With gold and silver prices at record highs, many people are taking a closer look at what’s been sitting quietly in the back of closets, safes, and jewelry chests. Old silver, inherited jewelry, vintage watches, coins, and family heirlooms may be worth far more than expected.
When it comes time to sell, one important decision can make all the difference: sell to a precious metal buyer — or sell at auction.
At Alex Cooper, the premier auction house in the Mid-Atlantic, we believe auction offers clear advantages that precious metal buyers simply cannot match.
More Than Metal Weight
Precious metal buyers evaluate items almost exclusively by weight and current melt prices. To them, a sterling silver tray is simply ounces of silver. A signed timepiece, period jewel, or historic coin is reduced to its raw material value.
Auction looks beyond metal content. At Alex Cooper, items are carefully evaluated for:
- Design and craftsmanship
- Age, rarity, and maker
- Collectibility and condition
- Market demand beyond melt value
In many cases, these factors result in prices that significantly exceed melt value.
The Power of Competitive Bidding
Unlike selling to a precious metal buyer, auction creates a competitive marketplace. Your property is presented to a wide audience of collectors, dealers, and private buyers — both nationally and internationally.
That competition is what drives strong realizations. Instead of accepting a single offer, you allow the market to determine the true value of your property.
Expertise That Protects Your Heirlooms
Alex Cooper’s strength lies in its team of experienced in-house specialists, with deep expertise in:
- Sterling Silver flatware and holloware
- Fine Jewelry & Timepieces
- Coins and precious metals
Each item is professionally researched, cataloged, photographed, and marketed to ensure it is presented at its best — protecting value and maximizing results.
When Precious Metal Buyers Make Sense
Precious metal buyers can be a practical option for items with no remaining collectible or aesthetic value, such as:
- Broken or heavily damaged jewelry
- Single or half earrings
- Scrap gold or silver
- Pieces with no historical, design, or collector interest
In these situations, selling by weight for melt value may be appropriate. However, many items assumed to be “scrap” often have far greater value when evaluated by auction specialists.
Peace of Mind — and a Meaningful Outcome
Selling at auction offers something precious metal buyers cannot: peace of mind.
Your family heirlooms are not melted down or lost forever. Instead, they pass into the hands of collectors who appreciate their beauty, history, and craftsmanship — ensuring they are loved and cherished by future generations.
There’s Never Been a Better Time
With precious metals at historic highs and global demand for quality objects stronger than ever, now is an ideal moment to take inventory of what you own.
Before selling to a precious metal buyer, consider the difference between ending an object’s story — and allowing it to continue.
If you’re considering selling silver, jewelry, timepieces, coins, or family heirlooms, let Alex Cooper help you understand what your property is truly worth.
Schedule a complimentary evaluation with our specialists and discover the benefits of selling at auction with the Mid-Atlantic’s premier auction house.
From left to right: Kathleen, Director of Art, Selden, Director of Sales & Fine Jewelry, and Lisa, Director of Silver & Decorative Arts
Selden Morgan
Director of Sales & Fine Jewelry
