Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling scrap gold, gold bullion, silver coins, and precious metals to Apex Gold & Silver. Free evaluations — no obligation — paid on the spot.
Shop basics — location, hours & cash offers
Straight answers for walk-in sellers. Cash offers only — we do not give formal appraisals. Scrap gold is about 75% of melt. One storefront: 605 Walnut St SW, Winston-Salem. Call (336) 505-9503.
Where is the coin shop?
Apex Gold Silver Coin is at 605 Walnut St SW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, just off the I-40 Bypass at the Peters Creek exit.
What is the phone number?
Call (336) 505-9503. That is the Coin shop number. Do not use other Apex numbers for this storefront.
What are your hours?
Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday 12–3pm, Sunday closed.
What do you pay for scrap gold?
About 75% of melt on gold we can test and melt. The refinery pays us roughly 95%; we keep about 20%. Resale pieces can pay more than scrap.
Do gold coins pay the same as scrap?
No. Gold coins usually pay more than scrap. We look at them as coins first.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment for walk-ins during posted hours. Bring a photo ID. Large estates: call first.
Do you have stores in Greensboro / High Point / Lexington?
No. Those cities are service area only. The only Coin storefront is 605 Walnut St SW in Winston-Salem.
Do you appraise jewelry or coins?
We do not provide formal appraisals. We examine the item with you and make a cash offer. You can accept or walk away.
Do you buy costume jewelry?
No. We buy karat gold, sterling, coins, bullion, and related items — not costume jewelry.
What about watches?
Collectible and luxury watches: the shop next door is Apex Gold Silver Watches at 607 Walnut St SW (separate business). Coin shop still handles many lots that include a watch — ask at the counter.
What about house calls?
For large lots that cannot come to the shop, ask us at (336) 505-9503. House-call branding is separate from the walk-in storefront; we will tell you what we can do.
Are you Carolina Coin?
No. We are Apex Gold Silver Coin at 605 Walnut St SW. Unrelated business.
Understanding Gold Purity & Karats
The karat stamp on your jewelry tells us the gold content — and purity determines the price. 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75% gold, 14K is 58.3%, and 10K is 41.7%. We test every piece right in front of you so you always know exactly how your price is calculated.
Scrap Gold — What We Buy & How It Works
We buy all forms of scrap gold including gold jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains, pendants), broken or damaged gold pieces, gold watches, dental gold (crowns, bridges, inlays), gold coins, gold bullion bars, gold nuggets, and gold electronic components. If it contains gold, we want to see it — condition does not matter.
Your scrap gold value is calculated using three factors: (1) the current live spot price of gold, (2) the purity measured in karats (24K, 22K, 18K, 14K, 10K), and (3) the exact weight in grams or troy ounces. We use certified digital scales and XRF testing to verify purity, and we show you every step of the process.
Karat indicates the gold content. 24K gold is 99.9% pure. 18K is 75% pure. 14K is 58.3% pure. 10K is 41.7% pure — the minimum legal standard for gold jewelry in the US. The higher the karat, the more your gold is worth per gram. We buy all karats from 8K to 24K.
We weigh your gold using certified digital scales accurate to 0.01 grams. Purity is tested using acid testing and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis — a non-destructive test giving an exact elemental reading. You are welcome to watch the entire process.
No appointment is necessary — walk-ins are welcome during business hours. For large collections, we recommend calling ahead to ensure we have sufficient time and cash on hand.
Absolutely. Condition does not affect the value of the gold content. Broken chains, bent rings, pieces missing stones, and even single earrings are all welcome. Only the weight and purity matter.
We Buy All Major Gold & Silver Bullion
From American Gold Eagles and Silver Maples to 90% junk silver and gold bars — if it’s genuine precious metal, we want it. Our team authenticates every piece on the spot using professional XRF and weight verification equipment.
Gold & Silver Bullion — Coins and Bars
We purchase American Gold Eagles (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz), American Gold Buffalos, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, Austrian Philharmonics, Chinese Gold Pandas, and gold bars from PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, Valcambi, and the Perth Mint. We also buy pre-1933 US gold coins.
We buy American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, Silver Krugerrands, Austrian Silver Philharmonics, silver rounds, and silver bars in any size. We also purchase 90% junk silver — US coins minted before 1965, including dimes, quarters, half dollars, Morgan and Peace dollars.
Bullion prices are based on the live spot price of gold or silver at the time of the transaction, as quoted on the COMEX futures market. We pay a percentage of spot price depending on the product type, quantity, and market conditions. Call or visit us for a current quote.
Yes. We purchase rare US coins, key-date coins, proof sets, mint sets, and foreign coins. Collectible coins may be worth significantly more than their melt value depending on rarity, grade, and collector demand.
We use weight verification, dimensional measurement, XRF spectroscopy, Sigma Metalytics precious metal verifiers, and visual inspection by experienced staff. All testing is performed in front of you at no charge.
Transparent Pricing — Cash on the Spot
At Apex Gold & Silver you watch every step. We weigh and test your items right in front of you, explain exactly how your price is calculated, and pay you cash immediately — no delays, no consignment, no pressure.
Pricing, Payment & Process
We strive to offer the most competitive prices in the area. For scrap gold we typically pay about 75% of melt on gold we can test and melt (the refinery pays us roughly 95%; we keep about 20%). Resale pieces can pay more. For gold bullion coins, we pay based on current market demand and the specific product. The best way to get an exact quote is to visit or call us directly.
Yes — we pay cash for most transactions. We also offer payment by check or bank wire for larger transactions. Payment is made immediately on the spot after we agree on a price. No waiting period, no consignment, no delayed payment.
There is no minimum — we will buy a single gold ring or a single silver coin. For very large transactions, we recommend calling ahead to confirm availability of funds and schedule a convenient time.
A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all transactions — required by law under anti-money laundering regulations. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
No. Evaluations, testing, and quotes are completely free with no obligation. We encourage you to bring your items in for a free evaluation even if you are just curious about their value.
Gold & Silver Prices & Market Questions
The spot price is the current market price for one troy ounce of pure gold or silver, traded on global commodity exchanges such as the COMEX in New York. Spot prices fluctuate continuously during market hours based on supply and demand, economic data, and geopolitical events.
A troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams, while a standard avoirdupois ounce equals 28.35 grams. When gold prices are quoted in the news, they always refer to troy ounces.
American Gold Eagles and American Gold Buffalos typically carry the highest premiums due to their widespread recognition and government-backed purity guarantee. Pre-1933 US gold coins such as Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles can command significant numismatic premiums above melt value.
Yes, we also purchase platinum and palladium in bullion coins, bars, and jewelry. Contact us for current prices.