The gold Sovereign coin was first struck over 500 years ago in 1489 and is one of the oldest coins still being produced today. Named to honour the king, it has been a symbol of status and strength ever since.
The gold Sovereign coin is internationally recognised. During the 19th century, it was classed as legal tender in more than 20 countries.
Struck from 916.7 fine gold, modern Sovereigns feature celebrated engraver Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St. George and the Dragon design, which first appeared on the coin in 1817 and still endures today, 200 years later.
Design and Specifications
Full gold sovereigns have a diameter of 22.05 mm and thickness of 1.52 mm. Each coin contains 7.988 grams of 22-carat gold, alloyed with copper for increased durability.
The obverse features a portrait of the reigning British monarch at the time of minting. The reverse depicts the famous Saint George and the Dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci, which has appeared on the coin since 1817.
Other key features include the legend "DEI GRA REGINA FID DEF" (By the Grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith), the denomination in Latin ("UNA LIBRA AUREUS"), and the year of mintage. While the essential design has remained unchanged, there have been small alterations, such as updating the portrait of the monarch.
Why buy gold Sovereigns?
Due to its status as legal tender in the UK, the gold Sovereign coin is exempt from VAT and Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
Furthermore, the weight and quality of the British gold Sovereign’s 22-carat gold are verified at the Trial of the Pyx, an independent trial that dates back to at least 1282. The quality of the gold is also guaranteed to five decimal places by the 1974 Coinage Act.
Many collectors purchase gold Sovereigns because of both their quality and their prominence in the history of British coinage.
They’re also very popular amongst investors who wish to store their capital in gold, a precious metal that is well-known for holding its value over time.
The best British gold Sovereign coins
Available as a half Sovereign, a full Sovereign and tubes of 25, you can buy these sought-after gold coins from various different years.
To celebrate 200 years of the modern Sovereign, The Royal Mint has released a special, commemorative edition in 2017. It features the original St. George and the Dragon design with the addition of a mint mark that acknowledges its 200th anniversary.
Browse the gold sovereign coins for sale here at The Gold Bullion Co. to find a range of different years and designs.
View the full collection of British gold Sovereign bullion coins here.
How to buy Gold Sovereigns
Buying gold coins online from a trusted distributor with a proven track record is one of the safest ways to ensure you’re getting a genuine product.
Be sure to check for independent customer reviews and delivery policies. A reliable seller will have hundreds of positive reviews and will use a recognised courier and insured delivery.
It’s also important that you buy gold coins that are well-known and produced by internationally recognised mints. The British Sovereign gold coin is one such example, as it’s the flagship coin produced by The Royal Mint, one of the most famous mints in the world.
To add a British Sovereign gold coin to your collection today, browse our full range of gold sovereigns for sale now.
Buy gold sovereigns from The Gold Bullion Company, a reputable and well-known UK-based family business.
Our outstanding customer service team - who have received a 99.6% positive rating in independent reviews from over 10,700 customers - backs every purchase with pre-sales advice and post-purchase support. Every purchase features fully insured delivery and our unique buy-back guarantee.
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