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The Full Gold Sovereign is the UK's most iconic gold coin, valued by investors and collectors for its long history, global recognition, and tax-free investment status. Struck in 22-carat gold and issued by The Royal Mint, the Sovereign continues to be a trusted store of wealth and a symbol of British heritage.
The Full Gold Sovereign - The UK's Flagship Investment Coin
The Full Gold Sovereign is one of the most recognisable and historically significant gold coins in the world. First issued in its modern form in 1817, the coin has become synonymous with British craftsmanship, resilience, and monetary stability. Struck by The Royal Mint in 22-carat (91.67%) gold, the Sovereign contains 7.32 grams of pure gold within a total weight of 7.98 grams.
Measuring 22.05mm in diameter, the Full Sovereign is larger than the Half and Quarter denominations, offering a balance between accessibility and intrinsic value. Its compact size and relatively lower premium make it a preferred choice for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors seeking liquidity and flexibility within their gold holdings.
One of the Sovereign's defining features is its legal tender status in the UK (having a face value of £1). This means that Full Sovereigns are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for UK residents. They are also VAT-free, further enhancing their appeal as an efficient, tax-advantaged way to invest in physical gold.
Over its 200+ year history, the Sovereign has carried various designs, but most frequently features Benedetto Pistrucci's classic depiction of St George slaying the dragon on the reverse. The obverse traditionally bears the effigy of the reigning monarch, most recently His Majesty King Charles III.
Whether you're purchasing for investment, collectability, or as a hedge against inflation, the Full Gold Sovereign offers a compelling blend of heritage, security, and portability. Its global reputation ensures ease of resale, while its enduring design connects modern investors with a proud lineage stretching back over two centuries.
At Gold Traders, we offer a wide selection of Full Gold Sovereigns, including newly minted editions, pre-owned coins, and historic rarities. Every coin we supply is carefully verified for authenticity and condition, with fully insured UK delivery and secure packaging.
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.
Your questions answered
We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions. If there's something we haven't covered, please call us & we'll be happy to help. Read all FAQs.
As gold bullion is exempt from UK VAT, there are no applicable taxes at the point of purchase.
However, investors should note that gold bars are liable for Capital Gains Tax at the point of sale, if you exceed your capital gains threshold within your tax year and you make a profit on the sale.
As we're not financial advisors, we can't offer you advice. However, we can give you some facts surrounding gold bar investment.
When investing in gold bullion there are two primary choices:
- investing in gold bars
- investing in gold coins
Potential investors must always remember that the sale of gold bars are subject to Capital Gains Tax (if you make a profit on their sale and you go over your annual CGT threshold).
The key difference wth UK issued gold coins (primarily Sovereigns and Britannias) is these coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
Therefore, if you're a UK resident, whilst the margin you pay when buying a gold bar may be lower, you might be better off investing in UK issued gold coins.