Scrap Gold Prices in Canada: Your 2026 Guide for Quebec City

Scrap gold prices fluctuate daily, influenced by global market trends, purity, and weight. For Canadians, particularly those in Quebec City, understanding these prices is key to maximizing returns when selling unwanted gold items. This comprehensive guide, updated for 2026, explores the factors affecting scrap gold values in Canada and provides insights for sellers in Quebec City and beyond.

Whether you’re clearing out old jewelry, dental gold, or electronic scrap, knowing the current market rate is essential. This article will break down how scrap gold is evaluated, what influences its price, and where you can find the most competitive rates in Canada, with a special focus on the Quebec City market.

Understanding How Scrap Gold Prices Work

The price you receive for scrap gold isn’t arbitrary; it’s directly linked to the spot price of pure gold on the international market. However, several factors differentiate the price of pure gold from the price you’ll get for your scrap items.

Key Insight: The ‘spot price’ of gold refers to the price for immediate delivery of 24-karat gold, traded on global commodity markets. This is the benchmark from which all other gold prices are derived.]

Scrap gold typically refers to gold items that are no longer wearable or usable in their current form, such as broken jewelry, old coins, dental fillings, and electronic components containing gold. The value is determined by its karats (purity), weight, and the current market price of pure gold. Buyers will often pay a percentage of the spot price, accounting for their refining costs, overhead, and profit margin.

Factors Influencing Scrap Gold Prices in Canada

Several elements contribute to the value of your scrap gold, especially within the Canadian market. Understanding these will help you assess offers and negotiate better terms.

Purity (Karat): Gold is measured in karats, with 24K being pure gold (99.9% fine). Common scrap gold items are 18K (75% gold), 14K (58.3% gold), or 10K (41.7% gold). The higher the karat, the higher the price per gram. Buyers use acids or electronic testers to verify purity.
Weight: The price is calculated based on the gold’s weight, usually in grams or troy ounces. Ensure you have an accurate scale or request the buyer to weigh your gold in front of you.
Current Gold Spot Price: The international spot price of gold is the most significant factor. This price fluctuates constantly due to economic news, geopolitical events, and market speculation. For Canada, this price is typically quoted in USD per troy ounce and then converted to CAD.
Buyer’s Margin and Fees: Reputable buyers will be transparent about their fees or the percentage they deduct. This covers their costs for testing, refining, and operational expenses. Unscrupulous buyers might offer very low prices or hide fees.
Form of Gold: While most scrap is jewelry, items like gold bars or coins, even if damaged, might fetch a slightly higher price due to their inherent purity and recognition as investment-grade items, though they are usually assessed based on their gold content when sold as scrap.

Why this matters: In Quebec City, as across Canada, verifying the purity of your gold is crucial. Different items have varying gold content, directly impacting their value. Always ask for clarification on how the karat affects the final price offered.]

How to Find the Best Scrap Gold Prices in Quebec City

Getting the best value for your scrap gold in Quebec City involves a combination of research and smart selling strategies. Taking the time to understand the market will pay off significantly.

Did you know? The Canadian dollar’s value against the US dollar can also influence gold prices, as gold is globally traded in USD. A weaker CAD generally leads to higher gold prices in Canada.]

Check Daily Prices: Before visiting any buyer, check the current daily gold spot price online. Websites like Kitco.com provide real-time prices in CAD per gram for various karats. This gives you a solid benchmark for offers.
Get Multiple Quotes: Never accept the first offer. Visit several reputable gold buyers in Quebec City, including jewelers, specialized precious metal dealers, and pawn shops. Compare their offers based on the price per gram for your specific gold purity.
Understand the Process: Reputable buyers will test your gold in front of you, explain the purity, weigh it accurately, and clearly state the price per gram they are offering. Be wary of places that take your gold ‘to the back’ for testing.
Consider Mail-In Services: For those outside major centers or seeking convenience, reputable mail-in services operate across Canada. They often provide pre-paid shipping kits and transparent pricing, but ensure you research their reputation and insurance policies thoroughly.
Look for Transparency: Choose buyers who are upfront about their pricing structure, assay methods, and any fees. Professionalism and transparency are key indicators of a trustworthy buyer in Quebec City.

Types of Scrap Gold and Their Value

Different forms of gold scrap carry varying values due to their purity and market perception. Understanding these distinctions helps sellers in Canada make informed decisions.

Common Forms of Scrap Gold:

Jewelry: This is the most common form of scrap gold. Broken necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets are typically 10K, 14K, or 18K. The price is based on the gold content within that specific alloy.
Dental Gold: Old dental crowns and bridges containing gold are often high purity (around 16K) and may contain other precious metals like platinum or palladium, which can sometimes increase their value. Buyers will assay these for all precious metals.
Coins: While some gold coins are investment grade and sold separately, older or damaged gold coins might be sold as scrap. Their purity varies (e.g., Canadian Maple Leaf is 24K, American Gold Eagle is 22K). They are valued based on their gold content.
Electronic Scrap: Circuit boards, connectors, and wiring from computers, phones, and other electronics can contain small amounts of gold. Extracting this gold is a specialized process, and prices are often quoted per pound or ton for bulk electronic waste.
Other Items: This can include gold-plated items (which have very little value as scrap gold unless the plating is exceptionally thick and valuable), gold fillings, and industrial gold scrap.

Expert Tip: When selling electronic scrap, consider specialized recyclers who focus on recovering precious metals. They often offer better rates for bulk quantities than general gold buyers.]

In British Columbia, as in Quebec City, the market for these varied forms of scrap gold is robust, catering to different sellers and needs. Ensuring you identify the type of gold you have accurately will help you get a fair assessment.

