How scrap silver prices are set
UK scrap silver prices derive from the international silver spot price (XAG/USD per troy ounce), converted to GBP/gram using the live exchange rate. One troy ounce = 31.1035 grams. Buyers then apply a percentage — their "payout rate" — to the raw spot value.
InstaSilver publishes the live spot price and payout rate on our calculator page, updated in real time. No hidden rates, no stale prices, no phone calls required to find out what we'll pay.
What does 80% of spot mean?
If the pure silver spot price is £1.80 per gram, we pay £1.44 per gram of pure silver content, then multiplied by the purity of your silver. For 925 sterling: £1.80 × 0.925 × 0.80 = £1.332 per gram. Use our live calculator for the exact figure based on today's price.
Why buyers pay less than 100%
Silver buyers cover their costs — testing, melting, refining, logistics — within their margin. The industry average payout is 65–75% of spot. InstaSilver pays 80% because we're silver-only specialists with a direct-to-melt process optimised for efficiency.
How to maximise your return
Sell to a specialist (silver-only buyers pay more than generalists), check published rates before agreeing anything, and use our calculator to benchmark any offer you receive. Be wary of buyers who won't tell you their rate before you send your silver.