Skip to main content
London Gold Exchange Logo
Live Dealer Prices Updated Daily

Sell Gold Coins UK — Best Prices Today

Compare what UK dealers pay for Sovereigns, Krugerrands, Britannias, and other gold coins. Live prices from real dealers, updated daily.

Live Dealer PricesCGT-Free Coins Highlighted6 Major Coin Types
Taro Schenker
Taro Schenker · Updated 2 April 2026

The UK Gold Coin Market

Gold coins are the most popular form of physical gold bought and sold in the UK. Whether inherited, collected, or purchased as an investment, millions of gold coins sit in safes, drawers, and safety deposit boxes across Britain. When the time comes to sell, understanding the market can mean the difference between a fair price and leaving hundreds of pounds on the table.

Three coins dominate the UK secondary market: the Gold Sovereign, the Gold Britannia, and the South African Krugerrand. Together, these three account for the vast majority of coin-to-dealer transactions in Britain. Sovereigns have been struck since 1817 and are recognised instantly by every dealer in the country. Britannias, minted by The Royal Mint, offer 24-carat purity in a modern design. Krugerrands, first issued in 1967, remain the world's most widely held bullion coin.

A critical distinction for UK sellers is Capital Gains Tax (CGT) status. Sovereigns and Britannias are classified as UK legal tender, making them completely exempt from CGT — no matter how large your profit. Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Philharmonics, and other foreign coins are not exempt and may attract CGT if your gains exceed the annual allowance. This tax difference alone can save sellers thousands of pounds on larger holdings.

Dealers buy gold coins every working day, and the prices they offer track the international gold spot price closely. The cards below show live “we pay” prices sourced directly from UK dealers, so you can see exactly what your coins are worth before making contact.

What Dealers Pay for Gold Coins Today

Live prices from UK bullion dealers. Prices update daily and represent the best “we pay” rate we track for each coin.

Gold Sovereign
22ct

91.67% pure · 7.32g fine gold

Dealers pay£815.37
CGT Exempt
Gold content: 7.3200g fine gold
Sell Now
Half Sovereign
22ct

91.67% pure · 3.66g fine gold

Dealers pay£398.65
CGT Exempt
Gold content: 3.6600g fine gold
Sell Now
1oz Gold Krugerrand
22ct

91.67% pure · 31.10g fine gold

Dealers pay£3,463.48
CGT May Apply
Gold content: 31.1035g fine gold
Sell Now
1oz Gold Britannia
24ct

99.99% pure · 31.10g fine gold

Dealers pay£3,463.48
CGT Exempt
Gold content: 31.1035g fine gold
Sell Now
1oz Gold Maple Leaf
24ct

99.99% pure · 31.10g fine gold

Dealers pay£3,392.19
CGT May Apply
Gold content: 31.1035g fine gold
Sell Now
1oz Gold Philharmonic
24ct

99.99% pure · 31.10g fine gold

Dealers pay£3,392.19
CGT May Apply
Gold content: 31.1035g fine gold
Sell Now

Prices shown are the highest “we pay” rate from dealers we track. Actual offers may vary based on coin condition, quantity, and dealer. Last updated daily.

CGT: Which Gold Coins Are Tax-Free?

Capital Gains Tax is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — factors when selling gold coins in the UK. Here is what you need to know.

CGT Exempt Coins

These coins are classified as UK legal tender by the Royal Mint, making all profits completely free from Capital Gains Tax — regardless of the amount.

  • Gold Sovereigns (all sizes)
  • Gold Britannias (all sizes)

This exemption has made Sovereigns and Britannias the preferred choice for UK gold investors. If you hold both exempt and non-exempt coins and need to sell some, consider selling the non-exempt coins first while gold prices are high — you can offset the gains against your CGT allowance.

CGT May Apply

Foreign-minted coins are not UK legal tender. Profits above the annual CGT allowance (currently £3,000 for 2025-26) are taxable at 10% or 20% depending on your income tax band.

  • Krugerrands (South Africa)
  • Maple Leafs (Canada)
  • Philharmonics (Austria)
  • American Eagles, Pandas, etc.

Keep purchase receipts so you can calculate your actual gain. If you no longer have them, HMRC may accept a reasonable estimate of original cost. Consult a tax adviser for sales above £10,000.

Why does this matter?

Consider someone who bought 10 Krugerrands for £10,000 and now sells them for £20,000 — a £10,000 profit. After the £3,000 annual allowance, they would owe CGT on £7,000 — potentially £1,400 at the 20% rate. Had they held Sovereigns instead, the entire £10,000 profit would be tax-free. When buying gold coins for investment, the CGT exemption on Sovereigns and Britannias is one of the strongest arguments in their favour.

How to Get the Best Price for Your Gold Coins

Gold coins are among the easiest items to sell, but a few smart steps can add hundreds of pounds to your total payout.

