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Whether you're strolling through the Mission or clicking around from your couch, San Francisco offers solid options for buying gold — both in-person and online.
But not all gold dealers are created equal. Some offer lower premiums, while others win on customer service or trust. So where should you go?
Let’s walk through the best local coin shops and online options available to San Franciscans in 2025.
Best Places to Buy Gold in San Francisco: Local Dealers
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top-rated physical gold dealers in the San Francisco area — based on product availability, experience, reputation, and overall buying experience.
Dealer Name | Years in Business | Inventory Offered | Google Rating (Reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
Coin & Gold Buyer SF | 15+ years | Gold coins (Eagles, Maples), scrap gold, jewelry | ★ 4.9 (332 reviews) |
Witter Coins | 50+ years | Bullion coins, collectible & numismatic coins | ★ 4.8 (357 reviews) |
Polyak Precious Metals | 10+ years | Bullion bars & coins, estate gold, refined metals | ★ 5.0 (137 reviews) |
Bay Area Gold and Silver Buyers | 10+ years | Gold bars, coins, scrap gold, silver items | ★ 4.8 (34 reviews) |
Coin & Gold Buyer SF
With over 15 years in the business, Coin & Gold Buyer SF is known for its strong focus on gold bullion, scrap gold, and jewelry transactions.
Their store offers a clean, low-key setting where walk-in buyers can browse or sell gold without pressure.
They regularly stock gold coins, including Eagles and Maples, and offer straightforward pricing.
Location: 303 12th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118
Witter Coins
Witter Coins has been a fixture in San Francisco’s coin and bullion market for more than 50 years.
Their Lombard Street shop is stocked with a wide range of gold bullion products, collectible coins, and historical rarities.
The staff is experienced, and the environment suits both casual investors and serious numismatists looking for expert guidance.
Location: 2299 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Polyak Precious Metals
In business for over a decade, Polyak Precious Metals offers private, appointment-only service with a strong focus on transparency and education.
They specialize in gold bullion, estate gold, and refined precious metals — making them a go-to for investors seeking discreet, one-on-one consultations.
Inventory includes bars, coins, and custom buying arrangements for higher-net-worth clients.
Location: 1553 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Bay Area Gold and Silver Buyers
With over 10 years of experience in the local precious metals trade, Bay Area Gold and Silver Buyers offers quick, walk-in transactions for gold coins, bars, and scrap.
The store provides a simple, no-frills environment — ideal for those who want to buy or sell without dealing with pushy sales tactics or complex procedures.
Location: 780 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Top Online Gold Dealers for San Francisco Buyers
If you prefer to shop from home (or want access to a broader selection), online gold dealers offer convenience, fast shipping, and often lower premiums.
Here’s a look at some of the most trusted national dealers that ship directly to San Francisco.
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JM Bullion
JM Bullion is one of the best online dealers to shop with. The site is simple to navigate, pricing is clear, and shipping is fast.
They carry everything from standard gold bars to collectible coins, and you can sort by brand, size, metal type, and more. If you’re just getting started, JM Bullion makes the process pretty painless.
Also — no account required to browse or check prices, which is a plus.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 4.3 (1,493 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2014 |
Consumer Affairs | 4.5 (790 reviews) |
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SD Bullion
If low premiums matter to you, SD Bullion is tough to beat. They’re consistently ranked among the lowest-cost online gold dealers — with transparent pricing and zero gimmicks.
Unlike some competitors, they don’t push collectible coins or expensive “rare” gold. Just straightforward bullion in all the popular formats.
They also have a clean, clutter-free checkout process and a solid reputation for shipping speed.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 4.3 (2,648 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2014 |
Sitejabber | 3.3 (641 reviews) |
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Goldco
Goldco specializes in helping people roll over their 401(k) or IRA into a gold-backed retirement account — but they also sell physical gold for direct purchase.
What stands out about Goldco is their focus on customer education. If you’re looking into a gold IRA or want to protect retirement savings with physical metals, they’ll walk you through the process without pressure.
That said, they’re less about everyday stacking and more about long-term investing.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 4.8 (1,573 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2011 |
Consumer Affairs | 4.8 (1,688 reviews) |
Google Reviews | 4.9 (2,579 reviews) |
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Birch Gold Group
Another strong name in the gold IRA space, Birch Gold Group is known for its white-glove service and step-by-step approach.
They’re a solid fit if you're converting part of your retirement plan into gold or silver. If you just want a few coins shipped to your door, they may not be the cheapest or quickest — but for IRAs, they’re a top-tier option.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 4.3 (197 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2013 |
Consumer Affairs | 5.0 (170 reviews) |
Google Reviews | 4.7 (371 reviews) |
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Money Metals Exchange
Money Metals bridges the gap between IRA-focused dealers and everyday stackers. Their pricing is competitive, they have a broad inventory, and the site is easy to use.
One feature that sets them apart: you can also set up automatic monthly gold purchases — great if you’re trying to build your position over time without timing the market.
They’re also highly rated for customer service and support, even for smaller orders.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 3.3 (125 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2011 | 4.4 (143 reviews) |
Consumer Affairs | 4.7 (168 reviews) |
Things to Consider When Buying Gold in San Francisco
Before you head to a coin shop or order online, keep these key points in mind:
Local premiums vary – Different shops charge different markups on gold coins and bars. Always compare prices across at least two to three dealers.
Know what you’re buying – Stick to well-known bullion products like American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, or gold bars from trusted mints (e.g., PAMP Suisse, Valcambi).
Tax implications – California does not charge sales tax on gold purchases over $1,500, which can save you money compared to smaller buys.
Buy-sell spread matters – Ask each shop what they pay if you come back to sell. A small spread (difference between buy and sell price) usually signals a better deal.
Reputation over hype – Whether local or online, choose dealers with a solid track record, not just flashy deals.
Physical security – If buying in person, choose a shop with secure premises. And if storing gold at home, invest in a safe.
Gold IRAs require specialists – For retirement accounts, work with dealers who have experience setting up gold-backed IRAs.
FAQ
No sales tax applies to gold purchases over $2,000 in California, making larger transactions more cost-effective for investors.
Small purchases under reporting thresholds can be made without providing ID, but dealers must collect information for larger or suspicious transactions.
Local purchases offer face-to-face trust and instant delivery, while online dealers often provide lower premiums and broader selection.
Some shops accept credit cards, but many charge extra fees. Cash, checks, or wire transfers are usually preferred for lower costs.
Many local dealers consider gold sales final due to price volatility. Always ask about their return or buyback policy before purchasing
Reputable dealers test and verify all items, but private sellers or flea markets pose higher risks. Stick with established businesses.
Yes, anyone can purchase gold from local shops. Just be prepared to show ID for larger purchases or payments.
