What a half Sovereign is made of
- Total weight: 3.99402g
- Purity: 22 carat (916.7 fine, 91.67% gold)
- Fine gold content: 3.66g, that is 0.1177 of a troy ounce
- Diameter: 19.30mm, exactly half a full Sovereign in gold terms
Everything true of a full Sovereign holds for the half, halved. Same alloy, same 22 carat standard, same mints, same collectable dates.
What a half Sovereign is worth
The gold value is 0.1177 troy oz × the current gold price.
| Gold price (per oz) | Half Sovereign gold value |
|---|---|
| £2,000 | £235 |
| £2,800 | £330 |
| £3,200 | £377 |
| £3,600 (illustrative) | £424 |
When a half Sovereign is worth more than its gold
- Victorian and Edwardian half Sovereigns are collected by date and monarch.
- Branch-mint coins. Sydney, Melbourne and Perth issues can be scarcer than London strikes.
- Proof and uncirculated coins, especially boxed with a certificate, carry a premium.
- Jewellery mounts. Half Sovereigns are often set in rings and pendants. A mounted coin is assessed on its gold content; the mount is valued separately if it is gold.
Tax and selling
Like the full Sovereign, the half Sovereign 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.
- Send a photo of both sides on WhatsApp for a quick indicative figure.
- Request a free, prepaid Royal Mail label if you want to proceed.
- Post it 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.
- Get paid by bank transfer once you accept the written offer. Decline and it is returned free.
Common questions
How much gold is in a half Sovereign?
A half Sovereign contains 3.66g of fine gold (0.1177 of a troy ounce) in a total weight of 3.99402g of 22 carat gold. It is exactly half a full Sovereign.
What is a half Sovereign worth today?
At an illustrative gold price of £3,600 per ounce, a half Sovereign holds about £424 of gold. The live price moves continuously; send a photo to GoldPaid for a current figure.
Is a half Sovereign worth selling?
Yes. At today’s gold price even a single half Sovereign carries meaningful value, and GoldPaid buys single coins with a free, tracked, prepaid postal label and no obligation.
Do I pay tax on a half Sovereign?
No Capital Gains Tax applies for UK residents, because the half Sovereign is UK legal tender. GoldPaid is not a tax adviser; check with HMRC if needed.
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.