How do the CPPG and the ZKB value a pawned item?

Resale value, not the price paid

The Geneva public pawn office (Caisse publique de prêts sur gages) values each item on the basis of what it would fetch at auction, "never the purchase value". The amount lent then remains well below this valuation, so as to cover interest and charges.

A gram of 18-carat gold in Geneva

For 18-carat gold, fineness 0.750, the CPPG indicates a loan of around CHF 28 per gram, as at October 2026. This scale moves with the metal price; a 40-gram bracelet would therefore raise about CHF 1,120 at that date.

Swiss watches: between 10% and 25%

For Swiss watches, the CPPG lends 10% to 25% of the value used, depending on the brand and condition. A minimum value of CHF 1,000 is required, and the invoice or certificate becomes compulsory above CHF 5,000.

Luxury leather goods: fifteen per cent at most

Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Lady Dior bags in excellent condition are lent against up to 15% of their value in Geneva. This low ratio reflects the gap between the boutique price and the price actually achieved at a public sale.

Diamonds and rugs: deposit for appraisal

Some items cannot be valued at the counter in a few minutes. The CPPG mentions diamonds and rugs, which require a deposit for appraisal; works of art and bronzes are entrusted to an external expert, by appointment arranged in advance.

Precious metal weight in Zurich

The Pfandleihkasse of the Zürcher Kantonalbank sets its amounts according to unpublished internal "Belehnungswerte". For jewellery, the weight of precious metal is decisive; diamonds may be taken into account, provided they come with a certificate.

What coins and bars are worth

Gold coins such as the Vreneli, the Napoléon, the Sovereign or the Krugerrand, along with gold, silver or platinum bars, are accepted in Geneva, numismatic pieces included. Solid precious metal items remain eligible even when damaged, as the CPPG points out.

Silverware: the hallmark makes the difference

The CPPG values only solid silverware bearing an 800 or Minerva hallmark. Silver plate is refused, except complete Christofle sets. Before making the trip, check the marks engraved on the back of cutlery or underneath serving dishes.

A valuation without guarantee in Zurich

Under clause 6 of the ZKB's 2021 general terms, the office accepts no liability for the accuracy of the Schätzwert entered on the Versatzschein. In the event of loss or damage, its liability is limited to that amount (clause 14).

A safety margin laid down by law

Article 6 paragraph 4 of the Geneva LCPPG leaves the minimum safety margin between valuation and loan to the internal regulations. The ZKB, in clause 4 of its terms, sets the amount so as to avoid any extraordinary risk for the office.

An answer in under half an hour

The CPPG promises a loan "in under 30 min" and payment possible the same day, unless the item is deposited for appraisal. To find out which items are accepted as pledges in Switzerland, check the list before heading to rue des Glacis-de-Rive.

Comparing with France and the final cost

Methods of valuing a pledged item in France follow the Crédit Municipal framework. The valuation then determines the band of pawn loan rates in Switzerland, set out alongside the overview of pawnbroking in Switzerland.

Who values pledges in Switzerland

• Caisse publique de prêts sur gages (CPPG): Values items on the spot in Geneva according to auction resale value, with published indicative scales.
• Pfandleihkasse der Zürcher Kantonalbank: Applies internal lending values; for jewellery, the weight of precious metal comes first.

Having an item valued before pawning it

1. Clean the item and check it works: the ZKB accepts only clean pieces in working order.
2. Gather the invoice, certificate, case and box, especially for a watch or a diamond.
3. For a rug, a work of art or a bronze in Geneva, get in touch before coming so the appraisal can be arranged.
4. Go to the counter with an identity document; the appraiser examines the item before proposing an amount.
5. Listen to the amount offered, which derives from resale value and not from the purchase price.
6. Accept or decline: a refused valuation commits you to nothing and the item is handed back.

Published valuation scales

Supporting documents for the valuation

• Valid official identity document
• B, C, F, L, N or S residence permit for a foreign national in Geneva
• Invoice or proof of ownership
• Certificate of authenticity for the watch or diamond
• Original case, box and papers
• Earlier appraisal report for a work of art

Valuation pitfalls in Switzerland

• Expecting a loan close to the boutique price: the CPPG works from auction resale value, so well below it.
• Bringing coloured stones in Zurich, even though the ZKB Pfandleihkasse does not accept them as pledges.
• Arriving without a certificate for a valuable watch: one is required above CHF 5,000 in Geneva and from a CHF 3,000 purchase price in Zurich.
• Presenting silver plate in the belief it is solid silver; without an 800 or Minerva hallmark, the CPPG refuses it.
• Turning up without an appointment with a painting or a rug, which means coming back after the external appraisal or deposit.

General information, up to date as of October 2026 and non-contractual: always check the terms with the Crédit Municipal or the institution concerned.