Half Sovereign Gold Coins

The history of half sovereigns

The very first half sovereign coin was struck at the Tower of London in 1544, during the reign of King Henry VIII. With nearly five hundred years of history, the gold half sovereign coin is steeped in British heritage, and is respected by collectors of precious metals worldwide.

The half sovereign coin featured a Royal Coat of Arms on the reverse until 1893, when Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the Dragon replaced the design. The coin traditionally features the reigning monarch on the obverse side.

A popular coin often used as a gift for christenings and other special occasions, as well as for use in the manufacture of jewellery, the half sovereign has long been in demand and is widely recognised in the UK and globally.

The quality of half sovereign gold coins

Half sovereign gold coins are struck by The Royal Mint in 22ct gold, which is 91.67% pure gold.

The Royal Mint are one of the oldest, most trusted organisations in the world. All half sovereign coins are rigorously checked by the mint for fineness and quality, with their weight and purity set by an Act of Parliament and the King’s Assay. This consistency in purity makes the gold half sovereign renowned and trusted by collectors and traders worldwide.

The benefits of buying and investing in gold half sovereign coins

Half sovereigns are highly popular gold coins among collectors and investors around the globe. These bullion coins are considered to be among one of the most easily tradeable and highly liquid assets in the world, often used as a safe haven during times of economic uncertainty and high inflation. When fiat currencies drop in value, tangible assets such as gold half sovereigns often become more appealing

As British legal tender, gold half sovereigns can also offer tax advantages. They are exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK taxpayers, allowing unlimited tax-free profits of any value on these coins. Gold UK half sovereign coins are also VAT free.

Their compact size and affordable premiums can make gold half sovereigns a prime choice for those looking for a flexible addition their collection, and can also be a perfect entry point for those starting out in their precious metals journey.

What is the face value of a half sovereign?

Half sovereign coins have a face value (monetary denomination) of fifty pence. However, this does not reflect the true value of the coin as the value of a half sovereign is based on the pure precious metal content (fine content) within the coin.

The half sovereign gold coin is just one size available in the sovereign range; there is also the quintuple sovereign £5 coin), double sovereign (£2 coin), full sovereign (£1), and quarter sovereign (£0.25p).

How much is a half sovereign coin worth?

The value of a gold half sovereign coin is primarily determined by its pure fine gold content, which will fluctuate due to the constantly changing live gold spot price. This price is subject to constant change due to a range of influences such as economic and geopolitical uncertainties, global demand shifts, inflation levels, and changes in interest rates. Stay informed on the latest spot price of gold by referring to our dynamic real-time price chart.

Some sought-after editions of gold half sovereigns can carry additional collectable value, occasionally making them worth a little more than their gold content alone. These include coins such as Proof Half Sovereign Gold Coins, and Graded Coins.

When purchasing gold half sovereigns, buying in larger quantities can often result in savings. At Atkinsons, we offer volume pricing - meaning that the more half sovereign coins you buy, the lower the premium per coin. Buying pre-owned half sovereigns can also provide savings, as these bullion items are often sold at a lower premium than new ones.

How to calculate the value of a half sovereign

A sovereign weighs 3.99 grams and is struck in 22ct gold (91.67%). This means the pure gold content of a half sovereign is 3.66 grams. To calculate the value of the half sovereign coin, based on its fine gold content, multiply the gold content (3.66 grams) by the current spot price per gram.

For example:

Gold content: 3.66 grams x Spot price per gram: £65 = £237.90.

How to store gold half sovereigns

When storing gold half sovereign coins, there are a variety of options to consider. Many collectors choose a home safe or in-home hiding spot, a safety deposit box, or allocated storage with a professional company, depending on their requirements and personal preferences. To keep your half sovereign coins safe and secure, discretion and limiting the number of people who are aware of your gold holdings to a minimum is crucial.