Metal Prices
	GBP	USD	EUR
Gold Price	£3,241.35	$4,319.45	€3,749.16
Silver Price	£50.87	$67.72	€58.73

Silver Sovereign

We often get asked about the silver Sovereign. Customers often believe they possess such a coin, or enquire about purchasing one, but until 2024 there was no such thing as a silver Sovereign, or at the very least not one issued by the UK.

The main official UK Sovereign coins are the gold Sovereigns, and they are one of the most popular bullion coins in the world. These were first struck in 1817 as a common currency coin, with a face value of one pound.

Bar a few occasional interruptions from wars, gold Sovereigns have continued to be minted since that time to this day. Nowadays however it is struck by The Royal Mint purely as an investment bullion coin, and not for circulation.

Silver Sovereign Coin

Considering the popularity of the gold Sovereign, it would be reasonable to assume that a silver Sovereign coin exists. Until 2024, this was not the case, and The Royal Mint issued Sovereigns only in gold per their 200-year tradition.

In October 2024 however, The Royal Mint have confirmed that for the issuance of the 2025 Sovereign range, a silver Sovereign coin would also be issued for the very first time in history. Released in Proof quality, the coin matches the gold versions weight (7.98 grams) and diameter (22.05mm), with a thicker coin to account for silver's lower density.

The new silver Sovereign is struck in 999 fine silver, and marks a new chapter in this long-standing series.

CGT Free

2025 Proof Silver Sovereign Coin Boxed

Awaiting Stock

from £106.20

Awaiting Stock

from £106.20

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Many other private mints have also capitalised on the idea of a silver Sovereign over the years, as the coin name is available for use worldwide. These coins however lack the official status of a UK coin issued by The Royal Mint, and would not have legal tender standing in the UK, meaning they would not be exempt from CGT when selling.

We therefore advise caution in purchasing any coin claiming to be a silver Sovereign, which may only be worth metal value when trying to sell in the future.

Silver Crown

One official coin does occasionally get mistaken for a silver Sovereign, but is a very different coin. The silver Crown was a currency coin introduced in 1707 in honour of the Union of England and Scotland. It was worth five shillings, and weighed 28 grams.

An 1819 silver Crown coin, sometimes mistaken for a silver Sovereign.

1819 silver Crown. One of the coins that can be mistaken for a silver sovereign.

The confusion arises between the two because, at various times, the Royal Mint has struck silver Crowns with the same George and the Dragon design used on the normal gold Sovereign. As seen in the images above and below, this design – by Italian medallist Benedetto Pistrucci – is found on almost all gold Sovereigns. It’s appearance on the silver Crown can therefore make it easy to mistake for a silver Sovereign.

A comparison between an 1897 silver Crown and an 1897 gold Sovereign.

An 1897 silver Crown vs an 1897 gold Sovereign.

Silver Crown coins remained in productions throughout Queen Victoria’s reign, and even into that of George V. The design would occasionally feature a shield rather than the dragon design, and Crowns of George V were known as ‘Christmas Crowns’ on account of the wreath featured on the reverse.

Silver coins

The silver Britannia is typically the first silver coin of choice for investors in the UK. They offer CGT exemption, and the lowest premiums of all UK silver coins. For those who want something with an additional collectable value, the Royal Mint also produces other limited mintage ranges such as the Queen’s Beasts, and Myths & Legends series.

The Royal Mint Valiant coin, the closest official alternative to a silver Sovereign.

The other alternative to a silver Sovereign would be the Royal Mint’s Valiant coin (shown above). These coins, struck in silver, depict an image featuring St. George slaying a dragon. This makes them similar to the Sovereign but they remain their own coin, with a different design, name and value.

These coins offer unique designs, and the same CGT exemption as a silver Britannia. We would advise that genuine silver coins should be the product of choice for all investors and collectors. Since 2021 however it appears the Valiant range has been discontinued, though it could make a reappearance in later years.

For those who want the classic design of the Sovereign, with all the benefits the official coin brings, then the gold Sovereign should be your first choice. The Quarter Sovereign and Half Sovereign coins also bring the gold Sovereign design to those looking for a lower entry cost.

CGT Free