesthetic reasons during in-person transactions.
Is it better to sell dental gold locally or use a mail-in service?
For small quantities (1-3 pieces), local buyers like San Francisco Coin Buyers offer convenience and immediate payment. For larger quantities, specialized mail-in dental refiners may provide higher payout percentages that offset the slightly longer wait for payment. Compare quotes from both types to determine the best option for your specific situation.
Do I need paperwork or documentation for my dental gold?
You don’t need proof of origin or dental records for selling dental gold. However, you will need valid government-issued identification for the transaction. Legitimate precious metals buyers must verify seller identity and maintain transaction records in compliance with state and federal regulations.
How long does the selling process take?
Local in-person transactions can be completed in 30-60 minutes with immediate or same-day payment. Mail-in refiners typically provide quotes within 24-48 hours of receiving your materials, with payment issued shortly after you accept their offer. Total time for mail-in services ranges from 7-14 days including shipping.
Conclusion: Maximizing Value When Selling Dental Gold
Finding the best place to sell gold dental work in San Francisco, CA comes down to comparison shopping, understanding the testing process, and choosing buyers who offer transparent pricing based on accurate assaying methods. Whether you opt for the convenience of local precious metals dealers in neighborhoods throughout San Francisco (94102, 94103, 94104, and beyond) or the potentially higher percentages offered by specialized dental refiners, the key is obtaining multiple quotes and asking the right questions.
San Francisco’s historical connection to precious metals refining, established since the Gold Rush era, creates a competitive marketplace with knowledgeable buyers who understand dental gold values. This infrastructure benefits sellers willing to do minimal research before committing to a transaction. Remember that dental gold contains valuable alloys beyond just gold content—platinum, palladium, and silver can contribute significant additional value that comprehensive buyers will recognize and pay for.
Don’t let old dental work continue gathering dust when it represents real financial value. By following the guidance outlined in this article—cleaning and collecting your materials, researching current precious metals prices, obtaining multiple quotes, and choosing buyers with transparent testing methods—you can confidently convert dental gold into cash at fair market rates.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about selling dental gold and should not be construed as financial advice. Precious metals prices fluctuate constantly based on global market conditions. Always obtain current quotes from multiple buyers and verify their credentials before completing any transaction.
Sources and References
- Historical dental gold usage and applications – Wikipedia: Gold
- San Francisco Gold Rush history and precious metals infrastructure – California Digital Library (available through .edu repositories)
- Current precious metals market pricing – Bloomberg Commodities