Do Pawn Shops Pay More for 14K or 18K Gold? (Full Breakdown)
Not all gold is equal — and pawn shops definitely know the difference.
If you don’t, you could lose money instantly.
🟡 Gold Purity Comparison
| Karat | Gold % | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 10K | 41.7% | Lowest |
| 14K | 58.5% | Medium |
| 18K | 75% | High |
💰 Real Comparison
10g example:
- 10K → ~$270 melt
- 14K → ~$380 melt
- 18K → ~$490 melt
Pawn payouts follow the same pattern.
⚠️ Common Scam
Some shops:
- Mix all gold together
- Pay based on lowest purity
👉 Always separate your items.
💡 Check Value by Karat
Related reads:
How Much Do Pawn Shops REALLY Pay for Gold? (2026 Insider Guide)
Pawn Shop Gold Calculator: Estimate Your Gold Value in Seconds