Great Britain Gold Sovereign (Random Year, Avg Circulated)
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What ships: one Great Britain gold sovereign, 22 karat, holding 0.2354 troy oz of gold. Random date and monarch depending on current stock — most often George V. Expect visible circulation wear; these are priced for gold content rather than condition, and the coin you receive will differ from the ones pictured.
Questions about these coins? Call or text (385) 442-9636
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Coin Specifications
| Metal | Gold |
| Gold content | 0.2354 troy oz actual gold |
| Gross weight | 7.98805 g |
| Purity | 22 karat (.9167 fine) |
| Diameter | 22.05 mm |
| Mint | The Royal Mint |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Condition | Average circulated — visible wear |
| Year | Random date, 1817–present |
| Face value | £1 (nominal, not circulating) |
| IRA eligible | No — .9167 fine, below the .995 minimum |
The sovereign is arguably the most widely circulated gold coin in history. Struck by The Royal Mint since 1817, it served as British currency and spread across the Empire, which is why dealers worldwide recognize it on sight. The reverse carries Benedetto Pistrucci's St George slaying the dragon — a design in continuous use for over two centuries. The obverse carries whichever monarch reigned when the coin was struck.
Circulated sovereigns are one of the cheaper ways to buy gold in a small format. Because they are priced on gold content rather than condition, they typically carry a lower premium per ounce than a modern 1/4 oz Gold Eagle of comparable weight. The tradeoff is that they are not IRA eligible and carry no uncirculated finish. If you want a full ounce instead, compare the 1 oz Gold Eagle or a 1 oz gold bar, both of which cost less per ounce than any fractional coin.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sovereign weighs 7.98805 grams at 22 karat (.9167 fine), which works out to 0.2354 troy ounces of actual gold — roughly a quarter ounce. The coin's total weight is higher than its gold weight because the balance is copper, added for durability.
Random. Sovereigns have been struck since 1817, and this listing ships whichever coins are in stock — most commonly George V, but Victoria, Edward VII, and George VI all appear. Buying random-date circulated coins is what keeps the premium low. If you need a specific monarch or date, call or text (385) 442-9636.
These coins actually circulated as money, so expect visible wear: rubbed high points, bag marks, small rim nicks, and a softened portrait. They are priced for gold content, not condition. Sovereigns wear slowly because 22 karat gold is fairly hard, so most still show clear detail.
Only marginally. A circulated sovereign can be a fraction of a percent light compared to a freshly struck one, but dealers price these as standard sovereign weight. A coin worn badly enough to matter would be sold as scrap rather than as a sovereign.
Premium. A sovereign holds 0.2354 troy oz — close to a quarter ounce — and circulated examples typically carry a lower premium per ounce of gold than modern fractional bullion coins like the 1/4 oz Gold Eagle. You are buying gold weight in a small, historic, globally recognized format rather than paying for a modern uncirculated strike.
No. Gold for a self-directed IRA must generally be .995 fine or better. Sovereigns are .9167 fine, and unlike American Gold Eagles — which the IRS approves by specific statutory exception despite being .9167 — sovereigns have no such exception. If you are buying for an IRA, buy Gold Eagles, Gold Buffalos, or a bar from an accredited refiner instead, and confirm with your custodian.
Yes. The sovereign is one of the most widely recognized gold coins in the world, having circulated across Britain and its former territories for over a century. Dealers globally know it on sight, which makes it one of the more liquid ways to hold a small amount of gold.
No. Cleaning gold coins creates hairline scratches and an unnatural shine, and it does not add value — it usually reduces what a buyer will pay. Leave the coin as it is.
Utah exempts investment-grade precious metals from sales tax. A gold sovereign purchased in Utah should not be subject to sales tax. Confirm with your dealer at the time of purchase.
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