Are gold sovereigns tax-free in the UK?

Yes, gold sovereigns are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the UK because they are British legal tender. They are also VAT-free as investment gold. This makes them one of the most tax-efficient ways to invest in gold.

What is the gold content of a sovereign?

A full sovereign weighs 7.98 grams total and contains 7.32 grams of pure gold (22 carat, 91.67% purity). A half sovereign contains 3.66g pure gold, and a quarter sovereign contains 1.83g pure gold.

Where can I sell gold sovereigns in the UK?

You can sell gold sovereigns to bullion dealers, coin shops, pawnbrokers, or online gold buyers. Compare prices from multiple dealers to get the best rate. Most dealers buy sovereigns at 95-98% of spot gold value.

Are older sovereigns worth more than new ones?

Older sovereigns can carry numismatic premiums above their gold value. Victorian sovereigns may command 10-50% premiums, while modern Elizabeth II sovereigns typically trade at or near spot price plus a small dealer margin.

Gold Sovereign Prices UK

Name: Gold Sovereign Coin
Brand: The Royal Mint
Price: 903.87 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (243 reviews)

A gold sovereign is worth

£904

Based on £123.48/gram gold price(Updated: 25/02/2026)

CGT-Free (Tax Exempt)VAT-Free Investment GoldUK Legal Tender

Gold sovereigns are one of the UK's most tax-efficient gold investments. As British legal tender, they are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any profits.

Taro Schenker · Updated 26 February 2026

Full Sovereign

£903.87

7.32g pure gold

Half Sovereign

£451.94

3.66g pure gold

Quarter Sovereign

£225.97

1.83g pure gold

Dealers Pay

£867.72

~95-98% of spot

Gold Sovereign Calculator

Quantity

Sovereign Type

Year/Monarch

Older sovereigns typically command higher premiums due to collectibility

Total Value (Spot)

£903.87

Based on 7.32g pure gold

Sell Price

£867.72

4.0% below spot

Buy Price

£940.03

4.0% above spot

Gold Sovereign Types & Current Prices

Full Sovereign

7.98g total, 7.32g pure gold

Half Sovereign

3.99g total, 3.66g pure gold

We Buy

£433.86

Spot Value

£451.94

We Sell

£470.01

Quarter Sovereign

1.997g total, 1.83g pure gold

Rare

We Buy

£216.93

Spot Value

£225.97

We Sell

£235.01

Sovereign Prices by Monarch

Older sovereigns may carry numismatic premiums above gold value

Victoria Sovereigns (1837-1901)

Young Head, Jubilee, Old Head

10-50% Premium

Edward VII (1902-1910)

Lower mintage years valuable

5-20% Premium

George V (1911-1932)

Common dates near spot

0-10% Premium

Elizabeth II (1957-Present)

Modern bullion sovereigns

Spot + 3-5%

Tax Benefits of Gold 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

Always consult a tax advisor for personal circumstances

Investing in Gold Sovereigns

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a gold sovereign worth today?

A gold sovereign is currently worth approximately £903.87based on its gold content. Dealers typically buy at £867.72and sell at £940.03.

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.

Quick Actions

Market Status

Gold Price/gram

£123.48

Gold Price/oz

£3840.66

Last updated: 25/02/2026, 08:20:29

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Taro Schenker

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.