Could a gold coin be a useful tool for preserving wealth and memories as gold prices rise in the face of global uncertainty?
Though they have long been a favorite among collectors and those looking to preserve a particular memory, are commemorative gold coins becoming a more wise investment option?
Sales of gold coins at the Royal Mint increased 306 percent year over year in the first quarter of 2025, and gold buyers increased 46 percent from quarter to quarter.
According to Stuart OReilly, market insights manager at The Royal Mint, "the sustained surge in gold demand shows the growing appeal of safe-haven assets in today's economic climate."
Purchasing commemorative or collectible gold coins is possibly one of the most fulfilling and significant ways to invest in gold.
Collectible gold coins' value is influenced by a number of factors, including market demand, historical significance, and rarity, even though rising gold prices generally increase their value.
Purchasing gold bullion or gold funds, although they are more traditional investment options, do not have the same character or gift-giving potential as a decorative, rare, or rare gold coin.
According to a Royal Mint representative, "Commemorative coins serve as a unique memento of significant people, events, and anniversaries that customers can treasure." "Every year, the Royal Mint creates commemorative coins featuring more than 50 distinct designs, featuring everything from beloved tales like Harry Potter and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to musical icons like Sir Paul McCartney and Dame Shirley Bassey.
Do gold coins make wise investments?
Depending on the particular coin, gold can be a very wise investment.
Gold bullion coins, which are mainly intended for investment purposes, are issued by the Royal Mint. Demand for these has increased as a result of rising gold prices: according to data from the Royal Mint, sales of gold coins increased 329 percent in revenue, while the total weight of coins sold increased 208 percent year over year and 26 percent quarter over quarter.
The fact that gold bullion coins are free from capital gains tax (CGT) increases their allure to investors.
"We have observed how these record highs in gold markets result in a rise in new precious metals investors joining the market," a Royal Mint spokesperson says. The Royal Mint has created a variety of new investment products in recent years, from fractional coins to tiny bars, allowing investors to purchase precious metals in novel ways that streamline their investing strategy.
However, collecting coins isn't really meant for investing. Instead, they are meant to commemorate a milestone in life, like an anniversary, or serve as a special memento for loved ones.
Three types of them exist.
Proof coins are the best quality coins that the Mint makes. Bullion coins: these have a similar quality of finish to the coins in your pocket, but as mentioned above, are meant for investment purposes rather than their design quality. Brilliant uncirculated coins are similar to the coins you carry in your pocket, but they feature a specific feature or design, like The Snowman. These are struck three times to produce a sharp, high quality finish, and they are produced in either gold or silver, like the majority of the Mint's collectible coins. The gold content of proof and brilliant uncirculated coins gives them investment value, but if you're buying gold coins for financial gain, you should buy bullion coins. Some commemorative gold coins do sell for outrageous prices, but this is more because of their rarity and quality than the price of gold itself.
Which gold coins are the most valuable in history?
Collectible gold sovereign coins typically command the highest prices in the UK. The coin's value, the coin's issuance date, and the total number of coins produced all affect its price.
The Edward VIII Sovereign, which sold to a collector for one million dollars in 2020, was the most costly gold sovereign coin ever sold. Because it was never in circulation and Edward VIII abdicated to wed American divorcee Wallis Simpson prior to its release, the 22-carat coin is extremely rare.
According to physicalgold.dot.com, George III Sovereign coins are usually highly sought after due to their limited supply; one has sold for as much as 186,000.
However, rare American coins are the most valuable on a global scale.
While a 1787 Brasher Doubloon sold for £9.36 million in 2021, a historic 1822 Half Eagle, a £5 gold coin, sold for £8.4 million.
However, the most costly coin in history was the "Flowing Hair" dollar, which was first produced by the US after gaining independence in 1794 and sold for £10 million in 2013.
Coins commemorating 2025.
The Royal Mint's Annual Set is the gold standard for commemorative coins in 2025. In addition to commemorating Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother with a commemorative five-dollar coin, the 2025 Annual Set also includes gold coins honoring the Red Arrows, the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the modern railway, and Second World War tales.
Since there are only 50 of the limited edition gold proof set, which costs 9,360 and includes all five coins in 22 carat gold, it is a true collector's item. For 669, you can purchase a silver proof set.
The following are some additional notable 2025 collectible coins.
The Royal Tudor Beasts The Queens Panther 2025 UK 2oz Gold Proof Coin is currently worth 6,940, but with a really limited mintage of only 56 coins, it could theoretically become a collector's item. The Bond of the 1980s 2025 1oz Gold Bullion Coin is perfect for Bond fans and costs 2,622.40. The Piedfort Sovereign 2025 Gold Proof Coin costs 1,620 and has a maximum mintage of 1,260 coins.
Commemorative and collectible 2024 gold coins.
It is still possible to purchase a 2024 coin, particularly if you had a significant year, such as getting married, celebrating a new career, or retiring from your job. You could immortalize the year with one of the many commemorative coins available.
The following are a few highlights.
A variety of Star Wars coins, such as a 1 oz gold proof Millennium Falcon coin valued at 3,525; a Harry Potter collection that includes a limited edition Black Lake 2024 50p gold proof coin, which has a price tag of 1,475 and a maximum mintage of 60 coins; and a 2 oz gold proof St George and the Dragon coin, which is valued at 5,545. The Royal Mint released a commemorative coin honoring Sir Paul McCartney's life and contributions in December. At £3,525, the most costly coin in the collection is a 1 oz Gold Proof coin, of which only 260 will be produced.
"This feels like a huge honor," McCartney remarked. "When I was younger, I never would have predicted that this would occur.
Naturally, this commemorative coin will be of great interest to Beatles fans. Having said that, people who enjoy music and collectibles might want to look through their vinyl collection to see if they have any of these valuable and uncommon records.
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