What a Sovereign is made of
Every standard Sovereign struck since 1817 has met the same specification. Nothing about the coin has to be guessed at, which is why a Sovereign takes minutes to value rather than hours.
- Total weight: 7.98805g
- Purity: 22 carat (916.7 fine, 91.67% gold)
- Fine gold content: 7.32238g, that is 0.2354 of a troy ounce
- Diameter: 22.05mm, with a George and the Dragon reverse on most issues
The remaining 8.33% is copper, added for durability. When you sell a Sovereign for its metal, you are paid for the fine gold, the 7.32g, not the full 7.99g.
What a Sovereign is worth
A Sovereign’s value starts from its fine gold content, 0.2354 of a troy ounce, valued against the live gold market. Gold has moved a long way in the last ten years, so the answer tends to land higher than people expect, particularly on coins inherited or bought decades ago.
Sovereign weight 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.
When a Sovereign is worth more than its gold
Most Sovereigns trade close to their gold value. Some are worth more:
- Older Sovereigns. Victorian “Young Head”, “Jubilee Head” and “Veiled Head” coins, and Edwardian and George V issues, are collected by date and mint.
- Branch mint marks. Sovereigns struck in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Ottawa, Bombay or Pretoria carry a small mint mark and some are scarce.
- Proof and uncirculated coins. Modern proof Sovereigns from The Royal Mint, especially boxed with a certificate, carry a premium.
- Condition. A crisp, unworn coin is worth more to a collector than a heavily rubbed one.
If you have an older or unusual Sovereign, say so when you send your photo, and we will tell you how we would value it before you post anything.
Tax on selling a Sovereign
Gold sovereigns dated 1837 or later are UK legal tender, which means they are not chargeable assets for Capital Gains Tax (HMRC Capital Gains Manual CG76881). There is no CGT to pay on any gain, whatever the amount. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser; if your situation is complex, check with HMRC or an accountant.
How to sell a gold Sovereign by post
- Send a photo. Message GoldPaid on WhatsApp with a clear photo of the coin, both sides. We reply with a rough estimate and answer any questions first.
- Get your free label. If you want to proceed, we send a free, prepaid, tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Post it. Pad the coin so it cannot rattle about, then hand the parcel in over the counter at any Post Office and hold on to the receipt. Your parcel travels on Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, tracked and signed for. Royal Mail cover may be available up to £2,500 depending on the postal method and cover level used. GoldPaid can confirm the appropriate postal option before you post. If the lot may be worth more than £2,500, tell us first and we can split it across more than one prepaid label at no charge.
- Get paid. We confirm the coin, send a written offer, and pay by bank transfer once you accept. Decline and it comes back free.
Common questions
How much gold is in a full Sovereign?
A full Sovereign contains 7.32238g of fine gold (0.2354 of a troy ounce) within a total coin weight of 7.98805g of 22 carat gold.
What is a gold Sovereign worth?
A full sovereign contains about 7.32 g of fine gold in a 22ct coin. Metal content provides one part of its value, while the date, mint mark, condition and proof status can make it worth more to a collector. Photograph both faces and keep any case or certificate. 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.
Are old Sovereigns worth more?
They can be. Victorian, Edwardian and early George V Sovereigns, branch-mint issues and proof coins can carry a premium above their gold value. Send a photo and we will tell you how we would value yours before you post anything.
Do I pay tax when I sell a Sovereign?
Not on sovereigns dated 1837 or later. They are UK legal tender, so they are not chargeable assets for Capital Gains Tax. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser. Check your own position with HMRC if your situation is complex.
Can I sell just one Sovereign?
Yes, there is no minimum. A single Sovereign is handled the same way as a boxful: a free prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label out to you, and a written figure you are free to turn down.
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.