Gold Coins

How We Price Gold Coins

The weight and purity of your gold coin, alongside current international market prices, play crucial roles in determining its sale value. Coins of higher purity typically command higher prices than those mixed with other alloys. Furthermore, the coin’s condition may also influence its price.

Selling gold coins requires no preparation on your part. Our experts employ advanced testing techniques to ascertain the composition of all gold bullion. To facilitate a quote, we need basic details about your coins, such as type, country of origin, denomination, and weight in grams. Possession of any assay certificates can provide this information readily.

Ready to sell? Arrange a meeting with us in central Auckland or opt for our insured courier pack for a hassle-free, secure transaction that includes same-day gold analysis. Upon analysis, our licensed experts will offer you a no-obligation quote. Should you decide to proceed, we swiftly transfer the funds to your designated account.

Fair and Competitive Gold Buying Prices in NZ

Looking to sell your gold coins? Contact Gold Smart for a fair rate, making your decision to sell to us a sound one.

British Sovereign Gold Coin Value

The British Gold Sovereign holds a prestigious place in the history of gold coins, embodying over 500 years of history. Initially minted in 1489 under King Henry VII, the sovereign was a symbol of England’s strength and the king’s power. The modern incarnation of the Sovereign emerged in 1817, during the reign of King George III, as part of a move to stabilize British currency and introduce the gold standard.

British Gold Sovereigns and their half-size counterparts, the Half Sovereigns, are minted from 22-carat gold, also known as crown gold, with a purity of 91.67%. A full Sovereign weighs 7.98 grams and contains 7.32 grams (or 0.2354 troy ounces) of pure gold, while the Half Sovereign weighs half as much and contains half the amount of gold. The sovereign’s face value of one pound sterling, and the half sovereign’s value of half a pound, belie their true worth based on their gold content and numismatic value.

The effigies of various monarchs have adorned the Sovereign, reflecting the era of their minting. The Victorian era (1837-1901) sovereigns are among the most collected, featuring the young and old head portraits of Queen Victoria. Subsequent coins bore the likenesses of Kings Edward VII, George V, and, in the modern era, Queen Elizabeth II. Sovereigns have been minted at various points in time, with notable pauses and resumptions in production; for instance, production largely ceased in London after 1917 but continued overseas in mints such as Pretoria, Bombay, Ottawa, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, reflecting the British Empire’s global reach.

A Sovereign’s value transcends its gold content. Numismatic interest, historical significance, minting rarity, and condition all play crucial roles in determining a Sovereign’s market value. Special editions, such as proof coins or those with rare mint marks, can command high premiums. Coins featuring earlier monarchs or originating from less common mints are particularly sought after by collectors and investors alike.

The allure of the British Gold Sovereign lies not only in its tangible value but in its rich history and the narrative of empire, economics, and identity it carries. As a result, these coins are cherished not only for their investment value but also for their historical significance and beauty, making them a cornerstone of numismatic collections worldwide.

Here are a few of the other gold coins you may have in your collection:

British Gold Sovereigns: First minted in 1817, these coins feature a weight of 7.98 grams, a diameter of 22.05 mm, and are made of 22-carat gold, offering a fineness of 91.67%.

U.S. Gold Eagles (Pre-1933): Minted in denominations of $2.50, $5, $10, and $20, these coins vary in weight from 1.672 grams for the Quarter Eagle to 33.436 grams for the Double Eagle, all with a purity of 90%.

French Napoleons: The 20 Franc Napoleon coins weigh 6.45 grams, have a diameter of 21 mm, and are 90% pure gold.

Swiss 20 Francs: Known as “Vreneli,” these coins have a weight of 6.45 grams, a diameter of 21 mm, and a gold purity of 90%.

German 20 Marks: Weighing 7.965 grams and with a diameter of 22.5 mm, these coins are minted in 90% gold.

Austrian 100 Coronas and 4 Ducats: The 100 Corona coins weigh 33.875 grams with a fineness of 90% gold, whereas the 4 Ducat coins weigh 13.963 grams with a gold purity of 98.6%.

Russian Imperial Coins: These include the 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 Rubles, weighing between 4.3 grams to 12.9 grams, all struck in 90% gold.

Dutch Guilders: These gold coins weigh around 6.72 grams with a gold purity of 90%.

Italian Lire: Varying in sizes and weights, one common version, the 20 Lire, weighs 6.45 grams and is made of 90% gold.

Spanish Escudos: Before their replacement by the peseta, these coins varied in weight and size, commonly minted in 87% to 91% gold.

Mexican Pesos: The gold pesos come in various denominations, with weights ranging from 1.2057 grams to 41.666 grams and a purity of 90%.

These historic coins are not only prized for their gold content but also for their connection to history, making them highly valuable to collectors and investors alike. The precise weight and purity of each coin contribute to its uniqueness and desirability in the numismatic and investment communities.