Gold Bar Prices UK — Key Facts (March 2026)
- •Gold spot price is £108.23 per gram (£3,366.44 per troy ounce) today.
- •A 100g gold bar costs approximately £11,147.69 including a typical 3% dealer premium over spot.
- •A 1oz (31.1g) gold bar costs approximately £3,534.65 with a typical 5% premium.
- •Gold bars are VAT-exempt in the UK but are subject to Capital Gains Tax, unlike Sovereigns and Britannias which are CGT-free.
- •The 100g bar is considered the sweet spot for UK investors: low premium, manageable value, and highly liquid.
- •Premiums decrease as bar size increases — from ~15% on 1g bars to ~2% on 1kg bars.
- •Only buy LBMA Good Delivery accredited bars from established UK dealers for guaranteed buyback.
| Bar Size | Gold Content | Spot Value | Approx. Price | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1g | 1g fine gold | £108.23 | £124.46 | ~15% |
| 5g | 5g fine gold | £541.15 | £595.27 | ~10% |
| 10g | 10g fine gold | £1,082.30 | £1,168.88 | ~8% |
| 1oz (31.1g) | 31.1g fine gold | £3,366.33 | £3,534.65 | ~5% |
| 50g | 50g fine gold | £5,411.50 | £5,627.96 | ~4% |
| 100gSweet Spot | 100g fine gold | £10,823.00 | £11,147.69 | ~3% |
| 250g | 250g fine gold | £27,057.50 | £27,733.94 | ~2.5% |
| 1kg | 1000g fine gold | £108,230.00 | £110,394.60 | ~2% |
Premiums are estimates based on typical UK dealer pricing for LBMA-branded bars. Actual prices vary between dealers and may change with market conditions. All bars are 999.9 fine (24 carat) gold.
The premium you pay over the gold spot price decreases significantly as bar size increases. This is the single most important factor in maximising your gold investment value.
The 100g gold bar is often called the "sweet spot" for UK investors:
- 1.Low premium (3-4% over spot) — much better than 1g bars (15%+) and still competitive with larger bars.
- 2.Manageable size and value — approximately £11,147.69 at current prices.
- 3.Easy to store — fits in a small home safe or bank deposit box.
- 4.Highly liquid — all UK bullion dealers buy and sell 100g bars readily.
- 5.LBMA Good Delivery standard — accepted worldwide without additional assay.
Our advice: A 1g bar might seem accessible, but you lose 15% to the premium immediately. For serious gold investment, 1oz (31.1g) is the minimum efficient size. Below that, you're paying a significant markup that gold would need to appreciate substantially just to break even.
| Feature | Gold Bars | Gold Coins (Sovereign/Britannia) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Over Spot | Lower (2-5%) | Higher (4-8%) |
| CGT Status | Subject to CGT | CGT-FREE (UK legal tender) |
| VAT | Exempt (investment gold) | Exempt (investment gold) |
| Liquidity | Very high | Very high |
| Divisibility | Must sell whole bar | Sell one coin at a time |
| Recognition | LBMA branded bars recognised worldwide | Royal Mint coins recognised worldwide |
| Storage | Stackable, efficient | Takes more space per gram |
| Buyback | 98-99% of spot | 98-99% of spot |
Key Insight: CGT-Free Coins May Be Cheaper After Tax
For UK investors, CGT-free coins may actually be cheaper after tax despite their higher premiums. Consider this example:
100g Gold Bar
- Premium paid: ~3% over spot
- On a £500 gain: ~£100 CGT (at 20%)
- Net gain: ~£400
Equivalent in Sovereigns
- Premium paid: ~5% over spot
- On a £500 gain: £0 CGT (legal tender)
- Net gain: £500
The higher premium on coins is a one-off cost; CGT applies every time you sell a bar at a profit. Many seasoned investors hold both bars and coins for a balanced approach.
Not all gold bars are equal. The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) sets the global standard for gold bar quality. Only buy bars from LBMA Good Delivery accredited refiners to ensure guaranteed purity, easy resale, and worldwide recognition.
Top LBMA-Accredited Brands for UK Buyers
PAMP Suisse
Swiss. Iconic Lady Fortuna design. Premium brand.
Umicore
Belgian. Widely available in UK. Competitive pricing.
Valcambi
Swiss. CombiBar range popular for smaller sizes.
Metalor
Swiss. Institutional quality. Excellent buyback.
The Royal Mint
UK. Buy direct. Trusted British institution.
C. Hafner
German. High quality. Growing UK availability.
Heraeus
German. One of the world's largest refiners.
Every Genuine Bar Should Have
- ✓Refiner's mark or logo
- ✓Exact weight stamped (e.g., 100.00g)
- ✓Purity mark (999.9)
- ✓Unique serial number
Avoid:
- ✗Unbranded or generic bars
- ✗Bars without serial numbers
- ✗Bars from unknown or unaccredited refiners
- ✗Suspiciously low prices from unverified sellers
If buying online, only purchase from established UK dealers who source directly from LBMA refiners. Reputable dealers provide assay certificates and guarantee authenticity. Avoid marketplaces like eBay for significant purchases.
The UK has a well-established bullion market with several trusted dealers. Here are the main options for buying gold bars:
BullionByPost
Largest UK dealerUK's largest online bullion dealer. Wide range from 1g to 1kg bars. Insured next-day delivery. LBMA bars from PAMP, Umicore, and Metalor.
The Royal Mint
Direct from sourceBuy direct from the source. Physical delivery or DigiGold (fractional ownership stored at the Mint). Trusted British institution with centuries of history.
