Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Selling Gold — and How to Avoid Them

 Selling your unwanted gold can be a quick way to get extra cash — but for many people, it’s their first time doing it. Maybe you have an old wedding band, broken chains, or heirloom pieces you never wear anymore.

A quick search for gold and silver buyers close to me or selling gold jewelry near me brings up dozens of options — but not all buyers are created equal. Knowing the common mistakes people make when selling gold can help you avoid disappointment, low offers, or outright scams.

At Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying, we’ve helped thousands of people across Cape Cod and Boston turn gold into fair cash offers. Here are the top 10 mistakes we see — and simple ways to avoid them.

 1 Selling to the First Buyer You Find

Many people accept the first offer they get because it feels convenient. But that can cost you.

 How to avoid it: Shop around! Honest local buyers welcome questions and comparisons. A trusted buyer will explain exactly how they calculate your payout, so you can feel confident you’re getting the best deal.

 2 Mailing Gold to Unknown Online Buyers

Online buyers often promise high payouts — but once you ship your gold away, you lose control. Packages can get lost, and if you reject a low offer, you may have to pay to get your gold back.

 How to avoid it: Search gold and silver buyers close to me instead. Local, reputable buyers like Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying test, weigh, and appraise your gold right in front of you — and you leave with cash in hand, no risk.

 3 Not Knowing What You Have

If you don’t know whether your jewelry is 10K, 14K, or 24K — or if it’s gold-filled or plated — you can’t tell if you’re getting a fair price. Some unscrupulous buyers hope you won’t notice.

 How to avoid it: Look for stamps inside rings and clasps. Bring in paperwork, appraisals, or certificates. Reputable buyers will test the purity in front of you and explain how they price your pieces.

 4 Selling Coins for Melt Value Only

A big mistake people make is selling collectible gold coins for melt value — without checking their collector worth. Some coins can be worth hundreds or thousands more than their gold weight.

 How to avoid it: Bring coins to an expert. At Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying, we always check for collector value before we quote melt value. That way, you don’t leave money on the table.

 5 Cleaning Coins or Antique Jewelry

Many people think cleaning coins or vintage jewelry will make them worth more — but polishing can damage original finishes and reduce collector value.

 How to avoid it: Don’t clean anything before getting an appraisal. Let the experts decide if restoration is needed.

 6 Forgetting Broken Pieces

A common mistake is leaving broken jewelry at home because it “must not be worth much.” In reality, gold is priced by weight — so even broken or tangled chains have melt value.

 How to avoid it: Bring it all! Single earrings, damaged clasps, dental gold — it all adds up.

 7 Ignoring Silver

When searching selling gold jewelry near me, many people overlook silverware, flatware, or sterling jewelry. But silver can bring in significant cash too.

 How to avoid it: Gather any silver you suspect might be real. Look for “925” or “Sterling” marks. A good buyer will test and weigh it alongside your gold.

 8 Not Checking the Buyer’s Reputation

Unfortunately, not every buyer is reputable. Some pop-up buyers set up in hotels, push high-pressure offers, or hide fees in fine print.

 How to avoid it: Look for local, established businesses with years of experience. Check reviews, ask neighbors, and look for buyers who welcome you to watch the entire appraisal process.

 9 Forgetting to Bring ID and Paperwork

Selling gold legally requires an ID. Forgetting paperwork like appraisals, receipts, or certificates can also lower your payout — especially for diamonds or branded designer pieces.

 How to avoid it: Bring valid photo ID and any supporting paperwork to make the process smooth and transparent.

  Rushing Into a Sale Without Asking Questions

The biggest mistake is feeling rushed or pressured. If you don’t understand the offer, don’t sell until you do.

 How to avoid it: A good buyer explains how gold is weighed, tested, and priced — step by step. You should feel comfortable asking questions about the daily gold spot price, weight, and karat. If a buyer gets annoyed or dodges questions, walk away.

 Why Locals Choose Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying

If you’re looking for gold and silver buyers close to me or wondering about selling gold jewelry near me, it pays to work with a local expert you can trust.

At Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying, we’ve proudly served Cape Cod, Boston, and surrounding areas for over 40 years. We test and weigh your gold right in front of you, check for collector value, and pay you a fair, instant cash offer — no hidden fees, no shipping risks, and no pressure to sell.

 Ready to Sell? Let’s Get You the Best Deal

Selling gold doesn’t have to be stressful — when you know what to avoid and who to trust, it’s easy to walk away with a smile and cash in hand.

Bring your old gold, coins, or silver to Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying and see why local is always better.