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The Half Sovereign has been a mainstay of British coinage for more than two centuries, balancing gold content, affordability, and historical charm. Struck by The Royal Mint to the same exacting standards since 1817, each coin contains 3.99 grams of 22 carat gold (3.66g fine) and measures 19.30mm in diameter, precisely half the weight of a full Sovereign.
From an investment perspective, the Half Sovereign's fractional size makes it highly versatile. Investors can add to or sell their holdings in smaller steps. The denomination's status as UK legal tender also means it is exempt from Capital Gains Tax, and as investment gold, it is VAT-free in the UK.
A Coin with Global Reach
Half Sovereigns have travelled far beyond Britain's shores. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, they were produced not only in London but also at branch mints in Australia and South Africa, supporting the needs of global trade. Their consistent gold content and recognisable designs, whether the celebrated St George and the Dragon or the earlier "shield back", ensured they were trusted worldwide.
Although no longer struck for everyday circulation after the 1920s, the Half Sovereign remains popular in bullion and proof form. It has survived political change, fluctuating gold markets, and evolving minting technology, yet its weight, fineness, and dimensions remain unchanged.
Design Evolution
Over the decades, Half Sovereigns have featured a variety of obverse portraits, from George IV to the present-day King Charles III. The reverse is most often Benedetto Pistrucci's dynamic St George motif, but Victorian shield designs, jubilee portraits, and other variations also appear in the series. This blend of consistency and variety adds to the denomination's appeal for both investors and casual collectors.
The Sovereign Series offers investors and collectors a choice of five denominations - Quarter, Half, Full, Double, and Quintuple - each struck in 22-carat gold by The Royal Mint. From the compact Quarter to the commanding Quintuple Sovereign, this enduring series provides flexibility, heritage, and investment-grade quality across the range.
Explore the Full Range of Sovereign Gold Coins
The Sovereign Series is a cornerstone of British numismatics and gold investment, offering a set of five 22-carat gold coins in varying denominations: the Quarter Sovereign, Half Sovereign, Full Sovereign, Double Sovereign (also known as the £2), and Quintuple Sovereign (or £5 coin). Each denomination is minted by The Royal Mint to bullion or proof standards and carries the hallmark quality, trust, and history associated with the Sovereign name.
First introduced in the early 19th century, modern Sovereigns combine timeless design with investment appeal. Each coin in the series shares the following features:
- Struck in 22-carat gold (91.67% purity)
- Carries legal tender status in the UK
- Exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for UK investors
- VAT-free as investment-grade gold
Though they vary in weight, face value, and size, each denomination traditionally features Benedetto Pistrucci's iconic St George and the Dragon design on the reverse, and the reigning monarch's effigy on the obverse - most recently King Charles III.
Denomination Breakdown:
| Denomination | Face Value | Approx. Gold Content | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter Sovereign | £0.25 | 1.83g | 13.5 |
| Half Sovereign | £0.50 | 3.66g | 19.3 |
| Full Sovereign | £1.00 | 7.32g | 22.05 |
| Double Sovereign | £2.00 | 14.63g | 28.4 |
| Quintuple Sovereign | £5.00 | 36.61g | 36.02 |
This range allows investors to build a highly flexible and diversified portfolio. The smaller denominations (Quarter and Half) are perfect for accessibility, gifting, or breaking up larger investments. The Full and Double Sovereigns strike a balance between liquidity and gold content, while the Quintuple Sovereign presents a statement piece, often issued in limited numbers.
Whether you're acquiring Sovereigns for investment purposes, historical appreciation, or collecting across monarchs and years, the Sovereign Series offers something for every interest and budget.
At Gold Traders, we offer all five denominations across multiple years and conditions, including the latest bullion releases and carefully selected pre-owned pieces. Each coin is authenticated, securely packaged, and available for insured UK delivery or in-person collection from our premises.