Coins become increasingly attractive to collectors and investors as their rarity increases. Bullion coins may be easily available in abundance at low premiums, making them attractive for investors. However, coins with a history are always more attractive to collectors and numismatists. The gold Sovereign coins, which have been around for centuries are a classic example.

The Sovereigns are available with the portraits of several British monarchs during whose reigns, these coins were issued. Queen Victoria alone has three different portraits on these Sovereigns. As a coin collector, it is exciting to delve into the history of these coins. But, let us look at a more recent event that has significantly impacted how coins were struck. Decimalisation has created two distinct category of coins – pre-decimal coins and post decimal.

When was decimalisation

Throughout the history of British coinage, a separate system was in existence for centuries. This was a system that divided the coinage of the nation into pounds, shillings and pence. This system divided the denomination of British currency and everyone knew that 12p was equivalent to a shilling. A shilling was one 20^th of a pound, so 20 shillings added up to a pound. However, this was a complex system and needed to be simplified. It’s not that past governments did not realise that there was a need for a simpler system. However, it hadn’t been put in place.

In 1848, there was an attempt to introduce a decimal coin. This coin was called the Florin. Its value was 1/10 of a pound. But, the values of other coins remained the same. The decimalisation system had been suggested during the 19^th century by Sir John Bowring, who was a Member of Parliament. It was due to his suggestions that the Florin had been introduced.

The decimalisation idea would divide British currency into pre-decimal coins, which would be withdrawn from circulation. A special task force was created in 1961 to debate and decide on the introduction of a decimalisation system for the British currency. The question on everyone’s minds was, “When was decimalisation going to kick in?” “When was decimalisation money, or post decimal coins going to be available?”

Eventually, the decision to withdraw the old system and pre-decimal coins were finally announced in March 1966. The D- Day or, Decimal Day was 15th February 1971. It was on this date that pre-decimal coins were finally withdrawn from British coinage. Decimal Day will celebrate its Golden Jubilee, or completion of 50 years on 15^th February 2021. Today, with the passing of years, not everyone remembers the date and many people from the younger generation ask, “When was decimalisation?” As we celebrate its 50^th year, it is certainly a date that changed the coinage of our country forever.

What pre-decimal coins should I collect?

Well, not all pre-decimal coins would command a high value. Firstly, only some of them are made of gold and silver. Others are made with copper. Although they have been withdrawn from circulation, they are freely and abundantly available. However, some of them have become rare over the years and can fetch a tidy sum. For example, the 1917 George V Sovereign from the London Mint could be worth around £ 15,000. Another pre-decimal coin that’s worth quite a bit is the 1937 Edward VIII brass threepence. Only 10 were produced and their release was withdrawn due to the abdication of the King.

One of these could be worth as much as £45,000. Amongst the pennies, the 1933 George V penny is highly valued, mainly due to its rarity. Only seven were issued at the time, and if you manage to get your hands on one, it could fetch you as much as £72,000. There is also a 1937 copper one penny coin that had been struck to be released during the reign of King Edward VIII. Only a few were produced and one of these fetched £111,000 at an auction in 2019. So, if you were to find one of these in your attic, you could make a hefty sum of money very quickly.

Call us at Physical Gold to find out more about rare coins

Our coin experts at Physical Gold can help you identify rare coins and assist you in purchasing them for your collection. Call us on (020) 7060 9992 or drop us an email today by visiting our website.

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Dieu et Mon Droit – How did the phrase originate?

The origin of the phrase goes back to the time of Richard I, who was descended from French ancestry. King Richard was the King of England from 1189 till his demise in 1199. King Richard used this phrase to announce that it is the divine right of the King, or Monarch to govern.

The phrase was later adopted by King Henry V, as the Royal motto for the Kingdom of England. The phrase now appears on the coat of arms used by the British monarchy. People often wonder how a French phrase could be adopted by the English Royal Family. However, mediaeval England was not the same place that we know now. Norman-French was the language of the English Royal Court at the time. The rulers and the upper classes also spoke this language during that period.

