A reference price is not a purchase offer. A benchmark, spot indication or futures quote can provide a calculation input, but it does not account for purity, condition, fabrication, location, liquidity, refining, taxes or dealer margin. Preserve the source and timestamp with every result.
Choose the source that matches the question
These links are starting points, not endorsements and not a promise that any number displayed is free to reuse. Market-data providers can apply terms, delays, access controls and licensing requirements. Check the page's own methodology, currency, unit, timing and permission terms before relying on its information.
| Metal or market | Start with | Useful when you need | Still check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | LBMA Precious Metal Prices | A London precious-metals benchmark reference | Currency, AM/PM or other timing, benchmark methodology, data-use terms and whether it matches your transaction |
| Silver | LBMA Precious Metal Prices | A London precious-metals benchmark reference | Currency, price time, fine-metal basis, product premium and data-use terms |
| Copper | London Metal Exchange: LME Copper | Copper contract and market-reference context | Contract month, prompt date, grade, delivery terms, currency, unit and local scrap grade |
| Platinum | LBMA Precious Metal Prices | A London precious-metals benchmark reference | Currency, price time, benchmark methodology, physical premium and data-use terms |
| Palladium | LBMA Precious Metal Prices | A London precious-metals benchmark reference | Currency, price time, material form, recovery assumptions and data-use terms |
| Listed futures context | CME Group precious metals | Contract specifications and futures-market context for gold, silver, platinum and palladium | Contract month, settlement basis, quote delay and whether a futures contract answers a physical-market question |
For base, ferrous and battery metals outside current site coverage, the London Metal Exchange metals directory and the CME Group metals directory can help identify relevant contracts. A local recycler's price for a specific scrap grade is a different kind of information and should be requested directly in writing.
Record these seven details
- Metal and product: fine gold, sterling silver, copper cathode, insulated wire, a futures contract or something else.
- Quote type: benchmark, spot indication, bid, ask, midpoint, settlement, futures, retail price or buyer offer.
- Currency and unit: for example, USD per troy ounce or USD per metric tonne.
- Time and date: including a market status or delay label where shown.
- Source and link: save the page address and the exact label used by the source.
- Object basis: fine metal, gross object weight, an alloy percentage, a grade or an expected recovery.
- Transaction terms: any premium, spread, assay, minimum, delivery, shipping, payment or tax condition.
Useful rule: If two prices do not share the same metal, basis, unit, currency and time, they are not yet directly comparable.
Use the quote in a transparent calculation
Once you have recorded a comparable reference, use the matching guide or calculator. The calculator runs in your browser and does not fetch, save or validate the price you enter.
- How to read a gold price
- How to read a silver price
- How to read a copper price
- How to read a platinum price
- How to read a palladium price
- Open a contained-metal calculator
- Read the calculation methodology
If you are selling a physical item
Do not use a benchmark calculation as a reason to accept or reject an offer by itself. Classify the item first; a coin, signed jewel, stone-set object, collectible or industrial component may have value that a melt calculation does not capture. Ask prospective buyers to state the weight, test or assay, reference basis, payout percentage and deductions used in writing.
Gold selling checklist · Silver selling checklist · Why physical metal can trade above or below a reference
Directory limitations
Links can change, services can restrict access and a source's methodology can be revised. This page is reviewed as a static directory, not monitored as a real-time data service. If a reference link is outdated or a description is inaccurate, please use the corrections process.