How Much Is a Gold Sovereign Worth in 2026?

A gold sovereign is one of the most recognisable British gold coins in the world. Whether you’ve inherited one, are considering buying one, or simply want to understand its value, the key question is:

How much is a gold sovereign worth today?

The answer depends on three main factors: the live gold price, the coin’s condition, and whether it has collector (numismatic) value.

Quick Answer: Gold Sovereign Value Today

• Gold content: 7.32 grams of fine gold (0.2354 troy oz)
• Purity: 22 carat (91.67% gold)
• Typical value: Usually trades close to its gold melt value, plus a small premium

To estimate the value:

Gold Sovereign Value = Live Gold Price per Ounce × 0.2354

For example:

If gold is £3,957 per troy ounce:

£3,957 × 0.2354 ≈ £931.47

(Please note this is the value of one gold sovereign at the time of writing this article, it may have varied since)

This is the intrinsic gold value. Market prices published on bullion websites are usually slightly higher due to premiums that are put on products.

What Is a Gold Sovereign?

The modern gold sovereign is minted by the The Royal Mint and contains 7.98 grams total weight, of which 7.32 grams is pure gold.

Most sovereigns feature:

• Reverse: St George slaying the dragon (by Benedetto Pistrucci)
• Obverse: The reigning monarch (e.g. Queen Elizabeth II or King Charles III)

Sovereigns have been produced since 1817 and are widely traded in the UK and globally.

CGT EXEMPT

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Great Britain Gold Sovereign Edward VII

We sell 1+ £944.88 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 944.88 944,88 943.12 943,12 941.34 941,34

We sell £941.34 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 944.88 944,88 943.12 943,12 941.34 941,34

We buy £869.61

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How Is a Gold Sovereign’s Price Calculated?

1) Live Gold Price (Spot Price)

The primary driver is the global gold spot price. Sovereigns move almost in line with gold.

If gold rises, sovereign prices rise.

If gold falls, sovereign prices fall.

Because the sovereign contains 0.2354 troy ounces of gold, it is worth roughly 23.54% of the gold spot price per ounce.

2026 Coin!

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2026 Great Britain King Charles III Gold Sovereign

We sell 1+ £919.25 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 919.25 919,25 918.36 918,36 917.48 917,48

We sell £917.48 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 919.25 919,25 918.36 918,36 917.48 917,48

We buy £869.61

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2) Dealer Premium

Dealers add a small premium above the melt value. This covers:

• Minting and distribution costs
• Market demand
• Business margin

In the UK, premiums are typically modest compared to larger bullion coins.

3) Collector (Numismatic) Value

Some sovereigns are worth much more than their gold content, especially:

• Rare Victorian issues
• Low mintage years
• Certain mint marks (Sydney, Melbourne, Pretoria, etc.)
• Proof or special editions

For example, certain 19th-century sovereigns can sell for thousands of pounds depending on rarity and condition.

Please note, it is important to check if the dealer buys back based on gold content or rarity.

Are Gold Sovereigns a Good Investment?

Gold sovereigns are popular because they are:

• Widely recognised
• Highly liquid
• Easy to sell
• Smaller denomination than 1oz coins
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt in the UK (as legal tender)

For UK investors, the CGT exemption makes them particularly attractive compared to many foreign gold coins.

CGT EXEMPT

In Stock

Great Britain Gold Sovereign George V

We sell 1+ £935.15 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 869.61 869,61 935.15 935,15 935.15 935,15 935.15 935,15

We buy £869.61

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much gold is in a sovereign?

A gold sovereign contains 7.32 grams of pure gold, which equals 0.2354 troy ounces.

Is a gold sovereign worth more than scrap gold?

Usually yes. While the base value is its gold content, sovereigns typically trade at a premium due to demand and recognisability.

Rare sovereigns can be worth significantly more than scrap.

How can I tell if my gold sovereign is valuable?

Check:

• Year
• Mint mark
• Monarch
• Condition

Rare dates or proof versions may carry substantial collector premiums.

Why are gold sovereign prices different between dealers?

Differences occur due to:

• Market demand
• Stock availability
• Premium policies
• Condition grading

The underlying gold value remains the same.

Gold Sovereign Value vs Other Gold Coins

Compared to 1oz gold coins, sovereigns:

• Cost less per coin
• Have slightly higher percentage premiums
• Offer more flexibility when selling smaller amounts

They are often used as a practical entry point into gold investing.

Final Thoughts: What Is a Gold Sovereign Worth?

A gold sovereign’s value ultimately comes down to one simple foundation: the live price of gold. Because each sovereign contains 7.32 grams (0.2354 troy ounces) of pure gold, its base worth moves directly with the global gold market. On top of that, small dealer premiums, and in some cases significant collector value, can increase the final price.

For investors, sovereigns remain one of the most practical and trusted ways to own physical gold. They are widely recognised, highly liquid, and in the UK benefit from Capital Gains Tax exemption as legal tender. For collectors, certain rare dates and historic issues can be worth far more than their gold content alone.

Whether you are buying, selling, or simply checking the value of a coin you already own, understanding the gold content and monitoring the live gold price will give you a clear benchmark. From there, rarity, condition, and market demand determine whether your sovereign is worth just its weight in gold, or considerably more.