1

Get Multiple Quotes — Always

Never accept the first offer. Contact at least three dealers and compare their “we pay” prices. Online postal services like Hatton Garden Metals and BullionByPost often pay more than high-street shops because their overheads are lower. Our dealer directory lists 242+ verified UK gold buyers to help you shop around.

2

Sell to Specialist Bullion Dealers, Not the High Street

High-street jewellers and pawnbrokers typically pay 70-85% of the gold value for coins. Specialist bullion dealers — the ones who deal in coins all day, every day — routinely pay 95-98% of spot. The difference on a single Sovereign can be £20-£40, and it adds up quickly if you have multiple coins. Look for dealers who are members of the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) for added confidence.

3

Do Not Clean Your Coins

This is the single most common mistake sellers make. Cleaning a gold coin — with polish, chemicals, or even a cloth — strips the natural patina and can leave hairline scratches visible under magnification. For bullion-grade coins the damage is cosmetic, but for older, rarer, or proof coins it can slash the collector premium by 50% or more. If your coins are dirty, leave them as they are. Every reputable dealer will tell you the same thing.

4

Check for Rare Dates and Mint Marks

Before selling, spend five minutes checking whether your coins carry any numismatic premium. For Sovereigns, look at the date and the small mint mark below the wreath on the reverse (S for Sydney, M for Melbourne, I for India, P for Perth, SA for Pretoria). Certain dates — 1817, 1819, 1917 London mint, 1937 proof — are worth substantially more than gold value. A quick search of recent auction results can save you from selling a £2,000 coin for £400.

5

Sell When the Gold Price Is High

Gold prices fluctuate daily and can swing 2-3% in a single session. While timing the market perfectly is impossible, selling during a period of rising prices gives you both a better absolute price and more negotiating leverage — dealers are keen to replenish stock when demand is strong. Check our live gold prices page to see the current trend before committing.

Sell your gold to Hatton Garden Metals

Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Gold Coins

What gold coins do dealers buy?

UK gold dealers buy virtually all internationally recognised bullion coins including Gold Sovereigns, Britannias, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Philharmonics, American Eagles, and Chinese Pandas. Most dealers also buy fractional sizes (1/2oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz). Rare or numismatic coins may attract additional premiums above the gold content value. If you have an unusual coin, a specialist numismatic dealer may offer a better price than a general bullion dealer.

How much will I get for a Gold Sovereign?

A full Gold Sovereign contains 7.32g of pure gold (22 carat). Dealers typically pay 95-98% of the spot gold value for standard bullion Sovereigns. Today, the best dealer price we track is £815.37. Rare dates, proof coins, or coins in exceptional condition may command a premium above the gold value. Half Sovereigns contain 3.66g of pure gold and are valued proportionally.

Are gold coins tax-free to sell?

It depends on the coin. Gold Sovereigns and Gold Britannias are classified as UK legal tender, which makes them completely exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) regardless of the profit you make. This is one of the main reasons they are so popular with UK investors. However, foreign coins such as Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, and Philharmonics are subject to CGT if your total capital gains exceed the annual exempt amount (currently £3,000 for the 2025-26 tax year). Always keep records of your purchase price if selling non-exempt coins.

Should I sell gold coins to a dealer or at auction?

For standard bullion coins (modern Sovereigns, Krugerrands, Britannias), selling to a specialist bullion dealer is almost always the better option. You receive payment immediately, there are no seller's fees or commissions, and the process is straightforward. Auction houses charge 15-25% in seller's commissions and payment can take weeks. The exception is genuinely rare or numismatic coins — a pre-1900 Sovereign with a rare date, or a proof set — where competitive bidding at auction could drive the price significantly above gold content value.

How do I post gold coins safely?

Use Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, which includes up to £2,500 compensation per parcel (or up to £10,000 for enhanced cover). Package coins individually in bubble wrap, place them in a sturdy padded envelope or small box, and seal securely with parcel tape. Do not write anything on the outside indicating the contents are valuable. Most reputable online dealers will send you a pre-paid, insured shipping label. Always get a proof of posting receipt and keep the tracking number until the dealer confirms receipt and payment.

Do dealers pay more for rare coins?

Yes, significantly more in some cases. While standard bullion coins trade at a small percentage above or below the spot gold price, rare coins can be worth multiples of their gold content. Factors that create rarity premiums include: low mintage years, specific mint marks (e.g. colonial Sovereign mint marks), proof finish, historical significance, and exceptional condition. If you suspect your coin may be rare, consult a numismatic specialist or check recent auction results for comparable coins before selling to a general bullion dealer.

Taro Schenker

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.

  • 15+ years investing in precious metals & equities
  • Built verified database of 242+ UK gold dealers
  • Daily market data analysis and price tracking

Ready to Sell Your Gold Coins?

Use our detailed selling guides to get the best price, or browse our directory of 242+ verified UK gold dealers to find a buyer near you.