Selling Metals

Dealer Buyback Spread

The buyback spread is the difference between the price a dealer sells a product for and the price they are willing to pay to buy it back. Understanding the spread helps sellers compare offers more calmly.

Retail and buyback are different markets

Retail pricing includes a dealer's cost of inventory, authentication, overhead, and resale margin. Buyback pricing reflects what the dealer can pay while still managing risk and reselling the item.

Highly liquid products usually have tighter spreads

Major sovereign coins and recognized bars often have better buyback treatment than obscure products. Damaged, questionable, or unpackaged items may receive wider spreads.

How sellers can compare offers

Ask whether the offer is based on spot, melt value, product premium, or numismatic value. Comparing two or three quotes can reveal whether one offer is unusually low.

Buyback spreads vary by dealer and market conditions. This page is educational, not a quote or recommendation.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-30

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