Nearly every country in the world has produced or is still producing gold coins. At one time most of these coins were in fact employed in the course of daily life for currency. Today these gold coins are widely being produced particularly intended for coin collectors or investors in gold. If you aspire to invest in gold plus would like something striking to put on show or have as a hobby; there is nothing better than a gold coin collection.

You can have a collection of present gold coins or alternatively accumulate old gold coins or a combination of both. Gold coins come in diverse sizes and weight; as a consequence anybody can invest on a budget. A number of internet sites or gold coin dealers can make up a selection of gold coins from diverse countries and will be able to post them to you. These packs can range from about £500 to about £3,000. The amount of coins you get will depend on quite a few things such as: the gold price; size and weight of the included coins; and how rare they are together with their fineness.

Sovereigns are produced at certain weights; in this case a full sovereign weighs 7.98g. Their carat value is 22 carat or 916.6 fineness.

2010 Gold Proof Sovereign

A large number of countries have started to make a gold bullion coin to rival the South African Krugerrand gold coins. Countries also issue commemorative gold coins to celebrate the observance of an event or an event itself. Often, these commemorative gold coins come in presentation sets, plus in some cases may well be made in limited numbers, consequently no more than a specific amount will be minted. This process increases their rarity worth together with the collectability of the gold coins.

One other advantage to collecting gold coins can be the fact that in nearly all countries it can be a tax-free method of investing your money since currently most places do not place any tax on gold coins as they can still be utilised as legal tender. However, somebody would be mad to use a gold sovereign to purchase an item for a pound because it is worth many times that in gold scrap value.

When you get started collecting full sovereigns you will also pay more for gold coins in fine condition. Typically, gold coins should be graded and the worth of the sovereign depends on what grade your gold coin is. Your gold coins will eventually have to be graded by a professional grader if you wish to get rid of your coins. You can more often than not acquire proof versions of nearly all contemporary gold coins and even though you will of course shell out more for these options, they will be faultless and could prove a valuable investment.

However, gold coins are still a fantastic investment and if you have the cash to buy some then go for it.

I have been taking a look at some prices that gold sovereigns have been selling for recently on eBay.

Recent Prices for Gold Sovereign Coins

• 1892 Victorian Sovereign sold for £180
• 1902 Unusual Double Sovereign sold for £550
• 1910 Edward VII Sovereign sold for £182
• 1914 Half Sovereign sold for £89.00
• 1982 Half Sovereign sold for £89.50
• 1982 Half Sovereign sold for £87.40
• 1999 Proof Gold Sovereign (boxed) sold for £340
• 1915 Gold Sovereign sold for £190
• 1978 Gold Sovereign sold for £175
• 1904 Half Sovereign sold for £90
• 1876 Victorian Sovereign sold for £192.12
• 1892 Victorian Sovereign sold for £185
• 1887 Victorian Sovereign sold for £205
• 1966 Gold Sovereign sold for £175
• 1886 Victorian Sovereign sold for £171.20
• 1841 Victorian Half Sovereign (described as very rare) sold for £470.00
• 1984 Boxed Sovereign sold for £191.78
• 1984 Boxed Sovereign (mint) sold for £285.63
• 1906 Edward VII Sovereign sold for £180.10
• 2009 New Proof Quarter Sovereign sold for £72.50
• 1900 Victorian Sovereign sold for £169.54
• 1908 Edward VII Sovereign sold for £173.22
• 1843 Victorian Sovereign (described as very rare) sold for £5,750!

So the average selling price of a full gold sovereign at the moment is around £180 although you can get more for one that is older, boxed, and in great condition. Plus of course if you are lucky enough to find a rare one you can obviously get over £5,000!

Half sovereigns are fetching almost £90 each.

The new 2010 prices for sovereigns from the Royal Mint are
£199 full sovereign
£112.50 half sovereign
£65.00 for the new gold bullion quarter sovereign

So you can still get some bargains on eBay although if you are buying as a gift or if condition is important to you it could be best to go for the brand new, boxed, mint condition option.