What Is Investment Gold?
Author: Lawrence Chard - Director and Expert Numismatist
Published: 19 Nov 2018
Last Updated: 5 Mar 2021
Synopsis
Gold is always a great investment. "Investment Gold" even has its own legal definition.
Definition of Investment Gold
For the purpose of VAT exemption, "Investment Gold" is defined as per HMRC Notice 701/21 as either:
(a) gold of a purity not less than 995 thousandths that is in the form of a bar, or a wafer, of a weight accepted by the bullion markets.
(b) a gold coin minted after 1800 that is:
- of a purity of not less than 900 thousandths.
- (or has been) legal tender in its country of origin.
- of a description of coin that is normally sold at a price that does not exceed 180 per cent of the open market value of the gold contained in the coin.
(c) an investment gold coin as specified in Investment gold coins (VAT Notice 701/21A).
VAT Exemption
As from 1st January 2000, investment gold became exempt from VAT in the United Kingdom due to an EU directive.
Identification
Please be aware that for callers to our showroom who wish to buy investment gold, we must see two forms of identification. Please see our identification page for further details.
Further Reading
You may wish to view all of our articles on our gold guide.
