CGT-Free Gold Coins UK: A Complete List for 2026

Complete 2026 list of CGT-free gold coins in the UK. Learn which gold coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax and how to build a tax-efficient bullion portfolio.

Which Gold Coins Are CGT Free in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, gold coins that are classified as legal tender by the Royal Mint are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This is one of the most significant tax advantages available to precious metals investors in the UK, and understanding it properly can save you thousands of pounds over the course of your investing lifetime.

CGT exemption means that any profit you make when selling these coins is completely tax free, no matter how much they have appreciated. If you buy a Gold Britannia for £2,000 today and sell it for £5,000 in ten years, you owe nothing to HMRC on that £3,000 profit. Compare that to a gold bar, where the same profit could attract a CGT bill of £540 to £720 depending on your income tax band.

This makes CGT-exempt coins the cornerstone of a tax-efficient precious metals portfolio.

The Complete 2026 CGT-Free Gold Coin List

The following coins are UK legal tender and therefore exempt from CGT:

Gold Britannia

• Available in 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, and 1/10oz sizes
• 999.9 fine gold (since 2013; earlier versions were 22 carat)
• Face value from £10 to £100
• The most popular investment gold coin in the UK
• Features advanced security elements including micro-text and a latent image

The Britannia is the go-to choice for most UK gold investors. Its high purity, strong liquidity, and wide recognition make it the default recommendation for anyone building a gold stack. The 1oz version is the most commonly traded, but fractional sizes (particularly the 1/4oz) are popular with those who want to buy gold regularly on a smaller budget.

Gold Sovereign

• Contains 0.2354 troy ounces of gold (7.32 grams)
• 22 carat (916.7 fine)
• Face value £1
• Over 200 years of continuous production
• Also available as Half Sovereign (0.1177oz), Double Sovereign, and Quintuple Sovereign

The Sovereign is arguably the most iconic gold coin in the world. Its smaller size makes it more affordable than a full ounce coin, and its historical significance adds an element of collectability. Half Sovereigns are particularly popular as gifts and as an accessible entry point for new gold buyers. The Sovereign's long history and global recognition mean it is extremely liquid — you will never struggle to sell one.

Gold Queen's Beasts Series

• 1oz coins, 999.9 fine gold
• Limited edition collectible series featuring heraldic beasts
• Face value £100
• Now discontinued, adding a collectability premium

Gold Tudor Beasts Series

• The successor to Queen's Beasts
• 1oz, 999.9 fine gold
• Face value £100
• Currently in production with new designs released periodically

Important: What Is NOT CGT Free

Foreign gold coins such as Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Eagles, and Philharmonics are not UK legal tender and are subject to CGT. Gold bars of any size are also subject to CGT, regardless of the refiner or size. This is a crucial distinction that catches many new investors off guard.

Even though a Krugerrand contains essentially the same amount of gold as a Britannia and may trade at a similar price, the Krugerrand profit is taxable while the Britannia profit is not. Over long holding periods with significant appreciation, this difference can amount to thousands of pounds.

If you are new to gold investing, our beginner's guide to buying gold in the UK covers all the basics of getting started.

VAT on Gold

All investment gold — coins and bars meeting minimum purity thresholds — is VAT exempt in the UK. This applies regardless of CGT status. So while a Krugerrand is subject to CGT, you do not pay VAT when buying one. Silver, by contrast, carries 20% VAT on all purchases, which is one reason gold tends to be more popular among UK investors.

The combination of no VAT and no CGT on UK legal tender gold coins makes them exceptionally tax-efficient. No other physical asset class in the UK offers this double tax advantage.

Building a Tax-Efficient Portfolio

For UK investors, the optimal strategy is to favour Britannias and Sovereigns for gold holdings. They offer:

• No CGT on profits regardless of the gain size
• No VAT on purchase
• High liquidity — easy to buy and sell at competitive spreads
• Royal Mint backing and consistent quality assurance
• Global recognition and established market pricing

The Sovereign is particularly popular for smaller purchases and gifting, while the 1oz Britannia is the standard for serious stackers building substantial holdings. Many experienced investors hold a mix of both, using Sovereigns for their divisibility and Britannias for their lower premium per ounce of gold content.

Storage Matters

How you store your CGT-free coins matters. Keeping them in good condition preserves their value and ensures you get the best price when you sell. Our home storage guide covers safe options, from basic home safes to professional vault storage.

Keep your coins in their original capsules or tubes where possible. Handling coins with bare hands can cause marks that reduce their appeal to buyers. A small home safe rated to at least EN 1143-1 Grade 0 is adequate for most personal collections, but larger holdings may warrant allocated vault storage for insurance purposes.

Browse CGT-free gold coins from verified sellers on The Bullion Safe marketplace and discuss strategies with fellow UK investors in the community forum.