What is a gold sovereign worth?
A gold sovereign is worth at least the gold in it. Some are worth more because of their year or rarity. We cannot give a figure without seeing the coin, and this page explains how the two kinds of value differ.
Two kinds of value in a gold coin
Gold coins are often inherited, collected or kept as an investment. Their value is not always simple. There are two main ways of valuing them.
Metal value. Metal value means gold valued by its weight and purity, linked to the price of gold at the time. A sovereign sold only for its gold content is worth what the metal is worth, and nothing more is added for its age or design.
Numismatic value. Numismatic means to do with collecting coins. Some coins carry extra value because of their rarity, age or condition. A sovereign from a rare year, or with an unusual mint mark, can be worth much more than its metal value alone.
Popular gold coins
The coins that turn up most often are these.
Gold sovereigns. These are among the most recognisable UK coins, and are often inherited in collections.
Coins from other countries. Older gold coins from other countries are worth a look too.
Whether you have sovereigns or older gold coins from other countries, both the metal value and the collectable value need to be looked at.
Why a proper valuation matters
It is tempting to search online for a gold coin value calculator. These usually show only the metal value. Without an expert eye, you could miss extra value if your coin is rare or historically important.
A valuer checks three items. The first is weight and purity, which give the metal value. The second is the year of minting and the condition, which give the collectable value. The third is how much demand there is for that coin.
Inherited coins
If you have inherited coins, it can be hard to know where to start. Some families find boxes of sovereigns or mixed coins with no idea what they are worth. In that case, the best approach is a valuation with no obligation, before you decide anything.
What happens when you send coins
You ask for a free postage pack and post your coins in a box of your own, using the free postage label. We assess both the metal and the collectable value. Then you receive our offer.
Sending us your coins
Sovereigns and other gold coins can go in the box alongside the rest of what you have. Ask for a free postage pack and we send it to you with a free postage label. Your box is protected on the way to us.
When it arrives we make one offer for the whole box, within seven days. We hold your offer for 14 days. Your offer tells you the date. If you need longer, just ask. Say yes on a working day and we send your payment the same day, once we have your details.
Have something in mind to send?
Get your free packHow it works
Step 1: Pack your box
Everything in, nothing cleaned.
Step 2: Post it free
Stick the Parcelforce label from your pack on your box and send it to us.
Step 3: Wait for your offer
One offer for the lot, within seven days of arrival.
Questions
Will I only be offered the metal value?
Not necessarily. Some coins have a collectable value above the gold, and it is checked.
Can I send gold sovereigns by post?
Yes. Your box is protected on the way to us, and we hold your offer for 14 days once you have it.
Ready to clear a drawer?
Get your free pack
Protected on its way to us
Our parcel cover, up to £300, on evidence of what was in the box.
One offer for the whole box
We value everything in it and make one offer for the lot.
Carefully valued
We carefully value each box and pay a fair price for it.
Free postage both ways
A free postage label to us, and free postage back if you decline.
Shall we look at your coins?
Prefer to talk? Call us free on 0800 048 8777