Gold sovereign guide
The gold sovereign is one of the world's best-known gold coins. Here's what you need to know if you have one, or a whole tin of them.
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Last updated 17 October 2026
Sizes and gold content
| Coin | Total weight | Pure gold |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter sovereign | 2.00g | 1.83g |
| Half sovereign | 3.99g | 3.66g |
| Full sovereign | 7.98g | 7.32g |
| Double sovereign | 15.98g | 14.65g |
| Five pound coin | 39.94g | 36.61g |
All are 22 carat gold (91.67%). The rest is mostly copper, which makes the coin hard-wearing.
Monarchs on sovereigns
Modern sovereigns have been made since 1817, under George III, George IV, William IV, Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI, Elizabeth II and Charles III. Most show St George and the dragon on the back.
Mint marks
Some sovereigns were struck overseas and carry a small letter on the back, above the date or on the ground below the dragon. Look for S (Sydney), M (Melbourne), P (Perth), SA (Pretoria), C (Ottawa) and I (Bombay). Some rare mint and date combinations are worth well over the gold value.
What makes a sovereign worth more?
- A rare date or mint mark
- Very good condition, with sharp detail
- Proof finish, especially in the original box
- Low mintage years
Never clean a sovereign. Polishing leaves fine scratches that collectors can spot, and it can lower the value.
Questions people ask
How much gold is in a sovereign?
A full sovereign contains 7.32 grams of pure gold, or about 0.2354 troy ounces.
Are sovereigns legal tender?
Yes. They're UK legal tender, with a face value of £1.
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