Purchasing gold coins continues to be one of the most popular ways of owning physical gold, particularly for investors who prefer to own gold in smaller units due to the greater flexibility offered when they come to realise their investment by selling their gold coins.
The value of a gold coin is determined by various factors, including its weight, purity, and the current market price of gold. Gold coins, such as the Britannia, Krügerrand, Maple Leaf, and American Eagle, are available in different denominations. Pricing is influenced by the intrinsic gold value and any potential collectable or numismatic value. You can find specific pricing information on the Sharps Pixley live price list, or you can call us on +44 (0)207 871 0532.
Gold coins are considered a safe investment choice, especially for those who prefer owning gold in smaller units. Gold coins are portable and highly liquid; they offer flexibility and a reliable store of value. Additionally, investing in gold coins from reputable sources, like Sharps Pixley, comes with the advantage of VAT-free status in the UK and Capital Gains Tax exemption. This makes them an attractive investment for a wide range of investors.
You can buy gold coins in our London showroom or in our online store. Sharps Pixley offers a diverse range of gold coins, including internationally renowned ones like the Britannia, Krügerrand, Maple Leaf, and American Eagle. You are able to choose from various denominations and place your order online. Given the VAT-free status and Capital Gains Tax exemption for UK investors, buying gold coins through Sharps Pixley provides a secure and tax-efficient investment option.
If you wish to sell gold coins, you can firstly check the live price online to see what your investment is currently worth. You have the option to arrange your own fully-insured shipping of the metal to Sharps Pixley via post, or bring it into our London showroom. You will need to provide photo ID in the form of either a passport or driving licence as well as proof of address dated within the last three months. We will provide a conclusive price based on the live spot price at the time we either receive the metal via post, or when it is brought into store. We will then be able to pay either in cash, or into a bank account in your name.
Sharps Pixley stock a wide range of 24 and 22 carat gold bullion coins, including the internationally recognisable South African Krügerrand, Canadian Maple Leaf, American Eagle, the Vienna Philharmonic from Austria and many more.
Below you can find profiles of some of the world’s most famous coins including the British Britannia, the South African Krügerrand, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the American Eagle:
The Britannia was issued in 1987, and was the first European investment gold coin. It has since become the most visually secure 24-carat bullion coin, recognised and trusted by investors around the world. The image of Britannia once adorned the coins of Roman Emperors and it has featured on the coinage of every British monarch since the 17th century. Philip Nathan’s classical design portrays Britannia as the female warrior and protector of the British shores, standing above the waves with trident, shield and olive branch in hand. She has come to embody the national identity of the United Kingdom; a symbol of strength, peace and protection. The Britannia’s status as British legal tender means they are exempt from Capital Gains Tax, and as such they are one of the most sought-after investment coins with UK investors and collectors. The one-ounce Britannia coin has a face value of £100. They are also issued in fractional sizes of one-half, one-quarter, and one-tenth of a troy ounce, with face values of £50, £25, and £10 respectively.
The South African Krügerrand has had a rich and complex history since it was first minted in Johannesburg, 1967. It is recognised as the world's first bullion gold coin, and it remains the most populous one-ounce investment coin in circulation. Its international prestige makes it a popular choice in any investor’s portfolio. This 22-carat gold coin made with a copper-gold alloy for additional durability is regarded as legal tender and has no face value. The obverse of the coin shows the face of Paul Kruger, an important political and military personality in the former South African Republic, whilst the reverse side shows the native springbok.
The Canadian Maple Leaf was first introduced in 1979 to compete with the growing popularity of the Krügerrand. Celebrated as the first 24-carat investment gold bullion coin, with a fineness of 99.99%, it soon became one of the most recognised and traded coins on the market. The obverse side displays the image of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, while the reverse features the iconic maple leaf design, the international symbol and national identity of Canada. This one-ounce coin has a face value of CAD $50.
The American Eagle, issued in 1986, features Augustus Saint-Gauden’s heroic design of Lady Liberty carrying a torch and olive branch. The reverse displays the national eagle representing the strength and unity of the United States. It has long since been the preferred bullion choice in the US market, and is globally regarded as a secure investment. The American Eagle is a 22-carat investment gold coin, and therefore it often rivals the 22-carat Krügerrand. The one-ounce American Eagle coin has a face value of US $50.
Gold bullion coins are VAT-free in the United Kingdom, which makes them a popular choice among investors from all age groups. Sharps Pixley stock a diverse range of gold coins from international mints as well as the Royal Mint. We offer investors the flexibility of buying small denomination gold coins as investment or collectible pieces, such as the 22-carat gold sovereign coin, or the 1oz Gold Britannia Coin. In order to satisfy demand from our global client base, we also stock gold bullion coins from The Royal Canadian Mint, the Austrian mint, the Perth Mint, the United States Mint, the South African Mint and many more.
In addition to VAT-free investment in gold coins, UK taxpayers can further benefit from investing in British legal tender gold coins as they are capital gains tax exempt. As an official distributor for the Royal Mint, our UK bullion gold coins offer investors a flexible and attractive tax-free gold investment.
Buying gold coins often presents a lower market risk as investors can purchase smaller quantities over a longer period of time, allowing them to take advantage of moving gold prices. Investors also choose Gold Coins over gold bullion bars because they are often beautiful in design and stamped with a date, not only making them easier on the eye but they can make the perfect gift for a loved one, marking important events such as Birthdays, Anniversaries and Weddings. In addition to a coin’s intrinsic gold value, they often have historical significance which can increase their numismatic, or collectable, value. If you choose to hold onto your gold coins, they may appreciate over time, increasing the returns upon your original investment.