Navigating the Market: Reputable Buyers in Canada (2026)

Choosing a trustworthy buyer is paramount when selling scrap gold in Canada. With numerous options available, understanding what makes a buyer reputable can save you from scams and ensure you receive fair value. For sellers in British Columbia and Quebec City, prioritizing local, established businesses often provides the best balance of convenience and trust.

Understanding Buyer Types: While pawn shops offer quick cash, they often provide lower rates. Specialized precious metal dealers and reputable jewelers typically offer more competitive prices for your scrap gold in Canada.]

Key Traits of Reputable Gold Buyers:

Transparency: They clearly display their pricing, fees, and testing methods.
Accurate Testing: They use reliable methods (e.g., XRF analyzers, acid tests) and allow you to observe the process.
Fair Pricing: Their offers are competitive, reflecting current market rates minus reasonable refining costs.
Licensing and Insurance: Established businesses often hold necessary licenses and insurance for handling precious metals.
Positive Reviews: Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can indicate a buyer’s reliability.

For those in British Columbia, Vancouver-based dealers are often a go-to source. Similarly, Quebec City has several established jewelers and precious metal traders. Always do your due diligence, read reviews, and compare offers before making a decision. For 2026, the market continues to favor transparency and fair dealing.

The Role of the Canadian Dollar in Gold Prices

The value of the Canadian dollar (CAD) plays a significant role in determining the price of gold for Canadians. Since gold is priced internationally in US dollars (USD), fluctuations in the exchange rate directly impact how much Canadians receive for their gold.

Exchange Rate Impact: When the Canadian dollar weakens against the US dollar, gold prices in CAD tend to rise, even if the USD spot price remains stable. Conversely, a stronger CAD can lower gold prices within Canada.]

How Exchange Rates Affect Prices:

Weak CAD: If USD$1 buys more CAD than usual, Canadian sellers benefit. The same amount of gold sold internationally will convert into a larger amount of Canadian dollars.
Strong CAD: A stronger Canadian dollar means USD$1 buys fewer CAD. This can reduce the price Canadians receive for gold, even if the USD spot price is high.
Market Volatility: Both currency exchange rates and gold prices can be volatile. This means the price you receive can change significantly from day to day.

For sellers in Quebec City and across Canada, staying informed about both the gold spot price and the CAD-USD exchange rate provides a more complete picture of current market conditions. This awareness helps in timing the sale for potentially better returns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Scrap Gold

Many people make common errors when selling scrap gold, often costing them significant money. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and secure a better deal.

Not Knowing the Karat: Selling 18K gold as if it were 14K significantly undervalues your item. Always seek clarity on the purity of your gold.
Accepting the First Offer: As mentioned, competition exists. Always shop around to ensure you’re getting a fair market price.
Selling Gold-Plated Items as Solid Gold: Gold-plated items have a thin layer of gold. Unless the plating is extremely thick and valuable, they are worth far less than solid gold. Buyers should be able to identify these.
Ignoring Buyer Fees: Some buyers may not clearly state their fees or refining charges, which can drastically reduce your payout. Always ask for a breakdown of the offer.
Selling Too Quickly: Impatience can lead to poor decisions. Take your time, do your research, and wait for a price that reflects the current market conditions in Canada.
Not Verifying Weight and Purity: Ensure the weight is measured accurately and the purity is tested correctly. Disputes often arise from discrepancies in these fundamental aspects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Gold Prices

What are today’s scrap gold prices in Quebec City?

Today’s scrap gold prices in Quebec City, Canada, depend on the current international spot price of gold and the purity (karat) of your item. As of 2026, prices fluctuate daily, but you can find real-time rates on financial websites or by contacting local reputable gold buyers for the most accurate quotes.

How can I find the best price for my scrap gold in Canada?

To find the best price for your scrap gold in Canada, check daily market prices, get multiple quotes from reputable buyers in Quebec City or online, understand your gold’s karat, and ensure the buyer is transparent about their fees and testing methods.

Is it better to sell scrap gold to a jeweler or a refinery?

Reputable jewelers and specialized precious metal refineries often offer competitive prices for scrap gold. Refineries might offer slightly better rates for larger quantities due to their specialized processing capabilities. Always compare offers from both types of buyers to ensure you get the best value.

What is the price of 14K scrap gold per gram in CAD?

The price of 14K scrap gold per gram in CAD varies daily with the market. As of 2026, it typically ranges from $40 to $60 CAD per gram, depending on the international spot price of gold and the buyer’s margin. Always check current rates for an exact figure.

Does British Columbia have specific regulations for selling scrap gold?

While there aren’t unique provincial regulations specifically dictating scrap gold prices in British Columbia, buyers must adhere to general business licensing and consumer protection laws. Some buyers may require identification for transactions above a certain value to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Returns on Scrap Gold in Canada for 2026

Selling scrap gold can be a lucrative way to liquidate unneeded assets, but it requires diligence and market awareness. By understanding the factors that influence scrap gold prices, knowing your gold’s purity and weight, and choosing reputable buyers, sellers in Quebec City, British Columbia, and across Canada can ensure they receive fair value in 2026. Always check the daily spot price, get multiple quotes, and prioritize transparency to achieve the best possible returns. Remember that the Canadian dollar’s exchange rate also plays a part, so staying informed about both gold prices and currency fluctuations is beneficial.

Final Recommendation: Before selling, research current prices online, get quotes from at least three reputable buyers in your area (like Quebec City or Vancouver), and confirm their testing and payment methods. This diligence ensures you get the best possible return for your scrap gold.]

As the precious metals market continues to evolve, staying informed is your best strategy. Whether you’re selling a single piece of jewelry or a larger quantity of electronic scrap, a well-informed approach will lead to a more profitable and trustworthy transaction in the Canadian market.