Walk into most "cash for gold" spots and you'll feel like you’re in a pawn shop from a bad 80s movie. Neon signs. Bulletproof glass. A guy behind a counter who looks like he’s doing you a massive favor by even glancing at your jewelry. Honestly, it’s a vibe that makes you want to turn around and walk right back out.
But then there is Dinger's Gold & Silver Cash for Gold.
👉 See also: JD Rockefeller Net Worth: Why He Was Kinda Richer Than Anyone Today
Located in Plano, Texas, this place is basically the antithesis of the "shady gold buyer" trope. Founded in 2011 by Shane Dinger, it’s a family-run operation—Shane’s son Austin Burton joined up in 2019—and they’ve built a reputation on being, well, normal. And honest.
Selling your gold shouldn't feel like a heist. You’ve probably got a drawer full of old class rings, broken chains, or maybe a coin collection you inherited that you have no idea how to value. Most people assume they’re going to get ripped off. You’re not wrong to be skeptical. The "cash for gold" industry has some pretty dark corners.
Why Dinger's Gold & Silver Cash for Gold Actually Matters
Trust is a weird word in the precious metals world. Everybody claims they have it, but few actually show their work. What's different here is the transparency. When you walk into their office at the corner of Parker and Independence, you aren't just handed a low-ball offer and told to take it or leave it.
They test the metal right in front of you.
It’s a simple thing, but it changes the dynamic. Instead of some "secret" evaluation in a back room, you’re seeing the purity tests and the weights. They deal in gold bullion, silver coins, and numismatics—which is a fancy way of saying "collectible coins that are worth more than just the metal inside them."
Most "cash for gold" places only care about the melt value. If you bring a rare 19th-century coin to a standard scrap buyer, they’ll weigh it, give you the spot price for the gold, and then probably sell it to a collector for five times that. Dinger’s actually looks at the collector value. That’s a massive distinction that could mean hundreds of extra dollars in your pocket.
The Problem With Online "Kits"
We’ve all seen the commercials. "Mail us your gold in this prepaid envelope!"
💡 You might also like: 400 Quid to Dollars: Why Your Bank Is Probably Ripping You Off
Don't do it. Seriously.
When you mail your gold away, you lose all leverage. You’re at the mercy of their scale, their "expert" opinion, and their timeline. If you don't like their offer, getting your items back can be a bureaucratic nightmare. Local shops like Dinger's Gold & Silver Cash for Gold offer something the internet can’t: immediate cash and a face-to-face conversation.
They pay cash for most transactions. If you're dealing with a massive estate—like, "I found a safe full of silver bars" massive—they can handle bank wires or checks, but for the average person selling a few rings, it’s a quick in-and-out process.
What to Expect When You Walk In
The shop is tucked away between a Subway and a bakery. Not exactly where you’d expect to find thousands of dollars in bullion, but that’s part of the charm. It’s low-key.
👉 See also: British Economy News Today: Why Your Mortgage and Energy Bills Are Finally Changing
- Identification: You need a government-issued ID. No ID, no deal. This is Texas law, not just them being picky.
- Evaluation: They’ll look at your items. This includes testing for 10k, 14k, 18k, or 24k purity.
- The Offer: They’ll give you a price based on the current market "spot" price.
- Payment: If you agree, you get paid on the spot.
It’s surprisingly fast. Most people are out of there in 15 to 20 minutes.
Common Misconceptions About Selling Gold
People often think their jewelry is worth the "appraised value" they got from a retail jeweler 10 years ago. Honestly? It's not. Retail appraisals are for insurance replacement costs—meaning what it would cost to buy that exact item brand new at a retail store.
When you sell for "cash for gold," you are selling the raw material. You aren't getting paid for the "brand" or the "labor" that went into making the ring. You're getting paid for the gold. Dinger's Gold & Silver Cash for Gold is pretty blunt about this. They’ll explain why the price is what it is, which helps take the sting out of the reality of the secondary market.
Dealing with Estates and Large Collections
One area where Shane and Austin really shine is estate liquidations. Dealing with a loved one's passing is hard enough; trying to figure out if their "coin collection" is worth $50 or $5,000 is an added layer of stress you don't need.
They work with families to sort through the junk and find the gems. Sometimes a coin looks dirty and worthless but happens to be a key date that collectors crave. Other times, a big shiny "gold" coin is actually just plated lead. They tell you the truth either way.
Why Plano?
North Texas is a hub for this kind of business, but Plano specifically has a lot of competition. You’ve got Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange nearby and various other dealers. Competition is actually good for you. It keeps the premiums low and the buy-prices competitive.
Dinger's stays in the game by keeping overhead low and focusing on repeat business. They aren't trying to make a "killing" on one customer; they want you to come back the next time you find something in your attic.
Actionable Steps for Selling Your Gold
If you're ready to clear out some space and pad your wallet, don't just rush in. Be smart about it.
- Check the Spot Price: Use a site like Kitco to see what gold and silver are trading at today. Prices fluctuate by the minute.
- Separate Your Items: Group your 10k items away from your 14k items. It makes the weighing process faster and ensures you're getting the right rate for each purity.
- Clean (But Don't Scrub) Your Coins: Actually, scratch that. Never clean old coins. You can accidentally strip away the patina and ruin the numismatic value. Just bring them in as they are.
- Bring Your Paperwork: if you have original receipts or old appraisals, bring them. They might not change the "melt" value, but they can help establish the history of a piece.
Dinger's Gold & Silver Cash for Gold is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and they have shorter hours on Saturdays. They’re closed on Sundays, so don’t show up with your treasure chest then.
Selling precious metals doesn't have to be a stressful, "did-I-get-conned" experience. By choosing a family-owned spot that values transparency over flashy marketing, you're much more likely to walk away feeling like you got a fair shake. Whether you’re an investor looking to offload some bullion or just someone with a broken necklace, the process is straightforward: show up, get evaluated, and get paid.