What a gold Britannia is made of
The 1oz gold Britannia carries exactly one troy ounce of fine gold — that is the figure that drives its value.
- Fine gold content: 1.000 troy oz (31.1035g)
- Purity: 1987–2012 coins are 22 carat (916.7); 2013 onwards are 999.9 fine 24 carat
- Either way the coin contains a full ounce of gold — the earlier 22ct coins simply weigh slightly more in total
- Fractional sizes also exist: 1/2oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz, worth the matching fraction of a full ounce
What a Britannia is worth
Because a 1oz Britannia holds exactly one ounce of gold, its gold value is the gold price.
| Britannia size | Fine gold | Value at £3,600/oz (illustrative) |
|---|---|---|
| 1oz | 1.000 oz | £3,600 |
| 1/2oz | 0.500 oz | £1,800 |
| 1/4oz | 0.250 oz | £900 |
| 1/10oz | 0.100 oz | £360 |
The Britannia’s tax advantage
The gold Britannia is UK legal tender, so it is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents — there is no CGT on any gain when you sell, whatever the amount. That makes it one of the most efficient gold coins for a UK seller to hold and to sell. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser; check with HMRC if your situation is complex.
When a Britannia is worth more than its gold
- Proof Britannias from The Royal Mint, boxed with a certificate, carry a premium over bullion coins.
- Early dates and certain low-mintage years are collected.
- Condition — an unmarked, capsule-kept coin is worth more to a collector than a scratched one.
Most bullion Britannias trade close to their gold value, which makes them quick and straightforward to sell.
How to sell a gold Britannia by post
- Send a photo on WhatsApp — both sides, plus the box and certificate if you have them. We reply with a quick indicative figure.
- Request your free label — a prepaid, tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery label, or a Post Office QR code.
- Post it. A 1oz Britannia is a high-value coin; Royal Mail Special Delivery cover may be available up to £2,500 depending on the postal method and cover level used, and we confirm the right option for higher-value parcels before you post.
- Get paid by bank transfer once you accept the written offer. Free return if you decline.
Common questions
How much gold is in a 1oz Britannia?
A 1oz gold Britannia contains exactly one troy ounce (31.1035g) of fine gold. Coins from 2013 onwards are 999.9 fine; 1987–2012 coins are 22 carat but still contain a full ounce of gold.
What is a gold Britannia worth?
A 1oz Britannia is worth essentially the gold price — about £3,600 at an illustrative price of £3,600 per ounce. The live price moves continuously; send a photo to GoldPaid for a current figure.
Is the gold Britannia CGT-exempt?
Yes. The Britannia is UK legal tender and is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser. Check with HMRC if your situation is complex.
Do you buy fractional Britannias?
Yes — 1/2oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz Britannias are all bought, valued on their fine gold content. Post them with a free, insured, prepaid Royal Mail label.