The meaning of the phrase on the coat of arms

When translated, the phrase simply means “God and my right”. Currently, it is the motto of the British Royal Family. A close inspection of the coat of arms used by the British Monarch, reveals that the inscription can be found on a small banner underneath the shield. In the present day, the coat of arms is used by our reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. On the left of the shield, stands the guardian lion wearing the crown of St. Edward. On the right of the shield is a Scottish Unicom. Underneath the shield, there is greenery, with a thistle, Tudor rose and Shamrock. These are representative of the kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland. Right below this display is a banner containing the words “Dieu et Mon Droit”.

Where can this coat of arms be seen?

The coat of arms is the official symbol of the British Queen. Therefore, it is clearly visible in every UK court of law, except for the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and the Magistrate’s Court in the City of London. It is also used on government documents and you might be able to view it on your passport. Globally, this coat of arms is visible on the entrances to UK embassies and consulates.

Appearance on coins

The royal coat of arms has been featured regularly on British coinage, manufactured by the Royal Mint. The most common example of this is the British one pound coin, which has been in circulation since 1983.

By 2008, the Royal Mint had minted a new series of coins with a denomination of 1 pound and below. The full Royal coat of arms appears on the one pound coin with the phrase Dieu et Mon Droit. However, only sections of the coat of arms can be seen on the coins of lower denomination. In 2016, the Royal Mint released a new bimetallic coin called the nations of the crown. Interestingly, an old British coin called the Guinea, which was minted between the years 1663 and 1814 also displayed the royal coat of arms, with the inscription. The coin took its name from the West African nation, Guinea. The gold that was used to mint this coin was sourced from here.

The numismatic experts at Physical Gold can address all your queries related to coins

Collecting coins can be an absorbing hobby, and if the coins are produced from precious metals, they can add tremendous value to your collection. Many collectors and investors have questions related to precious metal coins. Call our coin experts on (020) 7060 9992 or reach out to us via our website and we will be happy to advise you on all your coin purchases.

 

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Investing in gold and silver coins can be an absorbing passion, as well as a lucrative hobby that allows you to reap rich rewards when you make the right investments. However, when you purchase gold and silver coins, it is extremely important to carry out your transactions through a reputed dealer.

Problems you may face when you buy from a high-street dealer

Buying a precious metal coin is all about ascertaining its authenticity. If you are a layperson, or a hobbyist, the chances are that you may be easily taken for a ride by a pawnbroker or high-street gold dealer. There are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to be sure about the authenticity of the coin. Next, you should also be able to identify the purity of the metal used to manufacture the coin.

To do this, you will require certain testing equipment. In the absence of proper identification and purity assessment of the coin, you run the risk of being cheated. Additionally, a high-street gold dealer would not have a vast inventory of coins to choose from. More importantly, when you leave the premises of the high-street dealer with your valuable purchases, there is a good chance that you can be targeted for robbery.

Identifying a reputed dealer

If you search on Google for “coin dealers near me”, you will come up with a list of coin dealers based on the geographical area, you are located in. Cross-referencing the list with a reputed industry body like the BNTA can be a great start. The BNTA website publishes a list of affiliated, reputed coin dealers. The first thing you can do on shortlisting these dealers is to give them a call.

A reputed dealer will always answer all your questions openly. No information will be kept hidden from you. Also, you will find that most reputed dealers have a large online catalogue that you can browse through when making a purchase. Lastly, they would offer a buyback guarantee. Needless to say, if a dealer refuses to buy back the gold, they are selling to you, there must be something wrong.

Building a relationship

In order to acquire the best deals on coins, you need to build a steady relationship with the dealer. You need to discuss your buying preferences, specific coins that you are looking for, and a ballpark price that you are willing to pay for them. This will give the coin dealer a good idea of what you’re looking for. So, when an opportunity to purchase a good coin comes up, you’ll be the first to know. It is a mistake to think that the term “coin dealers near me”, simply means that you are limited to small pawnshops, antique vendors, and the like

A reputed online merchant would be able to fulfil your requirements since most of them have a countrywide distribution facility. You would be required to insure your purchases and pay for any shipping logistics. However, this ultimately ensures your safety, and the goods will be securely delivered to your residence.

