I had a root canal about two years ago, but never got the crown done. Now I am being quoted, in the UK, between £250 (about $450) and £500 (about $900) for a gold crown.

I want to go for the cheapest one, but I am wondering if there is a minimum per centage of gold, which should be acceptable for the crown to last a few years?

Also, I was told that the cheaper gold crowns are only gold plated and will discolor after a year or two. Is this true?