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Short answer
24K gold is 99.9% pure — the highest purity sold commercially. Per-gram value tracks the gold spot price almost 1:1. Most 24K is bullion (bars and coins), and we pay close to spot — typically 95–99% of today's price.
24K = 24 parts out of 24 = 99.9% pure
Pure gold is too soft for most jewelry — it scratches with a fingernail and bends under daily wear — so 24K is reserved for bullion bars, investment coins, and ceremonial pieces from cultures where pure-gold jewelry is traditional (parts of China, Vietnam, the Middle East). The stamp '999' indicates 99.9% pure (.999 fine); '9999' indicates 99.99% (.9999 fine — Canadian Maple Leafs and a handful of other coins). Per-gram value between .999 and .9999 differs by a fraction of a percent — essentially identical at the counter.
Where 24K shows up: bullion bars, investment coins, ceremonial gold
Most 24K we see is bullion: 1g to 10oz bars from PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, Valcambi, Royal Canadian Mint, Perth Mint, Engelhard, Johnson Matthey, and a few smaller LBMA-accredited refineries. Common bullion coins include Canadian Gold Maple Leafs (.9999 fine), American Gold Buffalos (.9999 fine), Australian Kangaroos, Austrian Philharmonics, and Chinese Pandas. American Gold Eagles and South African Krugerrands are alloyed (22K + alloy by weight, but full pure-gold content per coin — a 1oz Eagle contains exactly 1oz of pure gold), and we pay for that gold content. Pure 24K jewelry is rare in Western markets but standard in some Asian markets.
The math: weight × spot price (almost 1:1)
For pure bullion, the math is simple: troy-ounce gold spot price × number of ounces = melt value, with no purity multiplier needed because the metal is already pure. Worked example: at $2,400/oz gold, a 1oz Canadian Maple Leaf is worth $2,400 in pure gold content. Our offer for recognized bullion typically runs 95–99% of spot — much tighter than the 70–80% range on scrap jewelry — because bullion goes straight to the next investor or back to the refinery with minimal processing cost. A 1oz Maple Leaf might sell for ~$2,328 (97% of spot). The exact percentage depends on coin type, condition, market demand, and whether you have original packaging or assay cards.
Why bullion pays close to spot while jewelry doesn't
Scrap jewelry has to be refined back to pure gold — that process costs 3–8% of the metal value, and we have to wait for our refinery shipment to clear before we're paid. Bullion skips that step entirely; an LBMA-accredited 1oz Maple Leaf is already pure gold in a recognizable, immediately-liquid form. We can resell it to another investor the same week. That's why our offer for bullion runs 95–99% of spot vs 70–80% of melt for scrap jewelry. The math is just different — and we explain that clearly on the counter.
How Much Is 24K Gold Worth in San Diego Today? FAQ
Do you buy gold bullion and investment coins?
Yes — every recognized format. Bars from LBMA-accredited refineries (PAMP, Credit Suisse, Valcambi, RCM, Perth Mint, Engelhard, Johnson Matthey), American Gold Eagles (every size: 1/10oz, 1/4oz, 1/2oz, 1oz), Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, Austrian Philharmonics, Australian Kangaroos, Chinese Pandas, pre-1933 US gold coins. Bring the piece and any original packaging, assay cards, or grading slabs.
Do you pay spot price for gold bullion?
Close to spot — typically 95–99% for recognized bullion in good condition. The exact percentage depends on coin/bar type and current market demand. Generic bars or unknown refineries may price slightly lower. Numismatic coins (pre-1933 US, rare-date Eagles, graded slabs) are priced by collector demand and can run above spot.
Where can I sell American Gold Eagles in San Diego?
Our Gaslamp Quarter counter buys every Eagle size — 1/10oz, 1/4oz, 1/2oz, and 1oz. Eagles are 91.67% gold by weight (22K alloyed with copper and silver), but the gold content per coin is exactly what's stamped — a 1oz Eagle contains exactly 1oz of pure gold. We pay for that gold content, not the alloyed total weight.
What's the difference between .999 and .9999 fine gold?
Both are essentially pure gold. .999 is 99.9% (Swiss refineries — PAMP, Credit Suisse) and .9999 is 99.99% (Canadian RCM and a few others). The price difference per gram is negligible — we pay essentially the same per-gram rate for both. Don't pay a premium for .9999 over .999 unless you specifically need it for industrial purposes.
Will you buy graded coins (PCGS or NGC slabs)?
Yes. Graded bullion coins (proof Eagles, MS-70 Maples) and graded numismatic coins (pre-1933 US gold) are both welcome. The slab doesn't always add value above the bullion content — modern proof bullion often trades close to bullion content despite the higher mint price. For rare-date numismatics (pre-1933 Liberty Heads, Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, scarce date Eagles), the collectible premium can be substantial. We pay current market, not original cost.