How a reputed dealer can add additional value

Investing in precious metal coins is also about maintaining divisibility, liquidity, and tax efficiency within your portfolio. Gold coins are free from VAT in the UK and may also be exempt from capital gains tax. A good dealer will be able to advise you on how to create variety in your portfolio while ensuring that liquidity and divisibility are maintained.

Discuss your coin purchases with Physical Gold

At Physical Gold, we take pride in being one of the nation’s most reputed online dealers. Our advisors are always at hand to assist you in your coin purchases. Call us today on (020) 7060 9992 or contact us online via our website.

 

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British coinage is considered to have one of the richest histories, compared to any nation globally. Our long tradition of Kings and Queens has resulted in one of the world’s oldest coinage systems that have witnessed the reigns of several monarchs over centuries. When we study European coinage, Britain’s history is distinctive and different from the coinage of other European kingdoms and monarchies.

During the 19^th century, there were approximately 20 ruling monarchies across Europe. Of course, the currency coins released by many of these monarchs featured a stylised image of the ruler and motif or a coat of arms on the other side of the coin. Now, British coins have had certain peculiarities in the past. These usually consisted of a slogan or a line embossed on the coin. However, who would’ve thought that the German words ‘ich dien’ could appear on a British coin?

What does ‘ich dien’ mean?

Well, the words ‘ich dien’ in the German language literally means ‘I serve’. These words appear on the coat of arms of the Prince of Wales. The words appeared as early as the 14^th century, leading to several speculations regarding the origins of the phrase. Interestingly, these words have also been used by Edward the Black Prince. The phrase may have been adopted following an alliance or a meeting with a German monarch, but history has no record of any such event. Therefore, we may never know the exact reason why the phrase ‘ich dien’ was adopted.

The feathers of the Prince of Wales

It is customary for many royal houses to have an insignia or a coat of arms. This creates an identity that can be instantly recognised, much like a logo on a product. The Prince of Wales uses a heraldic badge as the royal emblem. The words ‘ich dien’ is imprinted on the bottom of this badge. However, the phrase was not used only on the emblem. The words ‘ich dien’ can be found imprinted on certain British coins over the years.

British coins that carry the words ‘ich dien’

The most commonly found ‘ich dien’ coin is the two pence coin. The words appear on the reverse of the coins of this denomination that were issued between the years 1971 and 2008. Of course, this was not so long ago, and so many such coins can be found in circulation even today. You may have one in your pocket right now!

2008 proof coin celebrating the birthday of Prince Charles

In 2008, his Majesty the Prince of Wales celebrated his 60^th birthday. To commemorate this important occasion, a proof coin was minted and released by the Royal Mint. This coin has the words ‘ich dien’ embossed directly on the face of the coin, underneath a stylised image of Prince Charles. This proof coin is of interest to numismatists due to its uniqueness.

Other British coins containing the phrase ‘ich dien’

While the above are examples of recent British coins that contain the German phrase, many other notable coins do so too. The 1811 one penny “Bristol and South Wales” Coin also carries the Prince of Wales’s feathers and the inscription ‘ich dien’. Similarly, there is a British India medal, although officially not a coin in circulation, it carries the words, ‘ich dien’. This medal commemorates the royal visit of King George the fifth to India.

Talk to the coin experts at Physical Gold

Our coin experts are extremely knowledgeable about collectable coins as well as bullion coins. Whether you’re an investor or a collector, you can benefit by giving us a call on (020) 7060 9992. You can also send us an email and we will get in touch with you at the earliest.

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What does the term bullion mean?

Bullion is a term that is often misunderstood or misinterpreted. It is a broad term used to describe precious metal bars and coins that have been mass-produced for investors.

A bullion coin is also a numismatic term that refers to production standards used to manufacture coins that were mass-produced after the 1930s.

These are quite different from coins with a ‘proof finish’ which means a lot of detail has been brought out due to the higher quality of finishing. Therefore, bullion coins are often the cheapest way of investing in the precious metals market. The value of the coins you buy will be more or less dependent on their silver or gold content. Bullion coins attractive lower premiums and does not have higher prices due to packaging, exclusivity or quality of finish.

The Royal Mint Bullion coins

The Royal Mint is one of the world’s oldest producer of coins. With a history spanning more than 1100 years, the Royal Mint was originally created to produce coins for the Kingdom of England, and in time minted coins for the entire British Empire. The original mint was housed in the Tower of London and was established in 886 A.D. Currently, the Royal Mint is a limited company and a part of her Majesty’s Treasury.

