Gold Sovereign Weight & Value Guide UK 2026
How much does a gold sovereign weigh and what is it worth? A full sovereign weighs 7.98 grams and contains 7.32 grams of pure gold. This guide covers full, half, and quarter sovereign specifications, today's live values, and everything UK holders need to know about selling and tax advantages.
Quick Answer: Gold Sovereign Weight
A full gold sovereign weighs 7.98g (7.9881g precisely) and contains 7.32g of pure gold. A half sovereign weighs 3.99g with 3.66g pure gold. A quarter sovereign weighs 1.997g with 1.83g pure gold. All are struck in 22 carat (91.67% pure) gold. At today's prices, a full sovereign's gold content is worth approximately £894.
What Is a Gold Sovereign?
The gold sovereign is Britain's most iconic gold coin and one of the most widely recognised bullion coins in the world. First struck in its modern form in 1817 by the Royal Mint, the sovereign has served as a symbol of British financial strength for over two centuries.
The name “sovereign” dates back even further — to 1489, when Henry VII commissioned the first gold sovereign. After a long hiatus, the modern sovereign was reintroduced following the Great Recoinage of 1816, featuring Benedetto Pistrucci's celebrated St George and the Dragon design on the reverse, which remains the standard design today.
Gold sovereigns are legal tender in the United Kingdom with a face value of £1, though their gold content makes them worth considerably more. This legal tender status is what makes sovereigns exempt from Capital Gains Tax — one of the key reasons they remain so popular with UK investors. They are also VAT-free as investment-grade gold.
Did you know? During the 19th and early 20th centuries, gold sovereigns circulated as everyday currency throughout the British Empire. Today they are held primarily as bullion investments and collectible coins, with the Royal Mint continuing to strike new sovereigns each year.
Gold Sovereign Specifications
The table below shows the precise specifications for each size of gold sovereign. All sovereigns are struck in 22 carat gold (916.7 parts per thousand, or 91.67% pure gold). The remaining 8.33% is copper alloy, which gives sovereigns their characteristic warm, reddish tone and makes them more durable than pure gold coins.
| Specification | Full Sovereign | Half Sovereign | Quarter Sovereign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Weight | 7.98g (7.9881g) | 3.99g (3.9940g) | 1.997g |
| Pure Gold Content | 7.32g | 3.66g | 1.83g |
| Purity | 22ct (91.67%) | 22ct (91.67%) | 22ct (91.67%) |
| Diameter | 22.05mm | 19.30mm | 13.50mm |
| Thickness | 1.52mm | 0.99mm | 0.90mm |
| Face Value | £1 | 50p | 25p |
| First Minted | 1817 | 1817 | 2009 |
All specifications are for modern Royal Mint sovereigns. Historic sovereigns (pre-1817) may vary in weight and purity. The pure gold content figures above are the key numbers you need when calculating melt value.
Full Gold Sovereign: Weight & Details
The full gold sovereign is the standard size and the most commonly traded. It weighs 7.98 grams in total, of which 7.32 grams is pure gold. The coin has been struck to these exact specifications since 1817, making it one of the most consistent gold coins in the world.
The remaining weight (0.66g) is a copper alloy added to make the coin harder and more resistant to wear. Pure 24 carat gold is relatively soft and would scratch and deform easily in circulation. The 22 carat alloy strikes a balance between gold content and practicality.
Half Sovereign: Weight & Details
The half sovereign weighs exactly half the full sovereign — 3.99 grams total, with 3.66 grams of pure gold. First minted alongside the full sovereign in 1817, it was historically used as everyday currency for smaller transactions.
Half sovereigns are popular with investors who want to buy gold in smaller, more affordable increments. They carry the same CGT-exempt and VAT-free status as the full sovereign, making them an efficient way to accumulate gold over time.
Note: Half sovereigns may trade at a slightly higher premium over their melt value compared to full sovereigns. This is because the minting cost per gram is higher for smaller coins, and demand from collectors can push prices up. Expect to pay 3-8% above melt when buying, and receive 95-97% of melt value when selling.
