Inheriting gold or silver can bring up a lot of questions all at once. You may be sorting through jewelry, coins, silverware, or items you have never handled before and wondering what any of it is worth or what to do next.
One of the most helpful next steps is seeing inherited items evaluated in person. Sitting down with a knowledgeable team, asking questions, and understanding value in real time removes a lot of uncertainty and makes the process far more approachable.
This guide walks through a practical, low-pressure approach to inherited gold and silver and explains how an in-person evaluation at Monument Metals in Frederick, MD can help you move forward with confidence.
Inherited precious metals often fall into a few broad categories. You do not need to classify everything perfectly, but knowing the general types helps.
Common inherited items include:
Even items that are worn, mismatched, or incomplete may still carry value based on metal content alone.
If you are unsure whether something qualifies, that is normal. Many people bring in mixed collections without knowing exactly what they have.
While we evaluate gold jewelry, sterling silver is generally purchased as flatware, hollowware, serving pieces, or coins, rather than jewelry.
One of the most common misconceptions with inherited metals is that value is based on how something looks.
In reality, value is usually determined by:
This means:
Because of this, cleaning or polishing items before evaluation is not recommended. Altering the surface can sometimes reduce value, especially for coins.
If you want a general idea of potential value before coming in, Monument Metals offers scrap metal calculators for silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. The scrap calculator allows you to:
Using the current market price, the calculator provides an estimated value. This can be helpful for understanding whether an item is worth exploring further.
It is important to remember that calculators provide estimates. An in-person evaluation allows for more precise assessment and explanation.
For those in the Frederick area, bringing inherited items in for an evaluation is often the clearest next step.
Here is how the process works:
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. You do not need to organize or label everything ahead of time.
Our team evaluates gold and silver using state-of-the-art testing equipment. You can see the process, ask questions, and understand how pricing is determined based on live market rates.
You will receive a competitive offer on the spot. If you choose to accept, payment is made immediately. If not, there is no obligation to sell.
Payment options include cash, check, or wire.
If you’re unable to visit our Frederick location, we also work with sellers nationwide. As one of the industry’s largest and most trusted buyers, we offer strong, transparent pricing, clear communication, and a straightforward process from start to finish.
Whether you’re selling a few items or an entire collection, there are no minimums, and our team is available to walk you through next steps so you know exactly what to expect before sending anything in. The goal is the same as an in-person visit: clarity first, fair pricing, and the ability to decide at your own pace.
Inherited gold or silver does not require rushed decisions. The clearest next step is often seeing your items evaluated in person, where questions can be answered and pricing explained clearly. Visiting Monument Metals in Frederick allows you to understand what you have, how value is determined, and what options make sense for you. Whether you choose to sell now, later, or not at all, clarity comes from seeing the process firsthand.