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Gold Sovereigns are among the most trusted and tradeable coins in the world. If you have Sovereigns to sell—whether a single coin inherited from a grandparent or a collection you’ve built over decades—SMP Bullion and Diamonds in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter pays competitive prices with same-day payment.

What We’re Paying for Gold Sovereigns

As of January 2026, we’re paying the following rates for genuine British Gold Sovereigns:

Coin	Price
Full Sovereign	£755-785
Half Sovereign	£375-395
Quarter Sovereign	£185-195
Double Sovereign	£1,510-1,570
Quintuple Sovereign (£5)	£3,775-3,900

These prices are for standard bullion-grade coins in normal circulated condition. Rates are updated daily based on the London gold fix.

Coins with numismatic value—rare dates, mint marks, exceptional condition, or proof finishes—may command higher prices. We assess every Sovereign individually and pay accordingly.

Why Sovereigns Hold Their Value

The Gold Sovereign has been called “the chief coin of the world” for good reason. Since 1817, these coins have maintained identical specifications:

• Weight: 7.98 grams gross
• Gold content: 7.32 grams pure gold (0.2354 troy ounces)
• Purity: 22 carat (91.67% fine gold)
• Diameter: 22.05mm

This consistency across more than 200 years means every standard Sovereign contains exactly the same amount of gold—whether minted under George III or King Charles III. Dealers worldwide recognise and trust Sovereigns, making them exceptionally liquid.

Tax Advantages of Gold Sovereigns

Sovereigns offer significant tax benefits for UK sellers:

Capital Gains Tax exemption: As UK legal tender (with a nominal face value of £1), Sovereigns minted after 1837 are exempt from CGT. Any profit you make when selling is entirely tax-free, regardless of the amount.

VAT-free: Investment gold, including Sovereigns, carries no VAT. The price we pay is the price you receive.

These exemptions make Sovereigns one of the most tax-efficient ways to hold gold. When you sell, you keep the full value without tax deductions.

Types of Sovereigns We Buy

We purchase all British Gold Sovereigns, regardless of age, monarch, or condition:

Modern Bullion Sovereigns (1957-present)

Coins struck from 1957 onwards are primarily valued for their gold content. These include:

• Elizabeth II Sovereigns (1957-2022)
• King Charles III Sovereigns (2023-present)
• 2026 yellow gold Sovereigns (the new alloy returning to the rich colour of historic coins)

Historic Sovereigns (1817-1952)

Older Sovereigns may carry numismatic premiums above their gold value:

• George III (1817-1820)
• George IV (1821-1830)
• William IV (1831-1837)
• Victoria Young Head (1838-1887)
• Victoria Jubilee Head (1887-1893)
• Victoria Old Head (1893-1901)
• Edward VII (1902-1910)
• George V (1911-1932)
• George VI (1937-1952)

Branch Mint Sovereigns

During the Empire’s peak, Sovereigns were struck at mints across the globe. These carry tiny mint marks and are often sought by collectors:

• S – Sydney, Australia
• M – Melbourne, Australia
• P – Perth, Australia
• C – Ottawa, Canada
• I – Bombay (Mumbai), India
• SA – Pretoria, South Africa

We identify mint marks and pay enhanced prices where appropriate.

Shield Back Sovereigns

Victorian-era coins featuring the Royal coat of arms rather than St George and the Dragon. These early issues can carry collector premiums.

Proof Sovereigns

Limited-edition coins struck with specially prepared dies for collectors. Proof Sovereigns often command prices above their bullion value, depending on year and condition.

Sovereigns in Jewellery

Many Sovereigns have been mounted in rings, pendants, or bracelets over the years. We buy these too, though there are considerations:

Mounted coins: The gold mount adds value (we pay for both coin and setting), but the coin itself may be worth less if damaged by the mounting process.

Removed from mounts: Coins that have been extracted from jewellery often show marks or slight damage, which can reduce collector premiums—though bullion value remains.

Coin weight: Mounted or previously-mounted Sovereigns sometimes weigh less than standard due to wear or modification. We weigh every coin and pay for actual gold content.

If you have Sovereigns in jewellery settings, bring the complete piece. We’ll assess both the coin and the mount fairly.

How We Verify Your Sovereigns

Every Sovereign sold to SMP Bullion and Diamonds is authenticated using:

Visual inspection: We examine design details, lettering, and overall appearance against known genuine examples.

Weight verification: Standard Sovereigns weigh 7.98g (±0.01g). Significant deviation indicates potential issues.

Diameter measurement: Authentic Sovereigns measure 22.05mm precisely.

