Buy Gold UK - Compare Dealers for Coins, Bars & Jewellery
Buy gold UK from trusted dealers. Compare prices for gold sovereigns, Britannia coins, gold bars, and fine jewelry. Find the best deals from 242+ verified UK gold dealers.
What Can You Buy?
Popular gold products from UK dealers
- • Gold Sovereigns (CGT-free)
- • Britannia Coins (CGT-free)
- • Krugerrands
- • Gold Eagles
- • Canadian Maple Leafs
- • 1g - 1kg Gold Bars
- • 999.9 Fine Gold
- • LBMA Certified
- • Tamper-Proof Packaging
- • Lower Premiums (bulk)
- • 9ct, 18ct, 22ct Gold
- • Rings & Bracelets
- • Chains & Necklaces
- • Custom Designs
- • Branded Pieces
Why Buy Gold in the UK?
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.
Capital Gains Tax on Gold in the UK (2025/26)
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:
- ✓ British Gold Sovereigns (full & half)
- ✓ Gold Britannia Coins (1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz)
- ✓ Gold Proof Coins (legal tender status)
- ✓ UK Commemorative Legal Tender Coins
CGT Applies To:
- ✗ Gold Bars (all sizes)
- ✗ Krugerrands (South African)
- ✗ Gold Eagles (US)
- ✗ Maple Leafs (Canadian)
- ✗ Gold Jewelry
- ✗ Gold ETFs & Paper Gold
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 2025/26 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.
Gold and other "chattels" (tangible moveable property) are taxed at residential property CGT rates, which are higher than standard CGT rates.
Example: Selling Gold Bars
Purchase: You bought a 100g gold bar for £4,500 in 2020
Sale: You sell it for £6,500 in 2025
Gain: £6,500 - £4,500 = £2,000
CGT Due: £2,000 is under £3,000 allowance = £0 tax
Example: Large Gain Above Allowance
Purchase: You bought gold bars worth £10,000 in 2018
Sale: You sell them for £18,000 in 2025
Gain: £18,000 - £10,000 = £8,000
Taxable Gain: £8,000 - £3,000 allowance = £5,000
CGT Due (higher rate): £5,000 × 28% = £1,400
Same Investment with Sovereigns (CGT-Free)
Purchase: You bought £10,000 worth of sovereigns in 2018
Sale: You sell them for £18,000 in 2025
Gain: £18,000 - £10,000 = £8,000
CGT Due: £0 (CGT-exempt as legal tender)
Tax Saved: £1,400
Keep Records For:
- • Purchase invoices showing date, weight, purity, and price
- • Sale receipts with the same details
- • Any related costs (storage, insurance, delivery)
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.
Gold Investment Strategies for UK Investors
100% Sovereigns & Britannias - Eliminate CGT liability entirely by only buying UK legal tender gold coins.
Advantages:
- ✓ Zero CGT on gains of any size
- ✓ No reporting requirements to HMRC
- ✓ High liquidity (easy to sell)
- ✓ Divisibility (sell small amounts)
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Higher premiums than bars (3-8%)
- ✗ Less suitable for large investments
- ✗ Bulkier to store than equivalent bars
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:
- ✓ Lower premiums (1-3% for large bars)
- ✓ Compact storage for large amounts
- ✓ Suitable for portfolios £50,000+
- ✓ No CGT if gains stay under £3,000
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Requires careful planning to avoid CGT
- ✗ Must track purchases & sales meticulously
- ✗ Less liquid (harder to sell parts)
- ✗ Risk of exceeding allowance in good years
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:
- £21,000 → Sovereigns & Britannias
For expected gains you plan to realize within 5-10 years. These can grow tax-free regardless of size. - £9,000 → Gold Bars (100g or 1kg)
For long-term holding (10+ years). Lower premiums save £150-300. Plan to sell slowly using CGT allowance.
Recommended for: Most UK gold investors. Balances tax efficiency with cost savings, provides flexibility to adapt strategy over time.
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Storage & Insurance
Home safes, bank deposit boxes, or specialist vault storage. Insurance costs 0.5-1% annually for vault storage.
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Buy-Sell Spread
Dealers typically buy gold at 2-5% below sell prices. Factor this into expected returns.
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VAT on Gold
Investment-grade gold (coins & bars 995+ purity) is VAT-exempt in the UK. Jewelry is not.
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Diversification Limit
Financial advisors typically recommend 5-10% of portfolio in physical gold, not more. Gold pays no dividends or interest.
Where to Buy Gold UK - Verified Dealers
242+ trusted UK dealers selling gold coins, bars & jewelry
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Buying Gold UK - FAQs
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.