Published 2 June 2026
The two eras of the Gold Britannia
The Royal Mint introduced the Gold Britannia in 1987. From 1987 until 2012 the 1oz Britannia was struck in 22 carat gold (.9167 fine), alloyed with copper until 1989 and then with silver from 1990 onwards, which gave the coin a softer yellow tone. From 2013 onwards the Britannia has been struck in 24 carat gold (.9999 fine), matching the international standard set by the Maple Leaf and the Vienna Philharmonic.
Both eras carry the same iconic reverse design: a standing Britannia with shield and trident, originally modelled by Philip Nathan. The face value of the 1oz coin is £100. The face value is symbolic, the market value of the coin is tied to its gold content and any small numismatic premium for the year or condition.
Sizes the Royal Mint produces
The current Britannia range covers 1oz, half ounce, quarter ounce, tenth ounce and twentieth ounce gold coins. There are also larger five-ounce and one-kilo pieces, but those are rarely seen in private collections. The standard 1oz Britannia weighs 31.103 grams of pure gold in the 24 carat era and 34.05 grams in total weight in the 22 carat era.
Capital Gains Tax status, the factual position
This section explains the published HMRC position. It is not personal tax advice. Gold Britannia coins are UK legal tender. UK legal tender coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK individuals, regardless of how much profit is realised on sale. Sovereigns minted after 1837 share the same exemption. Krugerrands, Maple Leafs and American Eagles do not. They are foreign coins and any gain on resale is potentially subject to CGT, subject to the annual allowance.
This is why some UK savers deliberately hold Britannias rather than Krugerrands even when the Krugerrand carries a slightly lower buy premium. If your sale is large enough that CGT might be relevant, speak to your accountant. We sell to private buyers and businesses. We do not give tax advice.
How the offer is calculated
Final offers depend on inspection, item weight, purity, hallmarks, stones, non-gold components, condition and the live precious-metal market. For Britannias the inputs are weight (which the scale confirms), purity (XRF confirms 22 or 24 carat), year (some years are scarcer in proof grades) and condition. Bullion Britannias trade close to spot. Proof Britannias in original Royal Mint cases with certificates carry a numismatic premium.
Posting Britannias safely
- Photograph both sides of each coin and any presentation case.
- Send the images to 07763 741067 on WhatsApp.
- Receive your shape-of-offer reply and prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Wrap each coin in a flip or zip bag so the surfaces never touch.
- Pad inside a jiffy bag, then place into a rigid outer envelope.
- Hand in at a Post Office counter and keep the receipt.
- Share the tracking number with us on WhatsApp.
Decline, return and payment
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. Decline costs nothing. Your coins are posted back by tracked post within a working day at our expense. Accept and the bank transfer leaves the same working day by Faster Payments.
Common questions
Are 22 carat and 24 carat Britannias both legal tender?
Yes. The £100 face value is symbolic but the coins are UK legal tender, which is why CGT exemption applies.
Do you buy fractional Britannia coins?
Yes. Half, quarter, tenth and twentieth ounce coins are all welcome.
Do you need the original Royal Mint case?
It helps for proof coins. Bullion Britannias do not need their case to sell.
How are my coins insured in the post?
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. We split parcels above that cap across more than one label.
Do I have to come to a shop?
No. The service is by post, UK-wide.
When do I get paid?
By bank transfer the working day you accept the written valuation.
Can you advise me on tax?
We can share the published HMRC position on CGT for legal tender coins. We are not tax advisers, talk to your accountant for personal advice.
How long until I have a valuation?
Usually the same working day your parcel arrives at the testing room.