The Royal Mint bullion coins were first introduced in 1957. At the time, there was a rising demand for gold sovereign coins and the mint started production of these bullion coins to protect British coinage from counterfeiting. Since then, the Royal Mint bullion coins have continued to satisfy demand from numismatists and investors alike.

 

Royal Mint bullion coins – the Sovereign

The sovereign is a flagship British coin with a gold content of 22 carats released by the Royal Mint since 1817. The Sovereign with a face value of 1 pound was a popular coin in circulation. It was later withdrawn from circulation and produced as a bullion coin for investors and collectors. It enjoys the reputation of being one of the most liquid coins on the planet. Since the coin has been around for more than 200 years, there is ample supply of this iconic British coin for investors to include within their portfolio.

The coin has witnessed the reigns of many British monarchs and the version released from 1817 onwards saw these coins in circulation until 1932. The Royal Mint bullion coins like the Sovereign are extremely attractive for investors, due to their low premiums, authenticity and gold content. Divisibility is an important consideration for many investors and the sovereign is available in different sizes and denominations.

Royal Mint bullion coins – the Britannia

The Britannia is yet another flagship British coin that enjoys great liquidity across the coin markets in the world. The original gold version was introduced as a bullion coin, in 1987. The Royal Mint subsequently issued a silver Britannia in 1997. The gold Britannia is an extremely collectable coin, and contains one Troy ounce of gold, while the coin denotes a face value of £100. The silver Britannia, on the other hand, contains one Troy ounce of silver but has a face value of 2 pounds. The purity of the silver Britannia has changed since 2013, and now has a purity of 999.9.

 

The silver Britannia – limits on mintage

When the silver Britannia was released in 1997, it had an initial mintage limit on the 1-ounce proof orders up to 16,005. The limit for proof sets of the coin was also set at 11,832. However, by 1998, one year from the initial release, the Royal Mint increased the mintage limit to 88,909. This action was taken to meet the escalating demand for the silver bullion coin. Going forward, the mintage limits were adjusted according to demand and by 2004, this limit was brought up to 100,000 and by 2016, this figure was raised to 200,000. The Gold Britannia bullion coins do not have mintage limits, but the proof coin sets do. As of 2020, only 150 sets were issued.

The Queen’s Beast series

Apart from the Britannia and the sovereign, the Royal Mint bullion coins also include others like the Queen’s Beast and the Lunar series. The Queen’s Beast series of coins was launched in 2016 and features statues of the Queen’s Beasts at the historic coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The coins were designed by Jody Clark and the series also includes a 2-ounce silver coin, which is a first for the Royal Mint. The series has 10 planned coins, each featuring a stylised image of a Queen’s Beast.

The Lunar series

The Lunar series of gold coins is yet another edition of the Royal Mint bullion coins. Introduced in 2014, the series launches a new coin every year, featuring an animal from the Chinese Zodiac. These are animals that are used to denote and celebrate each lunar year.

There are 12 issues planned throughout the series and several have already been launched, including the dog, monkey, sheep, horse and the rooster. The lunar gold coins are highly collectable and enjoy popularity amongst people collecting the Royal Mint bullion coins.

Interestingly, these coins are also very popular with Chinese investors and enjoy healthy demand from Asia’s gold loving markets. There are still several issues of the lunar gold coins in the pipeline and most collectors wait eagerly for new editions to be launched so that they can complete the entire set.

 

Call our coin experts at Physical Gold for advice relating to Royal Mint bullion coins

If you are a numismatist or an investor who wants to include Royal Mint bullion coins as a part of your portfolio, call our coin experts on (020) 7060 9992. You can also reach us via our website and a member of the Physical Gold team will contact you to discuss your purchases and provide you with the right advice for investing in Royal Mint bullion coins. Our advisors can help you achieve your goals and ensure you buy the right coins at the right time and price.

 

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When it comes to coin collecting, every investor will have their own personal set of motivations and reasons for investing. Not every coin collector is a numismatic, (someone who studies coins from a historical, social, or artistic point of view) but they will all have their own set of criteria that determine which coins they wish to invest in.

