Published 30 September 2025
Both are paid for the metal
At base level, both coins and jewellery are valued the same way: confirmed purity, accurate weight, live market rate. A standard one-ounce bullion coin and a heavier piece of jewellery of the same carat will produce comparable offers per gram of fine gold content.
Coins can carry collector premium
Where coins differ is the potential for collector value above their metal content, a particularly rare date, an unusual mint mark, exceptional condition. If we spot something like that in what you send, we tell you. A specialist coin dealer is often the better home for genuinely collectable pieces, even if it means we do not buy them ourselves. We would rather say so than buy a collectable as scrap.
CGT treatment is different
UK legal-tender gold coins, including post-1837 Sovereigns and Britannias, are exempt from Capital Gains Tax because they are British currency. Foreign gold coins and gold jewellery are not exempt as currency, although individual items disposed of for £6,000 or less typically fall under the chattel exemption. This is general information, not tax advice, see our CGT explainer and HMRC guidance.
What we buy in each category
- Coins: Sovereigns and half-Sovereigns, Krugerrands, Britannias, Maple Leafs, Philharmonics, Eagles, world bullion coins and mixed collections.
- Jewellery: 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct and 24ct gold pieces in any condition, including broken, single-earring and unhallmarked items.
- Both, sold together: send a mixed lot exactly as it is. We separate, weigh and XRF-assay each component.
Common questions
Are Sovereigns worth more than their gold content?
Most modern Sovereigns are worth their metal content plus a small bullion premium. Older Sovereigns in good condition, or specific dates, can carry a collector premium that a specialist dealer is best placed to price.
Should I sell a rare coin to a metal buyer?
Usually no, and an honest buyer will tell you. We flag potential collector value rather than absorb it into a scrap figure, the right home for a genuinely collectable coin is a coin specialist.
Is the CGT exemption for Sovereigns automatic?
It applies because UK legal-tender coins are not chargeable assets for CGT. As with all tax questions, a professional check on your specific position is sensible. This is general information, not tax advice.