What drove the rise in North American precious metal scrap prices during August 21-27, 2026?

The weekly rally was primarily linked to strength in underlying precious-metals markets. Expectations of easier U.S. monetary policy, a softer dollar, safe-haven demand and continued central-bank purchases supported gold prices. These favorable conditions lifted the intrinsic value of precious metals contained in scrap and encouraged firmer pricing across gold, silver and platinum.

How did hallmarked gold scrap prices perform during the week?

Hallmarked gold scrap prices recorded significant gains across the major purity categories. 14K gold increased by $53.76 per ounce, while 18K gold advanced by $107.51 per ounce. 22K gold rose by $131.31 per pound, and 9K gold gained about 3.31% week on week, demonstrating broad strength across different purity levels.

Did the rally extend beyond gold scrap?

Yes. Silver and platinum scrap prices also recorded substantial weekly gains, confirming that the strength was not limited to gold. Hallmarked silver rose 2.63%, while platinum increased 2.58%; non-hallmarked silver and platinum followed with gains of 2.61% and 2.58%, respectively. This broad-based movement points to stronger sentiment across the North American precious-metals scrap market.

Precious Metal Scrap Prices: Weekly Market Report (August 21-27, 2026)

Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-08-28 07:29:54

By Carolina Curiel

Summary

Hallmarked gold scrap posted strong gains: Hallmarked gold prices advanced across 14K, 18K, 22K and 9K grades during the week. The rally was supported by stronger benchmark gold prices, expectations for easier U.S. monetary policy, a softer dollar, safe-haven demand and continued central-bank buying. Higher-purity 22K gold recorded a particularly notable increase of $131.31 per pound.
Silver and platinum also strengthened: The positive momentum extended beyond gold, with hallmarked silver scrap rising 2.63% and platinum scrap gaining 2.58% during the week. Non-hallmarked silver and platinum prices also moved higher, pointing to broad-based strength rather than gains concentrated in a single precious metal. The trend suggests firmer investor interest and improving sentiment across the sector.
Non-hallmarked precious metals followed the broader rally: Non-hallmarked gold scrap prices increased across the major purity grades, with 14K, 18K and 22K gold gaining $79.30, $101.67 and $124.16 per ounce, respectively. Silver scrap climbed 2.61%, while platinum advanced 2.58%. The across-the-board increases indicate stronger underlying demand and a supportive environment for precious-metals recycling.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): North American precious metal scrap prices climbed significantly between August 21 and 27, 2026, as gold, silver, and platinum scrap values increased across both hallmarked and non-hallmarked categories on the ScrapMonster Price Index.

Hallmarked Precious Metals Market

Hallmarked gold scrap prices in the North American market rose last week, supported by a broader rally in benchmark gold prices as expectations of easier U.S. monetary policy improved following weaker economic data and reduced fears of near-term rate hikes. A softer U.S. dollar and renewed investor demand for gold-backed exchange-traded products also provided additional support, while continued central-bank purchases reinforced underlying physical demand.

Persistent geopolitical and fiscal uncertainties further encouraged safe-haven buying, helping gold reach a three-month high during the week.

These factors together lifted the underlying value of gold content in hallmarked scrap and supported higher scrap prices., as reflected in the ScrapMonster Price Index.

Amid these market conditions, prices for 14K, 18K, 22K and 9K gold scrap increased over the week, reflecting the broader strength in gold values.

Fourteen-carat scrap gold prices advanced by $53.76 per ounce over the week. The 18-carat grade posted a stronger gain of $107.51 per ounce, reflecting continued upward momentum across the segment.

Meanwhile, 22-carat hallmarked gold scrap prices advanced by $131.31 per pound during the week, reflecting a strong gain in the higher-purity segment. As shown in the chart below, the weekly price trend underscores the strong performance of 22-carat hallmarked gold, supported by firm precious-metals values.

The positive trend also extended to lower-purity grades, with 9-carat scrap gold rising approximately 3.31% week on week

The broader precious metals scrap market strengthened as well. Silver scrap prices jumped 2.63% from a starting level of $50.28 per ounce, while platinum advanced 2.58% over the week.

The weekly trend in hallmarked gold, silver and platinum indicates broad strength across precious metals, reflecting firm investor demand and a supportive market environment.

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Non-Hallmarked Precious Metals Market

Gold scrap prices moved higher across the main purity categories during the week, supported by steady buying interest and favorable market conditions. Fourteen-carat scrap recorded a weekly increase of $79.30 per ounce, while 18-carat and 22-carat grades gained $101.67 and $124.16 per ounce, respectively. The 9-carat segment also followed the general upward trend, posting a 3.31% week-on-week rise.

Silver scrap prices saw a smaller advance, climbing 2.61% over the week. The metal added $1.26 per ounce from the previous week's opening price of $48.28 per ounce, as shown in the accompanying chart.

Platinum scrap prices also strengthened, registering a 2.58% weekly increase.

The broad-based gains across gold, silver, and platinum indicate firmer sentiment, stronger procurement activity, and improving confidence in the precious metals recycling market.

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POLL

Which precious metal showed the strongest overall momentum in North American scrap markets during August 21-27, 2026?

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Frequently Asked Questions

What drove the rise in North American precious metal scrap prices during August 21-27, 2026?
The weekly rally was primarily linked to strength in underlying precious-metals markets. Expectations of easier U.S. monetary policy, a softer dollar, safe-haven demand and continued central-bank purchases supported gold prices. These favorable conditions lifted the intrinsic value of precious metals contained in scrap and encouraged firmer pricing across gold, silver and platinum.
How did hallmarked gold scrap prices perform during the week?
Hallmarked gold scrap prices recorded significant gains across the major purity categories. 14K gold increased by $53.76 per ounce, while 18K gold advanced by $107.51 per ounce. 22K gold rose by $131.31 per pound, and 9K gold gained about 3.31% week on week, demonstrating broad strength across different purity levels.
Did the rally extend beyond gold scrap?
Yes. Silver and platinum scrap prices also recorded substantial weekly gains, confirming that the strength was not limited to gold. Hallmarked silver rose 2.63%, while platinum increased 2.58%; non-hallmarked silver and platinum followed with gains of 2.61% and 2.58%, respectively. This broad-based movement points to stronger sentiment across the North American precious-metals scrap market.