The motives of a coin collector can vary from being a hobby, for sentimental value or as an investment. The type of coins purchased will differ for each of these types of collectors.

Collector to numismatist

Many numismatists don’t necessarily understand the philosophy of numismatics when they start out. They simply start out by default as a collector. During this period, which often starts at school for many, they come into contact with other collectors and compatriots who are at best interested in the field as a hobby. At this stage, they start trading coins, giving away their duplicate coins in exchange for other coins which they perceive as adding value to their collection. Many understand that their coins may have a certain value at this point in time, as they start to sell off their duplicates and manage to get a fair price for it. Enthused by a monetary angle, in addition to their passion for coins, they start to take numismatics more seriously. For many such numismatists, they start to attend major numismatic events across the country from their late teens to their twenties, gathering knowledge and expertise on the subject of coins.

For those who manage to keep their passion alive through their work lives, they will start formulating their own investment strategies. Through their vast network of contacts, they are able to now source coins of value, as well as identify these gems with a seasoned eye. These numismatists soon start to view precious metal coins as a preferred class of gold investment. Numismatists appear to prefer bullion coins instead of bullion bars, simply due to their passion for coins and banknotes. For some, their passion, in fact, becomes their work, and they align themselves with big-ticket coin dealers and play the dual role of buyer for some and supplier to others.

Evolving your own specialism

Many numismatists start to focus on certain areas of collecting, specialise in these areas and are soon well known for their expertise. For example, many specialise in old coins prior to 1838, often known in numismatic circles as ‘Early Date Gold’. These are typically British and American gold coins which are full of history and are highly sought after by investors and collectors alike. The pre-1838 ones and the pre-1800 ones are difficult to come by and command great value. Of course, apart from the monetary value, there is great joy and satisfaction to be had in the heart of a numismatist when he/she can make a rare ‘find’.

Then there are ‘key date’ coins, based on mintages around certain key historical dates, like the fall of the Berlin Wall, Man on the moon, etc. The key date is represented in the mintmark on the coin. Numismatists often collect key date coins years in advance as part of a set building strategy. Then they play a waiting game for the specific event to gain historic importance. They also capitalise on the scarcity of the coins from these dates as it slowly builds up. A simple example could be the 50p coins that were circulated in the UK to commemorate the London Olympics. At the time, everyone had them, but as the years went by, they have now grown scarcer and are worth a fair bit of money today.

Commemorative coins

Coins that are issued to celebrate a special key date are often known as commemorative coins. A good example from recent times would be the Brexit coin. This commemorative coin is minted in silver as a proof coin by the Royal Mint and marks the date of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union in 2020. The coin was struck using silver with a purity of 92.5% and had a limited mintage of only 47,000. Since the coin has already been sold out, its value is likely to escalate in the future, as demand for the commemorative coin rises.

Commemorative coins of even greater value can be found within British coinage of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. For example, the Queen Victoria Jubilee head is a commemorative coin issued in 1887 to celebrate the Queens. Golden Jubilee. Its mintage lasted for only six years, and the coin was last struck in 1893. Similarly, the 1871 Queen Victoria young head Sovereign is also a commemorative coin that celebrates the inauguration of the Royal Albert Hall by the Queen in 1871. These older commemorative coins are now becoming scarce and collectors willing to pay hefty premiums for these commemorative coins in an unscathed, mint condition.

Other thematic specialisms developed by numismatists include collecting proof coinage of the American Civil War. These are hard to come by today and is a coveted area of coin study. Many numismatists who are good at sourcing and have great contacts collect ‘pedigree coins’, i.e. coins owned by someone famous, like a Hollywood film star, royalty, business tycoons, etc. The American gold rush is another historic area of interest for many collectors, as these coins are rare to come by. The San Francisco mint opened in 1854, during this period and many of the gold rush era coinage was struck at this mint.

Coins are bought by certain collectors because the commemorative event or the specific year they were produced may bare a nostalgic value to them. It may represent the year of marriage or birth or signify a specific event such as the Olympics or a sovereign’s anniversary. Most of the World’s commemorative coins were produced from the 1960s onward and have a distinct design with reference to the occasion on which they were issued. Collectors are often not concerned with the resale value it is just a coin that may mean something to them and that they just want to own. They tend to be expensive as they require a high cost of production and usually include a presentation box.