Quarter Sovereign: Weight & Details
The quarter sovereign is the newest addition to the sovereign family, first issued by the Royal Mint in 2009. It weighs 1.997 grams with a pure gold content of 1.83 grams, making it the most affordable sovereign coin.
While it shares the same 22 carat purity and CGT-exempt status as its larger siblings, the quarter sovereign carries a proportionally higher premium over melt value due to its small size and minting costs. It is popular as a gift coin and as an entry point for new gold investors.
How Much Is a Gold Sovereign Worth Today?
The value of a gold sovereign is primarily determined by its pure gold content multiplied by the current gold spot price. This is known as the “melt value”. Here is how the calculation works:
Sovereign Value Formula
Sovereign Value = Pure Gold Content (g) × Gold Price Per Gram
Full Sovereign: 7.32g × £122.16 = £894.21
Half Sovereign: 3.66g × £122.16 = £447.11
Quarter Sovereign: 1.83g × £122.16 = £223.55
Gold content: 7.32g
£894
Melt value at today's price
Dealer price (97%):
£867
Gold content: 3.66g
£447
Melt value at today's price
Dealer price (97%):
£434
Gold content: 1.83g
£224
Melt value at today's price
Dealer price (97%):
£217
Prices update throughout the trading day based on the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) gold fix. The figures above reflect the latest price from our database.
Why Sovereigns Trade Above Melt Value
You may notice that gold sovereigns often sell for more than their pure gold content would suggest. This difference is called the “premium over spot”. There are several reasons for this:
Sovereigns are CGT-exempt as UK legal tender, meaning all profits are completely tax-free. This is a significant advantage over gold bars or foreign coins, where gains above £3,000 are taxed at 18-24%.
Investors are willing to pay a premium for this tax efficiency, especially on larger holdings where CGT savings can be substantial.
Certain sovereign dates, monarchs, and mint marks command significant premiums from collectors. Victorian and Edwardian sovereigns in good condition can fetch 10-50% above melt value.
Even common-date sovereigns carry a small numismatic premium due to their historical significance and the prestige of the St George and the Dragon design.
Gold sovereigns are universally recognised and trusted worldwide. They have a 200+ year track record and are guaranteed by the Royal Mint. This makes them extremely liquid — easy to buy and sell anywhere in the world.
The consistent specifications since 1817 mean any dealer can instantly verify and value a sovereign.
Producing a sovereign involves design, minting, quality control, packaging, and distribution costs. These are passed on to the buyer as part of the premium. Fractional coins (half and quarter sovereigns) carry proportionally higher premiums as the per-coin production cost is similar.
Typical Sovereign Premiums
- •New/modern sovereigns (Royal Mint): 5-10% above melt value
- •Pre-owned common dates: 2-5% above melt value (best value for investors)
- •Victorian/Edwardian (good condition): 10-50% above melt
- •Rare dates (e.g. 1917 London mint): Can be multiples of melt value
When selling, most dealers pay 95-100% of the current market value for common-date sovereigns.
Tax Advantages of Gold Sovereigns
Gold sovereigns enjoy a unique double tax advantage in the UK, making them one of the most tax-efficient ways to invest in physical gold:
Capital Gains Tax: Exempt
- ✓Classified as UK legal tender under the Coinage Act
- ✓Exempt under TCGA 1992, s.21(1)(b)
- ✓No limit on tax-free gains
- ✓Applies to all dates from 1817 onwards
VAT: Exempt
- ✓Classified as investment gold
- ✓Exempt under VAT Act 1994 (retained EU law)
- ✓Zero VAT on purchase and sale
- ✓Unlike silver, platinum, and jewellery (all 20% VAT)
Example: CGT Savings on Sovereigns vs Gold Bars
Suppose you bought £10,000 of gold five years ago and it is now worth £20,000 — a £10,000 gain:
Gold Sovereigns
Gain: £10,000
CGT due: £0
You keep: £10,000 profit
Gold Bars
Gain: £10,000 (minus £3,000 allowance = £7,000 taxable)
CGT due: £1,260 - £1,680
You keep: £8,320 - £8,740 profit
For a comprehensive guide to gold taxation in the UK, including inheritance tax considerations and tax-year-end planning strategies, see our Tax-Free Gold UK Guide.
