Estate Sales and Auctions for Precious Metals in North Carolina

Estate sales and auctions are a common way families in North Carolina sell gold, silver, coins and jewelry. Here is a general look at how they work, and what they cost buyers and sellers.

How they work

• Previews. Most estate sales and auctions have a preview day or online photos. Look closely before you bid or buy.
• Bidding. At auction, the highest bid wins. The winning bid is the hammer price. Online bidding often closes on a timer.
• Testing and hallmarks. Look for karat stamps (10K, 14K, 18K), “sterling” or “925,” and maker marks. Stamps can be wrong or faked, and many sales don’t allow acid or electronic testing, so items are often sold as-is.
• Payment. Check accepted payment methods, deadlines and any card surcharges before you bid.
• Pickup. Most sales set a short pickup window. Shipping, if offered, costs extra.

What it costs buyers

Buyers generally pay a 15 to 20 percent buyer’s premium on top of the hammer price, plus sales tax where it applies.

What it costs sellers

Sellers usually lose between 15 and 30 percent of the sale to commissions and fees, in addition to the buyer’s premium the buyers pay. Payment to the seller can also take weeks after the sale.

Selling directly instead

You can also sell gold, silver and coins directly to Apex Gold Silver Coin. There are no commissions, and we test items in front of you and pay the same day. Learn more about estate buying at Apex, or call (336) 505-9503.

Related pages: Estates & antiques

These guides are general information, not financial or professional advice. They are a baseline reflecting our opinion, and Apex Gold Silver Coins is not liable for any errors or for decisions made based on this information. Prices and values change; bring your items in for a current offer.