Hobby collectors may be interested in specific dates or releases, where a substantial premium will be added for their uniqueness or appeal. They may be purchasing to complete a set or just because they appreciate the coin for its beauty. Often hobby collectors buy proofs or sets of proofs that may come in a display pack of limited issue, these often have an additional premium which they will find difficult to recoup when they come to sell.

For other collectors, coins are very much an investment. These types of collectors look at coins primarily as a way of making money and hope to profit from particularly rare or hard-to-source coins. Often these investors will methodically research particular dates or mintmarks of rare coins in order to find some defining characteristic that makes them of value. Perhaps there weren’t many coins minted one year? Or there may be a coin has a slight defect leftover from the minting process that makes it unique or of higher value.

Some investors also like to focus on a particular sub-category of coins such as Lincoln cents or Victorian sovereigns. This is partly because investors like to collect complete sets of coins and also because by narrowing their focus to concentrate on a particular area of coins, they can research them in far greater depth.

That’s not all

Some investors look at ancient or very rare coins that bare much larger premiums, up to 200% higher than its intrinsic gold value. The term ‘numismatic coin’ is given to those worth a substantial premium over their simple gold value due to rarity and history. These coins can be bought at auction or from specialist numismatic coin dealers.

Investing in rare and ancient coins is a much riskier investment as the coins are less liquid and their perceived value may be very different from their market value. We do not recommend investing in ancient or numismatic coins unless the purchaser has experience of this market and can afford to potentially wait some time for the right buyer. Gold coins minted pre-1800 and those sold at premiums that exceed 180% of the intrinsic gold value may also be subject to VAT, whereas newer coins (which meet certain criteria) are exempt. In the USA pre-1933 gold is extremely popular as it is non-reportable and non-confiscatable.

Talk to the numismatic experts at Physical Gold

At Physical Gold, our team consists of highly experienced and capable numismatic experts who have great knowledge and experience in the field. Whether you are an amateur hobbyist or an intermediate level numismatist, you would surely gain by having a discussion with our team about your goals as an investor and a collector. Call us on 020 7060 9992 or drop us a line through our website. A member of our team will be in touch with you to have a friendly chat.

Sovereigns are one of the most popular British coins that investors opt for. When compared to other gold coins, Sovereigns tick many boxes, which make them attractive to investors. Firstly, they are available in a variety of sizes. The full, half and quarter Sovereigns are found in many investment portfolios. There are fractional ones as well – the one-tenth and the one-twentieth of an ounce. If any investor focuses on divisibility, these are great options. There is even the quintuple Sovereign or the 5-pound gold coin which presents great value for money.

Of course, the coin has been around for 200 years, and many issues are freely available. They are extremely well-known all over the world, which makes the Sovereign one of the most liquid coins in the market. In addition to all these reasons, investors love the Sovereign due to its tax friendliness. Sovereigns are VAT and CGT free for all UK residents. The question is – should one buy the older coins or the new ones? The brand-new ones are released as a bullion coin, available in an attractive blister pack. Which ones are a better buy?

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The best type of Sovereign to buy will depend on your objectives and budget. Brand new (current year) Sovereigns are actually the cheapest to buy as they do not yet hold a historical or scarcity value. Older Sovereigns cost more to buy for these reasons but are worth more and may rise in value quicker. Ideally, a mix of the two types will achieve the most balance.

Setting your objectives

It is probably apt to start with objectives first. There are a variety of different reasons and motivations for buying gold Sovereigns that vary from numismatists to investors. Collectors will usually search for older Sovereigns that carry a scarcity premium. George III Sovereigns are extremely rare and valuable and these coins have fetched prices well over £100,000. An investor will think differently. Collectors are always happy to pay premiums and purchase proof coins, which are more attractive and expensive. Investors, on the other hand, would always opt for bullion coins, which offer a far better potential for investment.

