What a Sovereign is made of
A modern full gold Sovereign is a precise object. Every standard Sovereign since 1817 has been struck to the same specification, which is why it is so easy to value.
- 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
The gold value of a Sovereign is simple: 0.2354 troy oz × the current gold price per ounce. Because the gold price is near record highs, that figure is far higher than most people expect.
| Gold price (per oz) | Sovereign gold value |
|---|---|
| £2,000 | £471 |
| £2,800 | £659 |
| £3,200 | £753 |
| £3,600 (illustrative) | £847 |
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. We will tell you honestly if it is worth more sold as a collectable coin than for its metal.
Tax on selling a Sovereign
Gold Sovereigns are UK legal tender, which means they are exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents — 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 quick indicative figure 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. Wrap the coin so it cannot move, hand it in at any Post Office, keep your proof of postage. Royal Mail Special Delivery cover may be available up to £2,500 depending on the postal method and cover level used.
- 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 today?
At an illustrative gold price of £3,600 per troy ounce, a Sovereign holds about £847 of gold. The live price moves continuously; send a photo to GoldPaid on WhatsApp for a current, no-obligation figure.
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 if yours is one of them.
Do I pay tax when I sell a Sovereign?
Gold Sovereigns are UK legal tender and are exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser. Check your own position with HMRC if your situation is complex.
Can I sell just one Sovereign?
Yes. One coin or a whole collection, you can post it to GoldPaid with a free, insured, prepaid Royal Mail label and receive a no-obligation valuation.