Investing in Gold Coins

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.

VAT-Free Gold Coin Investment

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.

Capital Gains Tax Exempt Gold Coin Investment

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.

Internationally renowned gold coins

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 Krugerrand, the Candian Maple Leaf and the American Eagle:

The Britannia 

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 

The South African Krügerrand has had 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

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

The American Eagle, issued in 1986, features Augustus Saint-Gaudens heroic design of Lady Liberty carrying a torch and olive branch. The reverse displays the national eagle soaring above the nest with a female eagle and hatchlings, 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 coin has a face value of US $50.

Gold Bullion Coins versus Gold Bars

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.

Where to buy gold coins in London

While purchasing Gold coins online can be a fantastic option for many investors, we’d love to help you out in person at our flagship Mayfair store and offer our expertise and experience. Investing in gold coins has never been easier, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you require some advice. And don’t forget, we are members of the London Bullion Market Association – the world’s most important (and largest) market for gold and silver bullion.