Every gold coin has a melt value
A useful starting point for any gold coin is the value of the gold inside it. That figure, the melt value or intrinsic value, is simple arithmetic: the coin’s fine gold content multiplied by the current gold price. A collectable coin, a rare date or a coin in exceptional condition can be worth more than its gold.
Because the gold price has risen substantially over the past decade, the gold value of every coin has risen with it. A Sovereign that changed hands for a fraction of today’s figure years ago now holds far more gold value, without the coin itself changing at all.
Gold coin content at a glance
Fine gold content is a published mint specification, so it does not change. It is the starting point for a coin’s value, priced against the live precious-metal market. The figures below are the published specifications, not a quote; for a rough estimate on your specific coins, send a photo to GoldPaid on WhatsApp.
| Coin | Fine gold content | UK CGT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Sovereign | 0.2354 oz (7.32g) | Exempt* |
| Half Sovereign | 0.1177 oz (3.66g) | Exempt* |
| Britannia 1oz | 1.000 oz (31.1g) | Exempt* |
| Krugerrand 1oz | 1.000 oz (31.1g) | May apply |
*Britannias, and sovereigns dated 1837 or later, are UK legal tender, so they are not chargeable assets for Capital Gains Tax. Krugerrands are not UK legal tender, so a gain may be subject to CGT. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser. Check your own position with HMRC or an accountant.
Gold coin weights and fine-gold content
| Coin | Weight | Fineness | Fine gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter sovereign (UK) | 2.00 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 1.83 g |
| Half sovereign (UK) | 3.99 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 3.66 g |
| Full sovereign (UK) | 7.98 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 7.32 g |
| Double sovereign (UK) | 15.98 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 14.64 g |
| Five-pound sovereign (UK) | 39.94 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 36.61 g |
| Britannia, 1 oz (1987-2012) | 34.05 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 31.10 g |
| Britannia, 1 oz (2013 on) | 31.21 g | 999.9 (24ct) | 31.10 g |
| Krugerrand, 1 oz (South Africa) | 33.93 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 31.10 g |
| Maple Leaf, 1 oz (Canada) | 31.11 g | 999.9 (24ct) | 31.10 g |
| Philharmonic, 1 oz (Austria) | 31.10 g | 999.9 (24ct) | 31.10 g |
| American Eagle, 1 oz (USA) | 33.93 g | 916.7 (22ct) | 31.10 g |
| 20 Francs (France, Switzerland) | 6.45 g | 900 (21.6ct) | 5.81 g |
| 20 Mark (Germany, 1871-1915) | 7.97 g | 900 (21.6ct) | 7.17 g |
Photograph both sides and any packaging before posting. Rare dates, proof finishes and scarce mint marks can justify a specialist assessment. GoldPaid does not publish a price list or calculator. Send photos for a rough estimate where possible; your written offer follows inspection of your own items.
Choose your coin
What changes a coin’s value beyond the gold
- Condition. A bullion coin in ordinary circulated condition trades close to its gold value. An uncirculated or proof coin can carry a premium.
- Date and mint. Most modern bullion coins are valued for their metal. Certain dates, mints or low-mintage years are sought after by collectors.
- Coin versus jewellery. Coins are usually a known purity and weight, which makes them quick to identify. A coin mounted in a ring or pendant has usually lost most of its collector appeal.
- The live gold price. The single biggest factor. The same coin is worth more on a day the market is high.
If you are not sure whether a coin is “just bullion” or something a collector would pay extra for, send a photo of your coins on WhatsApp first and we will tell you how we would value them before you post anything.
How to sell gold coins by post
- Ask first. Message GoldPaid on WhatsApp with a clear photo of each coin. We give you a rough estimate and answer any questions, before anything is posted.
- Request your free label. If you want to proceed, we send a free, prepaid, tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery label, or a QR code for the Post Office counter.
- Post your coins. Wrap them so they cannot move, hand the parcel in at any Post Office, and keep your proof of postage. Your parcel travels on Royal Mail Special Delivery, and Royal Mail 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.
- Decide. We assay and weigh your coins, send a written offer, and pay by bank transfer once you accept. Decline and everything is returned free of charge.
Why sell your coins to GoldPaid
GoldPaid buys gold and silver by post across the UK. You never need to visit a shop, you are never pressured, and you see a written breakdown before you decide. Every coin is XRF-tested and listed on the written offer, not folded into a vague counter offer.
Common questions
How much is a gold coin worth?
A gold coin’s value depends on its identity, authenticity, fine-gold content and the current market. A scarce date, mint mark or proof finish can add collector value, so do not assume a coin should be sold for metal alone. Photograph both faces and its packaging. GoldPaid does not publish a price list or calculator. Send photos for a rough estimate where possible; your written offer follows inspection of your own items.
How do I know what my gold coin is worth?
Start with the gold content, the fine ounces of gold in the coin, and multiply by the current gold price. That gives an indicative melt value, a guide to the scale rather than a quote. For an accurate figure on your specific coins, send a photo to GoldPaid on WhatsApp; the firm offer follows an XRF assay and weighing.
Are gold coins worth more than scrap gold?
Per gram of gold, the metal is worth the same. The advantage of coins is that their purity and weight are known mint specifications, so they are quick to value, and some carry a collectable premium on top of their gold content.
Do you buy single coins?
Yes. Whether it is one Sovereign found in a drawer or a full collection, you can post it to GoldPaid with a free, tracked, prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label and receive a no-obligation valuation.
Will I be taxed on selling gold coins?
Britannias, and sovereigns dated 1837 or later, are UK legal tender, so they are not chargeable assets for Capital Gains Tax. Krugerrands and gold bars are not UK legal tender, so a gain may be subject to CGT. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser. Check your own position with HMRC or an accountant.
Not the question you had? The full GoldPaid FAQ covers the rest, from postal cover and ID checks to what happens if you decline the offer.
Speak to us before you post
Please send us photos on WhatsApp, and we will help you. We give a rough estimate where possible and arrange postage with you after our conversation. Your final offer follows inspection.