Stack Value guide
How much gold is in a sovereign?
Updated November 2026 · Melt values below are live, in your chosen currency.
The sovereign is Britain's classic gold coin, struck since 1817. It is made of 22-karat gold: eleven parts gold to one part copper, which makes it hard-wearing. Sovereigns are popular with buyers around the world because their gold content is standard and well known.
Gold content
| Coin | Purity | Pure metal | Melt each |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold sovereign 1817–present | .9167 (22 karat) | 0.2354 oz | — |
| Gold half sovereign 1817–present | .9167 (22 karat) | 0.1177 oz | — |
- Full sovereign: weighs 7.98805 grams and contains 0.2354 troy ounces (7.32 g) of pure gold. Just over four sovereigns hold an ounce of gold.
- Half sovereign: weighs half as much and contains 0.1177 troy ounces of pure gold.
What sovereigns sell for
Most sovereigns sell for their gold value plus a modest premium, whatever the date and monarch. Coins in poor condition still contain the same gold; only heavy wear or damage takes off a noticeable amount.
Mint marks, including Canada's
Sovereigns were struck in London and at branch mints across the Empire. Branch-mint coins carry a small letter, usually on the ground line above the date on St George types:
- S Sydney · M Melbourne · P Perth
- SA Pretoria · I Bombay
- C Ottawa, Canada (1908 to 1919)
Ottawa sovereigns are a favourite with Canadian collectors, and the 1916-C is a rarity. If you find a C mint mark, it is worth checking with a dealer before selling for gold value.
Watch for fakes
Because sovereigns are so widely traded, they are also widely copied. Weigh any sovereign you buy on an accurate scale (a genuine full sovereign weighs about 7.99 grams, a half about 3.99 grams), and buy from sellers who stand behind what they sell.