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British Britannia Gold Coin or British Sovereign: which is best for you?

Published by Tavex Analysts in category Precious Metal Information Guides, Tavex News on 06.04.2023
Gold price (XAU-GBP)
2,086.54 GBP/oz
  
+ GBP10.91
Silver price (XAG-GBP)
23.50 GBP/oz
  
+ GBP0.27

When it comes to deciding between British Britannia Gold Bullion Coins and Sovereigns, both coins have their merits and are considered great choices for investors looking for high-quality, low premium gold coins. They are both classified as investment gold, which means they are tax-free and, as pound sterling coins, they are exempt from capital gains tax (CGT) for UK residents. The choice between them may depend on factors like the investor’s preferences, the coin’s prominence, carat value, and associated symbolism.

Coin Prominence

In terms of worldwide coin prominence, the Sovereign is better known overall due to its longer presence on the market. However, the Britannia has been minted as a 24-carat coin since 2013, which has increased its appeal over the 22ct Sovereign, as 24-carat investments are sometimes seen as stronger investments.

CGT EXEMPT
2025 British Britannia Gold Coin Reverse1 In Stock

1oz British Britannia Gold Coin 2025

We sell 1+ £2,131.99 2063.9 2063,90 2063.9 2063,90 2063.9 2063,90 2131.99 2131,99 2130.95 2130,95 2127.82 2127,82
We sell £2,127.82 2063.9 2063,90 2063.9 2063,90 2063.9 2063,90 2131.99 2131,99 2130.95 2130,95 2127.82 2127,82
We buy £2,063.90
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Tax Exemptions

Both the gold Sovereign and gold Britannia are exempt from VAT at the point of purchase and are considered legal tender within the UK due to their face value. Both coins are also Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt. The Britannia is seen as symbolising ‘the spirit of a nation’, while the Sovereign represents the power and enduring nature of the British monarchy.

Historical Diversity

The Britannia has only ever featured Queen Elizabeth on its obverse, whereas the Sovereign has contained numerous monarchs, such as Queen Victoria and King George V. This difference adds historical diversity to the Sovereign, making it more appealing to collectors and investors who value the historical aspect of their investments.

2025
king charles iii sovereign obverse1 In Stock

Great Britain King Charles III Gold Sovereign

We sell 1+ £514.68 485.88 485,88 485.88 485,88 485.88 485,88 514.68 514,68 514.19 514,19 513.21 513,21
We sell £513.21 485.88 485,88 485.88 485,88 485.88 485,88 514.68 514,68 514.19 514,19 513.21 513,21
We buy £485.88
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Price and Range

The gold Britannia is roughly four times heavier than the gold Sovereign, weighing one Troy Ounce (31.1g). Therefore, the cost of a single Britannia is higher than the cost of a single, smaller Sovereign. However, investing in the Britannia Gold Coin means a lower cost per gram and a higher weight of gold for your money than the gold Sovereign.

In terms of range, gold Sovereigns have a greater variety due to their age, featuring a range of monarchs within their obverse designs. Gold British Britannia Gold Bullion Coins, on the other hand, have less historic and numismatic value.

Divisibility and Liquidity

Gold Sovereigns provide four times as much divisibility as the 1 troy ounce Britannia, which can be an important factor for investors with modest portfolios. However, those looking to invest a more considerable amount into the gold coin market may be able to purchase a sufficient amount of British Britannia Gold Bullion Coins to obtain the advised level of divisibility.

Both the Sovereign and the Britannia are highly desirable coins across the world and can be sold incredibly quickly. Their popularity within the UK is partly due to the fact that they are tax-free coins.

CGT EXEMPT
Historical Great Britain Sovereign gold coin available for purchase In Stock

Great Britain Gold Sovereign Edward VII

We sell 1+ £532.85 500.61 500,61 500.61 500,61 500.61 500,61 532.85 532,85 531.87 531,87 530.4 530,40
We sell £530.40 500.61 500,61 500.61 500,61 500.61 500,61 532.85 532,85 531.87 531,87 530.4 530,40
We buy £500.61
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Flexibility and Size Convenience

Generally speaking, for large investors, the Britannia may offer a good balance between flexibility and size convenience. However, it is not uncommon for large investors to buy large numbers of Sovereigns when the premium is better. Those who prefer the historic pedigree and smaller size of the Sovereign may choose to exclusively buy those.

Fractional Denominations

Both the Sovereign and Britannia coins are available in fractional denominations, which can provide more options for investors. For example, the Britannia is available in half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce gold coin editions, while Sovereigns can be purchased as Double Sovereigns, Half Sovereigns, and Quarter Sovereigns. This variety allows investors to diversify their investment and choose the denominations that best suit their needs and preferences.

Storage and Transport

When considering which gold coin to invest in, storage and transport can also play a role in the decision-making process. The smaller size of Sovereign coins can make them easier to store and transport, while the larger size of British Britannia Gold Coins may require more storage space. However, both coins can be easily stored in safe deposit boxes or other secure storage solutions.

Market Fluctuations and Investment Strategy

Investors should also consider market fluctuations and their investment strategy when choosing between British Britannia Gold Coins and Sovereigns. It is essential to monitor market trends and make informed decisions based on the current economic climate and the investor’s long-term goals. Diversifying one’s investment portfolio by including both types of gold coins can help mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations.

CGT EXEMPT
Great Britain Gold Sovereign Elizabeth II 2000-2022 Out of stock

Great Britain Gold Sovereign Elizabeth II 2000-2022

485.88 485,88 485.88 485,88 485.88 485,88 513.21 513,21 512.23 512,23 510.75 510,75
We buy £485.88
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Expert Advice and Support

If you are unsure about which gold coin to invest in, seeking expert advice and support from professionals in the field can be beneficial. Professionals at Tavex can provide valuable insights into the market and help you make an informed decision based on your investment goals and preferences. You can give us a call on 020 4541 4145, write us an email at tavex@tavexbullion.co.uk or schedule a consultation here.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, both British Britannia Gold Coins and Sovereigns have their advantages, and the choice between them may depend on factors like the investor’s preferences, the coin’s prominence, carat value, and associated symbolism. It is essential for investors to assess their individual needs and preferences to determine which coin is the best choice for them. Regardless of which gold coin you choose to invest in, both gold Britannia Gold Coins and gold Sovereigns are widely considered a strong and popular investment choice, offering potential for long-term growth and financial security.

For new investors looking to start with a smaller purchase, gold Sovereigns would possibly be a great place to begin establishing their coin investment portfolio. For those looking to concentrate on the best value gold coin for price per gram, gold British Britannia Gold Bullion Coins could be their perfect choice. However, many investors would suggest that the best option may be to own a mixture of gold Britannia and gold Sovereign coins. The choice of coin you invest in comes down to personal preference and the individual circumstances and goals of the investor. Both gold British Britannia Gold Bullion Coins and gold Sovereigns are widely considered a strong and popular investment choice.

Gold price (XAU-GBP)
2,086.54 GBP/oz
  
+ GBP10.91
Silver price (XAG-GBP)
23.50 GBP/oz
  
+ GBP0.27

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