PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

OBVERSE :

The obverse (front) of these gold British Sovereigns features the bust of the reigning king of the time. The bust is surrounded by words containing the name of the ruler followed by the words 'D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. IND: IMP

REVERSE :

The reverse on each gold coin features a famous representation of St. George on horseback slaying a mythical dragon. The date and Benedetto Pistrucci (the designer) initials appear beneath St. George.

A fractional format of the famous British Sovereign, the 10 shilling gold coin combines standardization, liquidity and a moderate entry ticket. Minted at 916.7 ‰ for ~3.99 g and ~19 mm, it follows specifications unchanged since the XIXᵉ century, facilitating appraisal and resale to professionals.

History of the Demi Souverain coin:

Born under Henry VIII in 1544, the half-value disappeared after 1604, before returning as part of the Great Recoinage: In 1817, it was reintroduced as a unit of 10 shillings, on a modernized gold standard that remained the benchmark for the century. At first, circulation was domestic, then resolutely international: to support trade and the financial expansion of the United Kingdom, the Royal Mint relied on a network of workshops throughout the Empire (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Bombay/Calcutta, Ottawa, Pretoria), guaranteeing the same quality and interchangeability of coins everywhere.

After 1914, day-to-day use declined with the gradual abandonment of the gold standard; production ceased in 1926 in the UK, although it continued occasionally in certain branches at the beginning of the XXᵉ century. The reappearance of exchangeable gold began in 1980, to meet the need for savings and investment in physical gold, while Commonwealth coinage in the early 1920s testifies to its spread outside the British Isles.

This continuity - from Tudor origins to the contemporary revival - explains the lasting renown of this format in continental Europe, along with the " 20 francs " modules of the Latin Union.

 

Price trend of the Demi Souverain coin over the last twenty years (2005 to 2025)

Between 2005 and 2011, the rise of the ounce drove bullion coin prices up sharply, before a consolidation phase in 2013-2015 and a new upward cycle from 2019, with peaks in 2020 and new records in 2024-2025.

 

Why invest in the Demi Souverain coin?

For simple investment in physical gold, this format ticks all the investment gold boxes: standardized (alloy 916.7 ‰), easily resold and ideal for progressive purchases.

Its major advantage? A naturally more constrained supply than the whole sovereign: circulating stocks are scarce in quantity, which supports long-term interest and can boost the premium during demand phases.

Another advantage is that it is available in several effigies and vintages, widening the choice while maintaining the same size recognized by professionals.

 

VARIABLE VINTAGES / EFFIGIES

Vintages and/or effigies of these coins are sent out randomly according to our stocks.

As these are bullion coins and not collector's items, their years of issue or effigies have no impact on their value or resale price.

 

GOLD BULLION COINS FAQ :

 

WHAT IS AN EXCHANGEABLE GOLD COIN?

This is a standardized, liquid gold coin, generally minted after 1800, which is often exempt from VAT in France if it meets the purity and shape criteria defined by regulations.

 

HOW TO INVEST IN PHYSICAL GOLD?

You can buy or sell physical gold (coins or bars), which are considered exchangeable products. We invite you to consult our gold investment guide to help you define your investment strategy.

 

HOW CAN I SELL MY GOLD COIN ?

Simply send it to us by post. We'll send you a free Gold Kit, which explains how to return your investment gold coins to us. You can also fill in the "You're selling" box at the top right of this page, which will give you a real-time price estimate.

 

WHAT CAPITAL GAINS TAX APPLIES TO THE SALE OF INVESTMENT GOLD?

In France, two options are available:

- TMP (flat-rate capital gains tax): 11.5% of the sale price if no proof of sale is provided,

- TPV (taxe sur la plus-value): 36.2% applied to the actual capital gain, with an annual allowance of 5% from the 3rdᵉ year, and total exemption after 22 years of ownership.

 

WHAT IS THE PREMIUM ON A GOLD COIN?

The premium represents the extra cost above the value of pure gold, reflecting manufacturing and distribution costs and market demand. The rarer the condition or vintage, the higher the premium.

 

HOW CAN I STORE MY GOLD SAFELY?

We offer two storage solutions for your precious metals: Gardien'Or and Coffre-Fort Privé.

 

BENEFITS

• Investment gold (tax advantages)
• Available in several effigies
• Inexpensive
• Rare in quantity
• High premium

IMPORTANT

Our posted buy-back prices are 100% guaranteed for all coins or bars under Godot et Fils seal. Please contact us if you have any questions on this subject.

DELIVERY RATES

Transporteur premium - Valeur Déclarée
Pick up in store

YOU MAY LIKE ALSO....