Valuation Basics

Melt Value Explained

Melt value is the estimated value of the precious metal content inside a coin, round, or bar. It is calculated from fine metal weight multiplied by the current spot price.

The basic formula

Melt value equals fine precious-metal weight multiplied by spot price per troy ounce. For a 1 oz gold bullion coin, one troy ounce times gold spot gives the baseline metal value.

Coins can trade above melt

Many coins trade above melt because they carry a premium for recognition, condition, scarcity, or mint origin. This is why melt value should be treated as a floor reference, not always the final market value.

Why sellers should calculate it

Knowing melt value helps a seller evaluate whether an offer is fair, especially for common bullion, scrap, and constitutional silver.

Melt calculations are educational estimates and should be checked against current market quotes before a transaction.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-30

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