An automated apparatus for conducting a sales transaction between a seller and a buyer involving an article formed of precious metal, said automated apparatus comprising:
- a housing including:
- a computer including a processor, a touch-screen electronic display adapted to generate electronic display output and to receive user input, a data storage device, a microphone, a wireless communication module, and a printer;
- an analysis chamber accessed via an openable closure;
- a mount disposed within said analysis chamber and adapted to receive an article formed of precious metal;
- a digital scale coupled to said mount and configured to weigh the article placed thereon, said digital scale in electronic communication with said computer to store the determined weight of said article on said data storage device;
- at least one digital camera configured to capture digital images of the article, said digital camera in electronic communication with said computer to store said captured digital images on said data storage device;
- an XRF analysis device configured to determine the surface alloy composition of the article at least one location, said XRF analysis device in electronic communication with said computer to store the determined surface alloy composition on said data storage device;
- a uniform alloy content analysis device configured to confirm whether the alloy composition throughout the article is uniform with the surface alloy composition, said uniform alloy content analysis device in electronic communication with said computer to store content uniformity confirmation data on said data storage device;
- said computer configured to calculate an offer price for the purchase of said article based on the weight of said article as determined by said scale, the precious metal content of said article as determined by said XRF analysis device, and the market value of precious metals obtained by real-time communication with a precious metals exchange;
- said electronic display configured to display output, including a purchase offer to the seller and prompting said seller to either accept or reject said purchase offer;
- said electronic display configured to receive user input to confirm the seller's acceptance or rejection of said purchase offer;
- a biometric fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a biometric fingerprint sample from the seller, said biometric fingerprint scanner in electronic communication with said computer to store said biometric fingerprint sample on said data storage device;
- a document scanner configured to obtain a digital copy of the seller's drivers license, said document scanner in electronic communication with said computer to store said digital copy on said data storage device;
- said microphone adapted to record a verbal description of the article annunciated by the user, said verbal description converted to text by said computer and saved as a text file on said data storage device;
- a bill of sale generated by said computer and output by said printer, said bill of sale including information identifying the seller as obtained from the digital copy of the seller's driver's license, a text description of the article obtained from said text file, at least one of said images of said article, and a printout of said biometric fingerprint sample;
- a dispenser for dispensing cash or a pre-paid debit card to pay the seller for said article;
- and
- said communications module configured to electronically transmit a copy of said bill of sale to a local law enforcement agency.