You've probably seen the signs or heard the ads. Selling gold feels like it should be simple, but the reality in the Omaha metro area has become significantly more complicated lately. If you're looking for the Nebraska Precious Metals Company - we buy gold services, you are likely trying to navigate a landscape that changed overnight.
Honestly, the "cash for gold" business is often a mix of high-stakes finance and neighborhood trust. But when that trust is broken, what do you do?
The Shocking Reality of Nebraska Precious Metals Company
Most people walking into a shop at 4107 S 84th St in Omaha were just looking to offload an old wedding ring or some silver coins. For years, the Nebraska Precious Metals Company positioned itself as a staple for local collectors.
Then came April 2025.
It wasn't just a slow day at the office. Law enforcement, led by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha Police, executed a search warrant that effectively halted operations. The owner, Jarrod McIntyre, and a manager, Melanie Pley, were arrested following a monthslong investigation.
What exactly happened?
Authorities alleged the business was acting as a "fencing operation." Basically, the claim is that they weren't just buying your grandma's attic finds; they were allegedly buying property stolen from retail stores across the metro area and reselling it out the back door. Douglas County Attorney Don Klein described it as a massive operation involving hundreds of thousands, potentially millions, of dollars in property.
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Both individuals faced charges of theft by receiving, conspiracy, and even racketeering. Bonds were set at $300,000 each. This is a far cry from the typical "friendly neighborhood gold buyer" image the company projected for over 15 years.
How to Sell Gold in Nebraska Without Getting Burned
If you have gold or silver to sell right now, you’re probably feeling a bit hesitant. That’s fair. The spot price of gold is hovering near record highs—around $4,600 per ounce as of early 2026—so there is real money on the line.
You need to know how the "we buy gold" process actually works so you don't get lowballed.
1. Know Your Karats
Gold jewelry isn't pure. If you have a 14k ring, it’s only about 58.3% gold. A 10k ring is only 41.7%.
Don't let a buyer pay you the 10k price for a 14k piece. Look for the tiny stamp inside the band or on the clasp. If it’s missing, a reputable dealer will use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanner or a traditional acid test to prove the purity to you right there.
2. Check the "Spot Price" Before You Leave the House
The spot price is the current market value of one ounce of pure gold. It changes by the second.
Reputable Nebraska dealers, like Lincoln Coin & Bullion or Coinhuskers, usually have a live ticker in their shop. If a buyer won't tell you the current spot price they are basing their offer on, walk out. Seriously.
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3. Understanding the Payout Percentage
No one pays 100% of the spot price for scrap jewelry. They have to melt it down and refine it, which costs money.
- Good deal: 70% to 85% of the melt value for jewelry.
- Great deal: 90% to 95% for bullion coins (like Gold Eagles or Krugerrands).
- Bad deal: Anything under 60%. Some "hotel buyers" or "pop-up" events will offer as little as 30%. Avoid them.
Better Alternatives in the Omaha and Lincoln Area
Since the situation with Nebraska Precious Metals Company is tied up in the courts, where should you go? You've got options that aren't currently under federal investigation.
Coinhuskers (Omaha)
Located in Rockbrook Plaza, they have a solid reputation for transparency. They deal in everything from 1 oz bars to $250,000 gold kilo investments. They also buy gift cards, which is a weirdly specific but helpful niche if you’ve got a stack of unused Starbucks or Visa cards.
Lincoln Coin & Bullion (Lincoln)
If you're willing to make the drive to 48th Street in Lincoln, Pat Moran and his team are known for a "no-pressure" environment. They actually explain their cost of business and how they derive their pricing. It's refreshing. Plus, for large estates, they offer line-itemed quotes that are usually good for a week or two.
Borsheims (Omaha)
If you want the "big name" security, Borsheims buys gold jewelry. You might not always get the absolute highest scrap price compared to a dedicated refiner, but you know the building isn't going to be boarded up the next day.
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The Nebraska Sales Tax Advantage
One thing most people get wrong about buying and selling in this state is the tax.
Since April 2014, Nebraska has been a "tax-free" state for precious metals. This means you don't pay sales tax on bullion, coins, or even paper money. This is a huge win for investors. It’s one of the reasons Nebraska has such a healthy community of collectors despite its size.
Practical Steps for Selling Your Gold Today
Don't just rush into the first shop you see with a neon "WE BUY GOLD" sign.
- Separate your items. Group your 10k, 14k, and 18k jewelry. Weigh them in grams if you have a kitchen scale.
- Check the BBB. Not all shops are accredited. For example, Nebraska Precious Metals Company was not BBB accredited, while competitors like Lincoln Coin & Bullion maintain an A+ rating.
- Call ahead for a quote. Ask, "What percentage of spot are you paying for 14k scrap today?" If they won't give you a straight answer on the phone, they probably aren't the best choice.
- Bring your ID. It’s the law. Any legitimate buyer in Nebraska is required to record your identification to prevent the exact kind of "fencing" issues mentioned earlier.
The gold market in 2026 is lucrative, but it requires a bit of homework. Whether you're in Omaha, Lincoln, or Kearney, the goal is the same: get a fair price and deal with someone who isn't going to end up on the nightly news for the wrong reasons.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the current gold spot price on a site like Kitco or Monex. Use a simple gold calculator to find the "melt value" of your jewelry pieces based on their weight in grams and karat purity. Once you have that baseline number, visit at least two local dealers to compare their "buy-back" spreads before signing over your assets.