Gold Sovereign Coins

Royal Mint Official Partner

Chards is an official partner of The Royal Mint, and our gold sovereign coins are directly sourced from their mint headquarters in Llantrisant, Wales. Gold sovereign coins are one of the most popular choices among British bullion coins, and we price them competitively with some of the lowest premiums on the market.

History of the Gold Sovereigns

The English sovereign was first issued as a gold hammered coin in 1489 for the King Henry VII. Designed by German engraver, Alexander of Bruchsal, the obverse featured the King in his coronation robes seated upon his throne, symbolising the power, success and splendour of the fledgling Tudor dynasty. 

Although the first British gold sovereign was issued in 1489 for Henry VII, the modern gold sovereign was first struck in 1817 under George III. Issued with a nominal value of one pound, it was a circulation coin in Britain until the middle of World War I and abroad until 1932. The sovereign was reintroduced in 1957 as an investment coin to meet demand for gold bullion.

Today, the vast majority of British gold sovereigns showcase Benedetto Pistrucci's St George and the dragon design on the reverse, paired with various monarchs over time. Notably, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, His Majesty King Charles III now graces the obverse of the sovereigns, including the 2022 memorial sovereigns, the 2023 Coronation sovereigns, and the new 2024 sovereign range.

Shop Bullion Sovereigns

Are you interested in browsing our complete range of bullion sovereign coins, featuring either the classic reverse design of St. George and the dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci, or special one-off designs to commemorate occasions such as British monarch jubilees.

Investors seeking the most cost-effective method to invest in gold sovereign coins should consider our best value sovereign coins. These coins are pre-owned and selected as 'Our Choice' from a range of dates and monarchs. Depending on availability, you may receive the same monarch/date.

Additionally, if you're seeking gold sovereign coins with low premiums, typically minted from the year 2000 onwards, we offer a range of Gold Minty Sovereigns. These sovereign coins are selected as 'our choice' from various dates. Depending on availability, you may receive the same date.

Shop Proof Sovereigns

In a move by The Royal Mint to encourage the purchase of collectible coinage, they began minting proof sovereigns from 1979 onwards. The first proof sovereign featured the iconic St. George and the Dragon design paired with the second portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin.

Sell Your Sovereign Coins to Chards

Are you ready to sell your gold sovereign coins to Chards? We guarantee competitive rates to all sellers, whether you choose to visit us in our showroom, use our postal service, or opt for our distance buy-in service.

What Is Capital Gains Tax?

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a form of levies imposed on the profit garnered from the sale of assets, such as real estate, investments, and collectibles. Read our CGT guide for more information to see what bullion coins are exempt from CGT and the ones which are.

British Monarchs Coinage Portraits on Gold Sovereigns Coins

Since 1489, many British monarchs have had sovereign coins issued under their reign, featuring their likeness on the obverse side of the British sovereign coin. The most recent monarch to be featured being His Majesty King Charles III, following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Live Metal Prices

Track the live gold price of your sovereigns using our gold price chart.