Buy gold UK from trusted dealers. Compare prices for gold sovereigns, Britannia coins, gold bars, and fine jewelry. Find the best deals from 190+ verified UK gold dealers.
Popular gold products from UK dealers
UK legal tender gold coins like sovereigns and Britannias are Capital Gains Tax-free, making them attractive for investors compared to gold bars or foreign coins.
Physical gold has historically maintained value during economic uncertainty and inflation. It's tangible, portable, and recognized globally as a store of wealth.
Gold typically has low correlation with stocks and bonds, helping spread risk. Many financial advisors recommend 5-10% gold allocation in investment portfolios.
Gold can be sold quickly and easily in the UK through dealers, pawnbrokers, or online services. Major coins like sovereigns have active secondary markets.
Understanding CGT exemptions can save you thousands when investing in gold
UK gold coins that are legal tender are exempt from Capital Gains Tax under HMRC rules. This is the single biggest advantage of buying gold in the UK compared to other countries.
CGT-Free Gold Coins:
CGT Applies To:
Why are Britannias & Sovereigns CGT-free? They are classified as UK legal tender with face values (£100 for 1oz Britannia, £1 for sovereign). Even though their gold value far exceeds face value, HMRC treats profits as exempt from CGT under the Legal Tender Exemption.
£3,000
Annual CGT-free allowance
For the 2026/27 tax year, you can make up to £3,000 in capital gains across all assets before paying CGT. This applies to gold bars, foreign coins, and other taxable investments.
Note: This was reduced from £6,000 in 2023/24 and £12,300 in 2022/23.
Since 30 October 2024, gains on gold bars and non-legal-tender coins are taxed at the same 18% and 24% rates as other assets. Which rate applies depends on your income tax band.
Example: Selling Gold Bars
Purchase: You bought a 1oz gold bar for £1,400 in 2020
Sale: You sell it for £3,200 in 2026
Gain: £3,200 - £1,400 = £1,800
CGT Due: £1,800 is under £3,000 allowance = £0 tax
Example: Large Gain Above Allowance
Purchase: You bought gold bars worth £10,000 in 2022
Sale: You sell them for £22,000 in 2026
Gain: £22,000 - £10,000 = £12,000
Taxable Gain: £12,000 - £3,000 allowance = £9,000
CGT Due (higher rate): £9,000 × 24% = £2,160
Same Investment with Sovereigns (CGT-Free)
Purchase: You bought £10,000 worth of sovereigns in 2022
Sale: You sell them for £22,000 in 2026
Gain: £22,000 - £10,000 = £12,000
CGT Due: £0 (CGT-exempt as legal tender)
Tax Saved: £2,160
Keep Records For:
When to Report:
You must report capital gains to HMRC if your total gains (before deducting allowances and losses) exceed £50,000 in a tax year, OR if your taxable gains (after allowances) exceed £3,000. File via Self Assessment by 31 January following the tax year.
Important: Even if you only buy CGT-free coins like sovereigns and Britannias, keep purchase records in case HMRC requests proof of legal tender status. Most dealers provide certificates of authenticity.
100% Sovereigns & Britannias - Eliminate CGT liability entirely by only buying UK legal tender gold coins.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Recommended for: Investors with £5,000-£50,000 to invest, those in higher tax brackets (40%+), or anyone who may exceed the £3,000 CGT allowance.
Buy Gold Bars & Stay Within CGT Allowance - Purchase bars to minimize premiums, but plan sales to stay within the £3,000 annual allowance.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Recommended for: Large investors (£100,000+) who can stagger sales over multiple years, or those who expect minimal gains (e.g., holding for decades).
70% Sovereigns/Britannias + 30% Bars - Combine CGT-free coins for medium-term gains with bars for long-term holdings.
Example £30,000 Investment:
Recommended for: Most UK gold investors. Balances tax efficiency with cost savings, provides flexibility to adapt strategy over time.
Storage & Insurance
Home safes, bank deposit boxes, or specialist vault storage. Insurance costs 0.5-1% annually for vault storage.
Buy-Sell Spread
Dealers typically buy gold at 2-5% below sell prices. Factor this into expected returns.
VAT on Gold
Investment-grade gold (coins & bars 995+ purity) is VAT-exempt in the UK. Jewellery is not.
Diversification Limit
Financial advisors typically recommend 5-10% of portfolio in physical gold, not more. Gold pays no dividends or interest.
190+ trusted UK dealers selling gold coins, bars & jewelry
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The best places to buy gold UK include The Royal Mint, established bullion dealers like BullionVault or GoldCore, reputable high-street jewelers, and verified online dealers. Always compare prices, check reviews, and ensure dealers are members of professional bodies.
Buying physical gold can be worthwhile for portfolio diversification and as an inflation hedge. Gold sovereigns and Britannias are CGT-free. However, consider storage costs, insurance, and the buy/sell spread.
The cheapest way is typically through online bullion dealers who offer lower premiums. Gold bars have lower premiums than coins. Buying larger quantities (100g+ bars) reduces the percentage premium. Always compare prices across multiple dealers.
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 190+ UK businesses, and insights drawn from years of hands-on experience in the gold market.
