Calculator Inputs
Enter weight, purity, spot prices, payable terms, losses, premiums, and broker costs. Then calculate or export your report.
Formula Used
The calculator converts each metal weight into pure troy ounces. It then applies spot price, payable percentage, broker adjustment, refining loss, broker fee, flat costs, and any reserve.
| Pure troy ounces | Weight in grams × Purity ÷ 100 ÷ 31.1034768 |
|---|---|
| Gross melt value | Pure troy ounces × Spot price per troy ounce |
| Payable value | Gross melt value × Payable percentage ÷ 100 |
| Market adjusted value | Payable value × (1 + Broker premium or discount ÷ 100) |
| Line net value | Market adjusted value − Refining loss − Broker fee + Numismatic premium |
| Final payout | Sum of line net values − Flat fees − Settlement reserve |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter a lot name and choose the currency for your report.
- Add recent spot prices for each metal in the coin lot.
- Enter weight in grams and purity percentage for each metal.
- Set payable percentage, broker premium, discount, and refining loss.
- Add assay, shipping, insurance, other fees, and any settlement reserve.
- Enter your acquisition cost, quoted offer, and minimum target if needed.
- Press calculate to see results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save your broker comparison.
Example Data Table
| Metal | Weight | Purity | Spot Price | Payable | Loss | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold coins | 120 g | 90% | $2,350 / ozt | 98% | 1.5% | $25 |
| Silver coins | 850 g | 90% | $29 / ozt | 96% | 2% | $10 |
| Platinum scrap | 40 g | 95% | $975 / ozt | 95% | 2.5% | $0 |
Scrap Coin Broker Valuation Guide
Why Scrap Coin Valuation Matters
Scrap coin valuation helps sellers understand metal worth before contacting a broker. It separates melt value from collectible value. This is useful when a lot contains worn, damaged, or common coins. A clear estimate also makes fee discussions easier. You can compare an offer against spot prices and expected deductions.
Core Market Inputs
The main inputs are weight, purity, metal spot price, payable percentage, and broker adjustment. Weight tells how much material is present. Purity tells how much of that material is valuable metal. Spot price converts metal content into a market value. Payable percentage reflects what the buyer is willing to pay after testing, refining, and risk.
Broker Costs and Deductions
A broker may deduct refining loss, service fees, assay charges, shipping, insurance, or handling costs. Some lots also include a premium for numismatic appeal. This calculator lets you model both deductions and premiums. That gives a more realistic net payout than melt value alone.
Mixed Metal Lots
Many coin lots contain several metals. Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper can all be entered together. Each metal can use its own purity and spot price. This helps when evaluating estate lots, bullion mixes, foreign coins, or damaged collections.
Profit Planning
The calculator can compare the estimated broker payout with your acquisition cost or target asking price. A positive margin suggests room for resale or negotiation. A negative margin warns that the offer may be too low or the purchase cost is too high.
Practical Use
Use recent spot prices and verified weights for best results. Weigh coins without holders when possible. Enter purity from reliable references. Treat the final result as an estimate, not a guaranteed quote. Final payouts can change after assay, market movement, and buyer inspection. The tool is best for preparation, comparison, and transparent decision making before you accept a broker offer.
Record Keeping
Save each calculation with the date, spot prices, lot notes, and buyer name. Records help when prices move quickly. They also support repeat negotiations. A saved CSV or PDF can show how deductions changed between offers and why one quote deserves closer review later with added confidence.
FAQs
1. What does this scrap calculator estimate?
It estimates the likely broker payout for mixed coin scrap. It uses weight, purity, spot price, payable rate, refining loss, premiums, broker fees, and flat costs.
2. Is this an official broker quote?
No. It is an estimate for planning and comparison. Final offers may change after assay, inspection, market movement, and the buyer’s internal settlement rules.
3. Why is troy ounce conversion used?
Precious metals are commonly priced by troy ounce. The calculator converts grams into pure troy ounces before applying the entered spot price.
4. What is payable percentage?
Payable percentage is the portion of melt value the broker agrees to pay. It may be lower than 100% because of refining, testing, and market risk.
5. What does broker adjustment mean?
Broker adjustment models a premium or discount on payable value. Use a positive number for a premium and a negative number for a discount.
6. Can I include collectible coin value?
Yes. Enter a numismatic premium for any metal line. This adds collectible value above the calculated metal scrap value.
7. Why does the result differ from gross melt value?
Gross melt value does not include payable discounts, refining loss, broker fees, shipping, assay, insurance, reserves, or premiums. The calculator adjusts for these items.
8. Which spot prices should I enter?
Use current spot prices from a trusted market source. Match the price date with your broker discussion so the comparison stays consistent.