The Best Gold Coins to Buy in the UK for Investment in 2025

Introduction: Why Gold Coins Remain a Top Choice for UK Investors ( best gold coin to buy UK )

As the financial landscape shifts with rising inflation, global uncertainty, and currency fluctuations, more UK residents are turning to physical gold as a hedge against economic instability. Gold coins ( best gold coin to buy UK ), in particular, offer a unique combination of liquidity, recognisability, tax efficiency, and historic value. But with so many options available, which is the best gold coin to buy in the UK in 2025?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top coins on the UK investment market, comparing:

• Historical performance

• Tax implications (CGT and VAT)

• Premiums and resale value

• Market demand and recognisability

Whether you’re just starting your gold journey or diversifying an existing portfolio, this guide is your go-to resource for selecting the most profitable and practical coins in 2025.

What Makes a Gold Coin a Good Investment?

Not all gold coins are created equal. The best gold coin to buy UK investors depends on a combination of the following factors:

1. Purity and Weight

Most investment-grade coins are 1 troy ounce and at least 22 or 24 carats (91.67% or 99.99% pure).

2. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption ( best gold coin to buy UK )

Legal tender UK coins like Britannias and Sovereigns are CGT–exempt—this is a major tax advantage.

3. Dealer Premiums

Some coins cost more above spot due to design, scarcity, or demand. Aim for lower premiums if you’re buying for bullion value.

4. Liquidity

Can you easily resell the coin in the UK? Recognisability and demand make resale easier.

5. VAT-Free Status

Investment-grade gold is VAT exempt, but certain numismatic coins may not qualify.

1. Gold Britannia (1oz)

Overview:

• Purity: 999.9 (24 carat)

• Weight: 1 troy ounce

• Legal Tender: £100

• Tax Status: VAT-free and CGT-free

Why It’s the Top Pick

The 1oz Gold Britannia is the top-selling investment coin in the UK for good reason:

• It offers the highest purity (999.9 fine gold)

• It’s exempt from Capital Gains Tax, making it ideal for larger portfolios

• Its wide recognisability boosts resale ease

Investor Tip:

Stick with coins dated 2013 or later for 24k purity. Earlier Britannias (1987–2012) were 22 carats (91.67%) with the same gold content.

Typical Premium:

3%–5% above spot

2. Gold Sovereign

Overview:

• Purity: 91.67% (22 carat)

• Weight: ~7.32g (~0.2354 oz)

• Legal Tender: £1

• Tax Status: VAT-free and CGT–free

Why Investors Love It

Though not a full ounce, the Sovereign is perhaps the most famous UK coin. It’s ideal for:

• First-time investors

• Gifting

• Spreading risk with smaller units

Key Benefits:

• Lower entry price than Britannias

• Same CGT-free status

• Highly liquid in the UK and abroad

Common Variants:

• Full Sovereign

• Half Sovereign

• Proof and bullion versions

Typical Premium:

6%–8% above spot

3. South African Krugerrand (1oz)

Overview:

• Purity: 91.67% (22 carat)

• Weight: 1 troy ounce

• Legal Tender: Not UK legal tender

• Tax Status: VAT-free but not CGT-free

Why It’s Still Popular

The Krugerrand was the world’s first modern bullion coin. It remains a globally trusted coin with tight premiums.

Considerations for UK Investors:

• It’s VAT-free but subject to CGT if sold at a gain

• Might not be ideal for long-term UK tax efficiency

Typical Premium:

3%–5% above spot

4. Canadian Maple Leaf (1oz)

Overview of best gold coin to buy UK:

• Purity: 999.9 (24 carat)

• Weight: 1 troy ounce

• Legal Tender: CAD $50 (not UK)

• Tax Status: VAT-free but not CGT-free

Benefits of best gold coin to buy UK:

• Ultra-high purity

• Advanced anti-counterfeit security (micro-engraving, radial lines)

• Global reputation

Best For:

Investors seeking ultra-pure coins who aren’t concerned about CGT

Typical Premium:

4%–6% above spot

5. American Gold Eagle (1oz)

Overview:

• Purity: 91.67% (22 carat)

• Weight: 1 troy ounce

• Legal Tender: USD $50

• Tax Status: VAT-free but CGT applies

What to Know best gold coin to buy UK:

Though minted in the US, Gold Eagles are in demand among collectors and investors. They carry slightly higher premiums but offer beautiful design and strong resale potential.

6. Austrian Philharmonic (1oz)

Overview:

• Purity: 999.9 (24 carat)

• Weight: 1 troy ounce

• Legal Tender: €100

• Tax Status: VAT-free, not CGT-free

Features:

• Europe’s first 24k bullion coin

• Consistent design every year

• Ideal for those who prefer euro-denominated coins

7. Australian Kangaroo (1oz)

Overview:

• Purity: 999.9 (24 carat)

• Weight: 1 troy ounce

• Legal Tender: AUD $100

• Tax Status: VAT-free, not CGT-free

Why It’s Interesting:

• Annual design changes create collector interest

• Minted by Perth Mint with high security

Best for collectors and long-term holders comfortable with CGT reporting

Best Gold Coins for Beginners

If you’re new to gold investment, the following combinations balance value, tax-efficiency, and liquidity:

✅ 1x Gold Britannia

Safe, liquid, and tax-free

✅ 2–4 Gold Sovereigns

Affordable, flexible sale units, CGT-free

✅ 1x Krugerrand or Maple Leaf

Global recognition and low premium

How to Buy the best gold coin to buy UK

Choose Reputable Dealers:

Always buy from trusted UK dealers like:

• UKBullionByPost.co.uk – Our top recommendation

• Chards

• Baird & Co.

Check for:

• Live pricing linked to gold spot

• VAT-exempt status clearly shown

• CGT-free label for Britannias & Sovereigns

• Insured delivery or secure storage options

Avoid:

• Numismatic coins unless you’re a collector

• Foreign coins with limited UK liquidity

• Paying more than 8–10% premium

How to Store Your Gold Coins

You can choose between:

1. Home storage: Invest in a quality safe and home insurance

2. Bank safety deposit box: Low annual cost, high security

3. Professional vaulting: Available via dealers like UK Bullion By Post, with full insurance and 24/7 access

Summary Table: best gold coin to buy UK (2025)

Coin	CGT-Free	VAT-Free	Purity	Weight	Best For
Gold Britannia	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	999.9	1 oz	Long-term investment
Gold Sovereign	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	91.67%	~0.235	Affordable entry, flexible resale
Krugerrand	❌ No	✅ Yes	91.67%	1 oz	Global recognition
Maple Leaf	❌ No	✅ Yes	999.9	1 oz	Ultra-pure gold
American Gold Eagle	❌ No	✅ Yes	91.67%	1 oz	Strong global liquidity
Austrian Philharmonic	❌ No	✅ Yes	999.9	1 oz	EU-focused investors
Australian Kangaroo	❌ No	✅ Yes	999.9	1 oz	Annual design, collector appeal

Final Thoughts: Choosing the best gold coin to buy UK

In 2025, the best gold coin to buy UK investors is undoubtedly the 1oz Gold Britannia. With its unmatched combination of tax advantages, high purity, liquidity, and low premiums, it ticks all the boxes for both beginners and experienced investors.

Pairing Britannias with Sovereigns allows you to build a flexible, tax-free portfolio that protects wealth and provides real-world utility.

Start by reviewing live prices on trusted platforms like UKBullionByPost.co.uk, set a monthly investment goal, and build your stack one coin at a time.