Where to Sell Gold Sovereigns in the UK
Getting the best price for your gold sovereigns means selling to the right buyer. Here are the main options available to UK sellers:
- Specialist Bullion Dealers
Hatton Garden dealers, BullionByPost, Atkinsons, and Chards typically pay the highest rates. They understand the numismatic value of dated sovereigns.
- The Royal Mint (Buyback)
The Royal Mint offers a buyback service at competitive rates. Most trusted option, though premiums for rare dates may not be fully recognised.
- Numismatic Dealers
If you have Victorian, Edwardian, or rare-date sovereigns, a specialist coin dealer may pay above bullion value.
- Online Buyers
Convenient postal services, but ensure they are reputable. Insured postage is essential. Check reviews and verify they are members of BNTA.
- Local Gold Dealers
High street dealers and jewellers may buy sovereigns. Rates vary widely — always get multiple quotes.
- Pawnbrokers
Quick cash but typically pay 80-90%. Not recommended unless you need immediate funds.
Selling Tips
- 1. Always get at least 3 quotes before selling
- 2. Check if your sovereign has numismatic value before selling as bullion
- 3. Do not clean or polish your sovereigns — this reduces collector value
- 4. Keep original packaging and any certificates
- 5. Monitor the gold price and sell when rates are favourable
Frequently Asked Questions
A full gold sovereign weighs 7.98 grams (7.9881g to be precise). It is struck in 22 carat gold (91.67% pure), so the actual pure gold content is 7.32 grams. The remaining 0.66 grams is copper alloy, which gives the coin its durability and distinctive reddish tone.
A gold sovereign's melt value is calculated by multiplying its pure gold content (7.32g) by the current gold spot price per gram. Most sovereigns trade at a premium above melt value due to their collectability, tax-free status, and legal tender classification. Dealers typically pay 97-100% of the market value for common-date sovereigns.
A half sovereign weighs 3.99 grams (3.9940g precisely). Like the full sovereign, it is 22 carat gold (91.67% pure), giving it a pure gold content of 3.66 grams. Half sovereigns have a diameter of 19.30mm and are 0.99mm thick.
Yes. Gold sovereigns are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) because they are classified as UK legal tender under the Coinage Act. They are also VAT-free as investment gold. This means you pay no tax when buying or selling sovereigns, regardless of the profit made. This applies to all gold sovereigns from 1817 onwards.
A full sovereign weighs 7.98g and contains 7.32g of pure gold, with a diameter of 22.05mm. A half sovereign weighs 3.99g and contains 3.66g of pure gold, with a diameter of 19.30mm. Both are 22 carat gold and both are CGT-exempt as UK legal tender. Half sovereigns have a face value of 50p compared to £1 for the full sovereign.
Calculate Your Sovereign's Value
Use our gold calculator to find the exact value of your sovereigns at today's live price, or browse our directory of 242+ verified UK gold dealers.
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Founder & Market Researcher
Taro has been actively investing in precious metals and financial markets for over 15 years. Frustrated by the lack of transparent, accurate gold pricing information in the UK, he built London Gold Exchange as a data-driven resource for fellow investors. The site combines real-time market data, verified dealer information from 242+ UK businesses, and insights drawn from years of hands-on experience in the gold market.
- ✓15+ years investing in precious metals & equities
- ✓Built verified database of 242+ UK gold dealers
- ✓Daily market data analysis and price tracking
Disclaimer: Gold sovereign prices change throughout the trading day based on global gold markets. Values shown are indicative and based on LBMA spot prices retrieved from our database. Actual offers from dealers will vary depending on market conditions, coin condition, date, and dealer margins. Rare, proof, and historic sovereigns may have numismatic value significantly above melt price — consider specialist valuation. Tax rules can change; consult a qualified tax adviser for personal advice. London Gold Exchange is an information service and does not buy, sell, or hold gold on behalf of users. Last updated: February 2026.