MONTANA GOLD EXCHANGE
Photographing an unrefined gold-colored specimen
Show the specimen from several angles beside a ruler and describe its known origin without inventing provenance. Retain any actual testing report and identify what part of the sample it covers.
Record gross weight with its unit, but do not describe that weight as pure gold. Rock, attached material and an uncertain composition make a refined-bullion calculation unsuitable.
Ask whether the reviewer can handle this material before arranging shipment. The Idaho team assesses Montana inquiries individually; a photograph is not an assay or a promise to purchase.
THE LOCAL ROUTE · BILLINGS, MONTANA
Compare before you decide.
This is a Billings starting point, not statewide coverage. Before a long Montana trip, send an inventory of bullion, coins and scrap so the buyer can confirm the relevant evaluation service.
Argent Gold & Coins
1314 24th Street West, Billings, Montana
The Billings shop describes buying and selling precious metals and collectible coins and specifically purchasing scrap gold and silver.
Visit their website ↗Service information checked 2026-10-19. Business source. Confirm services, location and availability directly before traveling.
Before you go
- Can you review my coin collection and scrap jewelry in the same visit?
- Should I arrange additional time for graded coins or a large lot?
A starting point for comparison, not an exhaustive list or a ranking. Independent businesses are not partners of this site. Their buying terms are separate from Idaho Pawn’s mail-in estimate.
Sources for this local guide
CHOOSE WHAT YOU WANT TO KEEP
Sell it, or keep a path to getting it back?
Sell to a buyer
You exchange the item for an agreed payment. Compare the final amount after testing and any fees. Ask a pawn shop about an outright purchase too; selling does not require taking a loan.
Estimate a mail-in sale →Ask about a local pawn loan
If you want the item back, ask a local pawnbroker whether it accepts your item as collateral. Before signing, compare the cash advanced, APR, total repayment and redemption deadline. You can lose the item if you do not redeem it under the agreement.
A buyer listed in this guide may not offer loans. Confirm services directly. Our 80% melt calculator estimates a purchase payout, not a loan advance. CFPB: pawn transaction disclosures.
Questions to take to a pawn shop
- What will I receive today, and what is the total to get my item back?
- What are the due date, any grace period, and the cost of a renewal?
- How will my item be described, stored and returned? What happens if I miss the deadline?
- What would you pay to buy it outright instead? Can I take a copy of both offers?
LOCAL RULES · MONTANA
Make the item and redemption date clear
Montana Code § 31-1-402 requires pawnbrokers to record the item description, transaction date, redemption date, customer’s name and amount loaned or paid.
Ask for your transaction details in writing. Compare the item description and redemption date with your understanding before you hand over the item.
This state recordkeeping provision is one part of the rules. Confirm any additional requirements in the city where you visit. Source checked October 19, 2026. This is a starting point, not a complete statement of the law. Confirm current requirements with the authority and the business.
Before you accept an offer
Confirm the specific item, weight, purity assumptions, total payable amount, any costs, and the handling plan. Do not rely on a catalog figure as a locked offer.
Local visit or an Idaho review?
A local buyer may let you discuss testing and payment in person. Our online photo review goes to Idaho Pawn & Gold in Idaho. Compare both paths on the amount payable, testing, timing and the cost of getting your item back if you decline.
For ordinary gold or silver, our starting mail-in estimate is 80% of verified melt value. Designer jewelry, diamonds, collectible coins, Rolex watches and luxury goods such as Louis Vuitton need separate evaluation for value beyond metal content.
Try the melt-value estimator →Keep your items until the Idaho Pawn team confirms shipping, inspection, payment and return arrangements with you.