GOLD.co.uk (formerly GoldMoney)
Competitive pricingCompetitive pricing on LBMA-branded bars. Insured delivery. Strong buyback programme. Good for larger purchases.
Hatton Garden Dealers
Walk-in & collectLondon's famous jewellery quarter. Walk-in purchase with immediate collection. Competitive prices due to high volume. No delivery wait.
BullionVault
Lowest storage costsOnline platform for allocated gold stored in professional vaults (London, Zurich, New York). Lowest ongoing costs at 0.12%/year. Buy and sell 24/7.
When Comparing Dealers, Check:
- • Premium over spot price (the lower, the better)
- • Delivery costs and insurance
- • Minimum order values
- • Buyback terms and spread
- • Payment methods accepted
- • Reviews and LBMA membership
Looking for a dealer near you? Browse our directory of 242+ verified UK gold dealers to compare local options.
How you store your gold depends on the value and quantity. Larger holdings justify professional vault storage, while smaller amounts can be kept at home with appropriate security.
Home Safe
Small bars are easy to store at home in a basic safe. The value is relatively low compared to the cost of professional storage. Ensure your home insurance covers valuable items.
Home Safe or Bank Deposit Box
At this value range (£3,534.65 to £11,147.69), a quality home safe (BS EN 1143-1 rated) or bank safety deposit box (£200-750/year) is advisable. Check insurance limits on your home contents policy.
Professional Vault Storage Recommended
For holdings worth £27,733.94 to £110,394.60, professional vault storage is strongly recommended:
- • BullionVault — 0.12% per year (London, Zurich, or New York vaults)
- • The Royal Mint Vault — from 1.2% per year (includes insurance)
- • Bank safety deposit boxes — £200-750 per year (fixed cost regardless of value)
Insurance tip: Standard home contents insurance typically covers valuables up to £1,500-2,000. If storing gold at home, you'll likely need specialist valuable items cover or a rider on your existing policy. Always keep purchase receipts and serial numbers documented.
VAT Status
VAT-Free — Investment gold bars (995+ purity) are exempt from VAT in the UK under the VAT Act 1994 Schedule 9 Group 15. This applies to all standard bullion bars from all LBMA refiners.
Capital Gains Tax
CGT Applies — Gold bars are not UK legal tender, so any profit on disposal above your annual exempt amount (£3,000 for 2026/27) may be subject to Capital Gains Tax at 10% (basic rate) or 20% (higher rate).
Tax Planning Tip: For CGT-free gold investment, consider Gold Sovereigns or Britannias, which are exempt from CGT as UK legal tender. Many investors hold both bars (for lower premiums on large purchases) and coins (for tax-free gains). Consult a tax adviser for your personal situation.
What size gold bar should I buy?
For reasonable premiums, 1oz (31.1g) is the minimum efficient size. The 100g gold bar is widely considered the sweet spot for UK investors — it carries a low premium of 3-4% over spot, is easy to store, and is highly liquid. Smaller bars (1g-10g) are better suited to gifts or testing the market, as their premiums of 8-15% significantly eat into returns.
Are gold bars VAT-free in the UK?
Yes. Investment gold bars with a purity of 995/1000 (99.5%) or higher are exempt from VAT in the UK. This covers all standard bullion bars from LBMA-accredited refiners. The exemption is set out in the VAT Act 1994.
Are gold bars subject to Capital Gains Tax?
Yes. Unlike Sovereigns and Britannias, gold bars are not UK legal tender and any gains are subject to CGT. The annual exempt amount is £3,000 for 2026/27. This is a key reason why some investors prefer CGT-free coins despite their higher premiums.
What is the cheapest way to buy gold?
In terms of premium per gram, larger bars have the lowest cost — a 1kg bar typically carries just ~2% over spot, compared to 15% for a 1g bar. However, factor in Capital Gains Tax: CGT-free coins may actually be cheaper after tax, especially for investors making gains above the annual exempt amount.
Can I buy gold bars from a bank in the UK?
No. UK high street banks do not sell gold bars or bullion products. You need to use specialist bullion dealers such as BullionByPost, the Royal Mint, GOLD.co.uk, or visit dealers in Hatton Garden, London. Some banks do offer safety deposit boxes for storing gold you've purchased elsewhere.
How do I sell a gold bar?
Any reputable bullion dealer will buy LBMA-branded gold bars at competitive rates, typically 98-99% of the spot price. Unbranded or damaged bars may receive lower offers. Always compare buyback prices from multiple dealers, and keep your original purchase receipt and assay certificate. Our dealer directory can help you find competitive buyers near you.
Should I buy gold bars or coins?
Bars for the lowest premium, coins for CGT-free gains. Gold bars offer premiums of 2-5% over spot, while coins like Sovereigns carry 4-8% but are exempt from Capital Gains Tax. Many experienced investors hold both — bars for cost-efficient large purchases and coins for tax-free flexibility. Your choice depends on investment size, time horizon, and tax planning needs.
Is a 1kg gold bar a good investment?
At approximately £110,394.60, a 1kg gold bar offers the lowest premium per gram (~2% over spot). However, it is illiquid in the sense that you cannot sell part of it — you must sell the entire bar. Most UK investors prefer 100g bars or 1oz coins for better flexibility and more practical position sizing. A 1kg bar makes sense only if you have a large allocation to gold and do not anticipate needing to liquidate in portions.
Related Pages
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Gold bar prices shown are estimates based on the current spot price with typical UK dealer premiums — actual prices vary between dealers and change with market conditions. Tax information is based on HMRC guidance current at the time of writing but may change; always consult a qualified tax adviser for your personal circumstances. London Gold Exchange does not sell gold bars or bullion products. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of gold can go down as well as up.
About the Author
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
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