XRF analysis: Our X-ray fluorescence equipment confirms gold content matches the 22ct specification.

This process takes just minutes and ensures both parties have confidence in the transaction. Counterfeits do exist in the market, particularly of rare dates—our testing protects you from unknowingly possessing a fake and protects us from purchasing one.

Rare and Valuable Sovereigns

While most Sovereigns trade close to their gold value, some are worth considerably more:

Key dates to look for:

• 1819: Extremely rare George III issue. Only around 10 survive. Worth £100,000+
• 1859 “Ansell”: Experimental alloy trial. Fewer than 25 exist. Worth £50,000+
• 1879-S “Sydney Shield”: Rare combination of shield reverse and Sydney mint. Worth £10,000+
• Edward VIII 1937: Never officially issued due to abdication. Pattern pieces have sold for over £1 million

Factors that increase value:

• Low mintage years
• Branch mint marks (particularly scarce combinations)
• Exceptional condition (uncirculated or proof)
• Rare design variations
• Original packaging and documentation (for modern proofs)

If you suspect your Sovereign might be special, we’ll examine it carefully. We have access to numismatic references and can identify rare varieties that other dealers might miss.

Selling Sovereigns at SMP Bullion and Diamonds

When you visit us to sell Sovereigns, the process is straightforward:

1. Bring your coins Any quantity, any condition. No appointment needed for standard amounts.

2. Authentication We examine and test each coin to verify authenticity and identify any numismatic value.

3. Weighing Coins are weighed on calibrated scales. You’ll see the reading clearly.

4. Valuation We calculate the offer based on current rates, adjusted for any collector premiums or condition issues.

5. Payment Accept our offer and receive same-day payment—cash or instant bank transfer.

The entire process typically takes 15-20 minutes for a handful of coins. Larger collections may require more time for thorough assessment.

What to Bring

Your Sovereigns – Any quantity, from one coin to hundreds.

Photo ID – Passport or driving licence required under UK anti-money laundering regulations.

Original packaging – If you have boxes, certificates, or documentation for proof coins, bring them. They can increase value.

Provenance information – For potentially rare coins, any history or documentation you have may be helpful.

Common Questions About Selling Sovereigns

Are my Sovereigns real?

We authenticate every coin. If you’re uncertain, bring them in—we’ll tell you definitively and explain how we reached our conclusion.

Does condition affect the price?

For modern bullion Sovereigns, minor wear has minimal impact. For older coins with collector value, condition matters significantly. We assess each coin individually.

What if my Sovereign has been cleaned?

Cleaning reduces numismatic value (collectors prefer original surfaces), but doesn’t affect gold content. We pay accordingly.

Can I sell just one coin?

Absolutely. Whether you have one Sovereign or one hundred, you’ll receive the same competitive per-coin rate.

What about foreign “Sovereigns”?

Some countries issued similar coins also called Sovereigns (e.g., Isle of Man). Most adhere to the same 22ct specification and we buy them, though British Royal Mint coins typically command the strongest prices.

Do you buy gold Krugerrands, Britannias, and other coins?

Yes. We purchase all major gold bullion coins at competitive rates. Sovereigns aren’t your only option—if you have other gold coins, bring them along.

Why Sell at SMP Bullion and Diamonds?

Jewellery Quarter expertise: Located in Birmingham’s historic precious metals district, we understand gold coins inside and out.

Fair numismatic assessment: We don’t treat all Sovereigns the same. Rare dates and mint marks receive appropriate premiums.

Transparent process: Watch your coins being tested and weighed. Ask questions. Understand exactly how we reach our offer.

Same-day payment: Accept our price and leave with cash or instant bank transfer. No waiting.

No pressure: Our valuation is free. Take time to consider, compare if you wish, and return when ready.

Current Market Conditions

Gold prices have reached historic highs, making this an excellent time to sell Sovereigns you no longer wish to keep. A Full Sovereign that might have fetched £200-250 a decade ago now commands over £750.

Of course, if your Sovereigns represent a long-term investment strategy or have sentimental significance, there’s no pressure to sell. Gold’s enduring value means your coins will remain valuable whenever you choose to liquidate them.

But if you have Sovereigns sitting unused—inherited coins, a collection you’ve outgrown, or bullion purchased years ago at lower prices—current market conditions offer genuine opportunity.

Visit Us Today

SMP Bullion and Diamonds is located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, the natural home of precious metals trading in the Midlands.

Bring your Gold Sovereigns for a free, no-obligation valuation. We’ll authenticate your coins, identify any with special value, and make a fair offer based on today’s market.

Same-day payment. Honest valuations. The price your Sovereigns deserve.

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