Total Value (Spot)
£832.28
Based on 7.32g pure gold
Sell Price
£798.99
4.0% below spot
Buy Price
£865.58
4.0% above spot
Full Sovereign
7.98g total, 7.32g pure gold
We Buy
£798.99
Spot Value
£832.28
We Sell
£865.58
Half Sovereign
3.99g total, 3.66g pure gold
We Buy
£399.50
Spot Value
£416.14
We Sell
£432.79
Quarter Sovereign
1.997g total, 1.83g pure gold
We Buy
£199.75
Spot Value
£208.07
We Sell
£216.39
Every gold sovereign is 22 carat (91.67% pure gold). Here are the exact specifications for each size:
| Sovereign Type | Total Weight | Pure Gold | Diameter | Thickness | Face Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five Sovereign (£5) | 39.94g | 36.61g | 36.02mm | 2.83mm | £5 |
| Double Sovereign (£2) | 15.98g | 14.64g | 28.40mm | 2.13mm | £2 |
| Full Sovereign (£1) | 7.98g | 7.32g | 22.05mm | 1.52mm | £1 |
| Half Sovereign | 3.99g | 3.66g | 19.30mm | 1.02mm | 10s (50p) |
| Quarter Sovereign | 1.997g | 1.83g | 13.50mm | 1.00mm | 25p |
The full sovereign is the standard size. All sizes are 22 carat (916.7 fineness). For a deeper dive, see our complete sovereign weight & value guide.
Victoria Sovereigns (1837-1901)
Young Head, Jubilee, Old Head
Edward VII (1902-1910)
Lower mintage years valuable
George V (1911-1932)
Common dates near spot
Elizabeth II (1957-Present)
Modern bullion sovereigns
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exempt
As British legal tender, sovereigns are exempt from CGT on profits
VAT Free
Investment gold including sovereigns is VAT exempt in the UK
Inheritance Tax Planning
Can be held in certain pension schemes and counted as chattels
Why Choose Gold Sovereigns?
Gold sovereigns are one of the most trusted gold coins globally, backed by centuries of history and The Royal Mint's guarantee. Their unique tax status makes them particularly attractive to UK investors. For a complete overview of all gold investment options, see our guide to investing in gold UK.
Key Investment Benefits
- • Globally recognised and easily tradeable
- • Fixed weight and purity guaranteed by The Royal Mint
- • Small denominations allow flexible investment amounts
- • Historic coins can gain numismatic value
- • Physical asset outside the banking system
Storage Options
Home Storage
Home safe (£200-2000), ensure adequate insurance
Professional Vaulting
Bank or private vaults (£100-500/year), fully insured
How the melt value of a full gold sovereign has changed over the past 25 years (based on annual average gold price in GBP):
| Year | Gold / Gram (24ct) | Full Sovereign Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | £5.80 | £42 | — |
| 2005 | £8.70 | £64 | +52% |
| 2010 | £25.00 | £183 | +186% |
| 2015 | £24.50 | £179 | -2% |
| 2020 | £45.00 | £329 | +84% |
| 2022 | £48.00 | £351 | +7% |
| 2024 | £58.00 | £424 | +21% |
| 2025 | £72.00 | £527 | +24% |
| Today | £113.70 | £832 | Live |
Values based on 7.32g pure gold content × average annual gold price. For comprehensive price history, see our UK gold price history guide.
How much is a gold sovereign worth today?
A gold sovereign is currently worth approximately £832.28based on its gold content. Dealers typically buy at £798.99and sell at £865.58.
What is the weight of a gold sovereign?
A full sovereign weighs 7.98 grams total, containing 7.32 grams of pure gold (22 carat, 91.67% purity). Half sovereigns contain 3.66g pure gold.
Are gold sovereigns a good investment?
Gold sovereigns offer CGT exemption, global recognition, and proven liquidity. They're ideal for UK investors seeking tax-efficient gold exposure with the flexibility of small denominations.
Where can I sell gold sovereigns?
You can sell sovereigns to bullion dealers, coin shops, banks, or online dealers. Always compare prices - our dealer directory helps you find the best local prices.
Do all sovereigns have the same value?
While all sovereigns contain the same gold, older or rare dates command premiums. Victorian sovereigns often sell for 10-50% above gold value, while modern sovereigns trade closer to spot price.
How much does a gold sovereign weigh?
A full gold sovereign weighs exactly 7.98 grams (7.988g). Of this, 7.32 grams is pure gold — the rest is copper alloy that gives sovereigns their durability. A half sovereign weighs 3.99g (3.66g gold), and a quarter sovereign weighs 1.997g (1.83g gold).
How has the sovereign price changed over time?
Sovereign values have risen dramatically with gold prices. In 2000 a full sovereign was worth about £42. By 2010 it reached £183, by 2020 £329, and by 2025 it exceeded £527. The value tracks the price of the 7.32g of pure gold each coin contains.
Related Gold Price Pages
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