🍁 Canadian Edition

Pawn Shop Reality Check

Don't get ripped off at the pawn shop. Canadians use Grams exclusively (unlike the US "Pennyweight" confusion). Our calculator shows you the real Melt Value in CAD vs. the "Quick Cash" price. Includes a toggle for GST/HST scrap designation to help you understand tax implications.

Secure Client-Side

1️⃣ Your Item Details

g

🇨🇦 Canadians use grams exclusively

Designated as Scrap?

Pure bullion (99.9%) is GST/HST-free

$

Live CAD data via Coingecko. Adjust if needed.

2️⃣ The Reality Check

Live Estimate

🛑 Pawn Shop Offer

Typical "Quick Cash" offer (40-60%)

$0.00
Likely range: $0 - $0

⚠️ Online Gold Buyer

Mail-in services (75-85%)

$0.00
Likely range: $0 - $0

✅ Melt Value (Spot)

Theoretical maximum (100%)

$0.00
FULL MARKET VALUE

💡 Pro Tip: Never sell to the first place you visit. A pawn shop offers speed (same-day cash), but you pay for it with 40-50% of your item's value. In Canada, pure bullion (99.9%) is GST/HST-free, but scrap jewelry often involves tax complications for businesses.

The Canadian Guide to Selling Gold in 2026

Selling gold in Canada is simpler than in the US—we use grams exclusively, avoiding the "Pennyweight" confusion that trips up American sellers. However, Canadian pawn shops still rely on your lack of knowledge to underpay you. This guide will show you exactly how to calculate your gold's value in CAD and understand the GST/HST implications.

1. Why Grams Matter in Canada

Unlike the United States, where pawn shops often use "Pennyweight" (dwt) to confuse sellers, Canada standardized on the metric system decades ago. This is actually a huge advantage for Canadian sellers:

  • Simple Math: 1 gram = 1 gram. No conversion tricks.
  • Universal Scales: Any kitchen scale shows grams. Buy a $10 digital scale and you're set.
  • Transparency: Easier to compare offers between shops when everyone uses the same unit.

2. The GST/HST Scrap Designation

Here's where Canada gets interesting. The tax treatment of gold depends on its purity:

Tax-Free Gold:

Pure bullion (99.9% or higher) is GST/HST exempt. This includes gold bars, coins like Maple Leafs, and investment-grade gold.

Scrap Jewelry:

Jewelry (10k, 14k, 18k) is considered "scrap" and may involve GST/HST complications for businesses. Pawn shops factor this into their offers.

3. Understanding the CAD Gold Price

Gold is priced globally in USD per troy ounce, but Canadian buyers quote in CAD. The conversion includes:

  • USD to CAD Exchange Rate: Fluctuates daily (typically 1.25-1.35)
  • Troy Ounce to Grams: 1 troy oz = 31.1035 grams
  • Your Karat Purity: 14k = 58.3% pure gold

Our calculator handles all this automatically, fetching live CAD prices and doing the math for you.

4. Where to Sell in Canada

Option A: Pawn Shop (Lowest Price, Instant Cash)

Pros: Same-day cash. No shipping.
Cons: Lowest payout (40-60%).
Best For: Emergency cash needs.

Option B: Online Refiners (Better Price, Slower)

Canadian companies like Kitco or reputable refiners pay more because they have lower overhead.
Pros: Better payout (75-90%).
Cons: Mail-in process takes 3-7 days.
Best For: Maximizing profit on scrap jewelry.

Option C: Private Sale (Highest Price, High Effort)

Selling on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
Pros: Can get 100%+ of melt value for nice pieces.
Cons: Safety concerns, scams, time-consuming.
Best For: Designer jewelry that shouldn't be melted.

5. Negotiation Tips for Canadians

  1. Weigh it at home: Know your exact gram weight before you go.
  2. Check the stamp: Look for 10k, 14k, 18k markings.
  3. Run the numbers: Use our calculator to know the melt value in CAD.
  4. Get multiple quotes: Visit 2-3 shops. They'll compete.
  5. The magic phrase: "I know the spot price is $X CAD per gram for [karat]. I can't take less than [70% of melt]."
  6. Walk away: If they won't budge, leave. They often "find" a better price.

Ready to check your items?

Scroll back up to the calculator and enter your weight and karat to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is 14k gold worth per gram in Canada?

It changes daily based on the stock market. As of 2026, 14k gold (58.3% purity) typically trades for $60-$70 CAD per gram (melt value). Pawn shops will offer you significantly less, usually $30-$40 per gram.

Do pawn shops in Canada use Pennyweight (dwt)?

Most Canadian pawn shops responsibly use Grams, but some near the US border or old-school shops might use Pennyweight (dwt) to confuse you. Always ask them to weigh your item in Grams, as that is the standard unit for the Canadian market.

Is my gold jewelry subject to GST/HST when I sell it?

Generally, no. When you sell personal items like jewelry to a pawn shop or gold buyer, you don't charge them tax. However, the shop might factor in the tax they have to handle when reselling it, which can lower their offer.

What is the best way to sell gold in Canada?

For speed, pawn shops pay cash instantly but offer the lowest price (40-60% of value). For the best price, mail-in refiners like Kitco (Montreal) or Silver Gold Bull (Calgary) often pay 80-90% of melt value but take a few days to process.