Buying newer bullion coins

New gold Sovereigns have certain distinct advantages. Price plays an important role in the acquisition of newer Sovereigns. Since the new coins do not attract large premiums based on scarcity, rarity and age, investors can bag a bargain and acquired these at lower price points. The demand for Sovereigns is great and the secondary market price remains buoyant on the back of healthy demand.

Therefore, good resale prices can be expected in the future and investors can maximise their profits by investing in these coins. However, December is not a great month to buy, as premiums tend to escalate during this time, in anticipation of the next year’s issue. If you plan to buy large quantities, you can get better discounts from reputed dealers. It is also important that you evaluate the different deals offered by several dealers. You can get the best deals by simply shopping around and checking the prices offered by different dealerships.

Larger Sovereigns are a better buy

There can be great advantages when you buy a larger Sovereign coin. Larger coins benefit from lower production costs. The costs incurred in designing and cutting smaller versions of the same coin add to the overall margin. By purchasing the double Sovereign or the quintuple Sovereign, you can acquire more gold content at a lower price point.

Call Physical Gold to understand the best opportunities in gold Sovereigns

As the Sovereign is one of the most popular British coins for investment, our team conducts extensive research on the availability, demand and market price of the coin. You could benefit from the impartial advice that we can offer you. Call us on (020) 7060 9992 or simply reach out to our team online via our website.

 

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Investing in Britannia Gold coins

The gold Britannia is perhaps the most famous UK gold coin. The coin is well-known all over the world for its popularity and liquidity. Gold experts believe that it is a flagship coin that every investor needs to start with when building a portfolio. The coin has only been around since 1987, and therefore, does not command high premiums based on age and rarity. It is available with every gold dealer as a bullion coin.

The Britannias track the gold spot price and can appreciate or depreciate with that price. It’s arguably the most popular gold investment in the UK as the coins are very good value due to mass production and their larger size. They’re completely tax-free due to their legal tender status, and their Royal Mint heritage enhances their global appeal.

The spot price plays a critical role in determining the value of a gold Britannia. Of course, supply and demand for particular coins can vary in the market. Although the coin has only been around for four decades, specific years of issue can be hard to find. These coins may carry premiums up to 5% due to their scarcity. In general, the 1-ounce gold Britannia has been known to command, approximately 98% of the current spot price of gold.

What are the factors that can affect the investment value of a gold Britannia?

Apart from the spot price, there are a few other factors that may impact the value of a gold Britannia. To start with, it is a bigger coin and provides investors with more gold content. This makes it very attractive as an investable coin. Larger gold coins provide investors with the opportunity to acquire more gold at a lesser price per gram, due to lower production costs. The gold Britannia falls under this category and is considered to be a lucrative coin to invest in. As discussed earlier, scarcity of specific issues and special commemorative issues can escalate the price of those specific coins.

Tax efficiency makes it a lucrative investment

The gold Britannia is a highly tax-efficient coin, making it attractive to investors. Since the coin is minted with investment-grade gold, it can be bought VAT free. Similarly to the Gold Sovereign, the Britannia is legal tender in the UK and therefore qualifies for CGT exemption. This is an added fillip for investors, as any profits accrued from the sale of the coin up to £12,000 per tax year can be had without paying any Capital Gains Tax.

Fineness of gold

Since 2013, the gold Britannia is being minted using 24-carat gold with a fineness of 0.999. This is a very powerful reason for investors to acquire the coin. The coins released before 2012 contained 22-carat gold with a fineness of 0.917. Since 1990, the gold alloy used to construct the coin contained silver, instead of copper.

Different dimensions

Another reason for the gold Britannia to be the backbone of every gold portfolio is the variety factor. The coin was initially released in four sizes – 1 ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce and one-tenth. However, since 2013, a 5-ounce coin is available, which is very lucrative for investors. Additionally, a fractional coin that is one 20^th of an ounce is also available in the market. This has improved, divisibility, as well as variety, making the gold Britannia an excellent investment.

Call Physical Gold to discuss your gold Britannia purchases

Our gold experts are adept in acquiring the best deals for the gold Britannia coin as well as the silver Britannia coin. We can advise you on the right investments in gold and silver coins to strengthen your portfolio. Call our team today on (020) 7060 9992 or drop us an email and a member of our team will reach out to you right away.

 

Image credit: Eric Golub and Wikimedia Commons