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
The sum is simple: 0.2354 troy oz × the current gold price per ounce. 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.
| 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. 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, and Royal Mail 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. That is an indicative melt figure, not a quote; the live price moves continuously and the firm offer follows an assay. 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, there is no minimum. A single Sovereign is handled the same way as a boxful: a free prepaid Royal Mail label out to you, and a written figure you are free to turn down.
Request a free prepaid Royal Mail label
Tell us where to send it. The label arrives by email, usually within about 30 minutes during working hours. Requesting one commits you to nothing: you get a written offer after the XRF assay, and if you decline, your items come back to you free.
Would you rather ask a question first, or send a photo? Message us on WhatsApp . It is the fastest way to get a sense of what something is worth before you post anything.