Can Old Dental Crowns Be Sold for Gold
Jun 18, 2023
{
"Title": "Can You Sell Old Dental Crowns for Gold? A Step-by-Step Guide",
"Date": "06/18/23",
"Content": "
Practical Guidance for Selling Dental Gold and Other Precious Metals
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If you have old dental crowns, bridges, fillings, or mixed dental scrap and are wondering whether they have resale value, you are not alone. Many people are surprised to learn that these items often contain gold alloys that can be refined and sold. This guide explains how to identify, sort, weigh, and ship unwanted dental gold and other precious metals, with clear steps and practical tips.
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1. Understanding Dental Gold
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Dental gold isn’t usually pure 24K gold. It is commonly an alloy blended with metals like silver, platinum, or palladium for strength. Typical purity levels are 10K, 12K, 16K, or sometimes higher. Even with porcelain fused over the crown, the underlying structure often contains recoverable gold.
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Crowns: May be full gold or porcelain-fused-to-gold. Even a thin visible edge may signal gold alloy beneath.
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Bridges and Caps: Often contain multiple grams of alloyed gold.
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Fillings and Inlays: Usually smaller but made of high-karat dental alloys.
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Mixed Scrap: Includes posts, clasps, or removed hardware with variable content.
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2. How to Tell If Dental Work Contains Gold
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Unlike jewelry, dental gold usually does not carry a visible \"karat stamp.\" Testing and professional analysis are needed. However, here are some basic checks:
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Color: Dental gold is often warmer and duller than plated gold.
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Magnet test: Gold and silver are non-magnetic. If your dental piece sticks to a magnet, it contains little or no gold.
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Weight: Gold is dense. Compare the heft with similar-sized items.
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Scratch or Porcelain Removal: If safe, a jeweler’s file may expose a yellow metal interior beneath porcelain.
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Professional buyers will confirm using acid tests, electronic gold testers, or XRF (X-ray fluorescence). These methods assess purity without requiring you to guess.
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3. Preparing Dental Gold for Sale
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Follow these safe steps to prepare your items for mailing or appraisal:
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Separate: If possible, keep dental scrap separate from other jewelry or coins. Bag different types (crowns, bridges, inlays) individually.
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Porcelain and non-metal parts: Do not attempt aggressive removal at home. Lightly separate if safe, but refiners can process porcelain safely.
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Clean and dry: Gently rinse and dry items before packing.
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Group small pieces: Place tiny fragments in labeled, sealed bags so nothing is lost.
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4. Weighing and Estimating Value
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A digital pocket scale measuring in grams is the most practical way to weigh dental pieces. Gold pricing is generally based on grams and adjusted for purity (karat). Because dental gold alloys vary, the melt value will almost always differ from payout value. Expect a payout based on verified assay percentage and total weight after testing.
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Here’s how to get an estimate:
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Weigh your item in grams.
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Check the current spot price of gold.
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Assume a range of 10K–16K for estimation (about 40–66% purity) unless otherwise confirmed.
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Note: Coins, older jewelry, and sterling silver flatware will follow similar principles, but silver purity is marked by “925,” “sterling,” or official U.S. coin content (U.S. Mint coin composition chart). Sterling is usually 92.5% silver. Plated items, on the other hand, will have negligible melt value.
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5. Sending Your Dental Gold and Jewelry Safely
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Mail-in evaluation kits are the most common method for selling to a trusted buyer. Look for services that provide insured and trackable packaging. For example, International Gold & Silver offers a tracked and insured mailer kit with easy instructions.
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When sending valuables yourself:
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Pack securely: Use a small padded envelope or box. Double-bag small pieces.
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Ship with insurance: USPS Registered Mail or FedEx insured shipping ensures protection up to declared value.
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Track your shipment: Always use tracking for peace of mind.
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6. Understanding the Testing and Offer Process
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Buyers typically use these testing methods:
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Acid Test: A small scratch sample reacts with acids for karat estimation.
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Electronic Tester: Non-destructive, gives a quick karat range.
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XRF Analysis: Advanced method confirming alloy content without melting.
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Clear testing results are shown to you before an offer is finalized. The payout is based on extracted purity and today’s market prices.
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7. Payment Options and Pros/Cons
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Common payment methods for selling dental gold include:
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Method | Pros | Cons |
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PayPal | Fast, widely accepted, record-keeping | Small fees if withdrawing to your bank |
Venmo | Quick transfer, mobile app convenience | Transfer limits, may require linking bank |
Zelle | Direct to bank, usually no fees | Bank must support Zelle |
Cash App | Simple app-based transfer | Instant transfers may carry fees |
ACH Direct Deposit | Secure, good for larger sums | May take 1–2 days |
Check | Physical paper trail | Slow delivery, requires deposit |
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8. Safety, Records, and Peace of Mind
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Before sending items, take a few steps to stay organized:
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Photograph: Take clear photos of all items and packing steps.
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Records: Write down weights and descriptions. A tool like GavelBase can help track personal valuables.
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Tracking numbers: Save and monitor shipment updates until confirmed delivery.
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9. Quick Checklist for Dental Gold
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✔ Identify crowns, bridges, and gold-containing scrap
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✔ Keep items separate and bagged
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✔ Weigh items in grams for estimate
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✔ Ship in an insured, trackable package
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✔ Expect professional testing before payout
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10. FAQs
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Q: Can porcelain crowns still contain gold?
A: Yes, many porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns use a gold alloy