Category Archives: Guides

Proof Gold Coins vs Bullion Coins: What’s the Difference?

Proof Gold Coins vs Bullion Coins: What's the Difference?

Proof gold coins and bullion gold coins can contain the same amount of gold but are produced for very different purposes. Bullion gold coins are primarily produced for buyers seeking physical precious metal. Their market price is therefore closely connected to the value of the gold they contain, plus a premium. Proof gold coins are […]

Inherited Gold Coins: What Should You Do With Them?

Inherited Gold Coins: What Should You Do With Them?

Inheriting gold coins can leave you with anything from straightforward bullion to rare Proof coins, historic Sovereigns or professionally graded NGC and PCGS pieces. The most important thing is not to rush into selling them before you know exactly what you have. Two gold coins containing similar amounts of gold can have very different market […]

What Makes a Gold Coin Rare and Valuable?

How Can You Tell if a Gold Coin Is Rare?

Not every old gold coin is rare and not every low-mintage gold coin is valuable. The value of a collectable gold coin is usually determined by a combination of factors rather than one number. These can include original mintage, surviving population, condition, certified grade, certified population, historical significance, collector demand and market availability. The gold […]

Are Gold Coins Capital Gains Tax Free in the UK?

Are Gold Coins Capital Gains Tax Free in the UK?

Some gold coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax in the UK, but not all gold coins are CGT-free. The key distinction is whether the coin qualifies as sterling currency. HMRC specifically confirms that Sovereigns minted in 1837 and later years and Britannia gold coins are sterling currency and are exempt from Capital Gains Tax. […]

Why Do Gold Coins Sell for More Than the Gold Price?

Why Do Gold Coins Sell for More Than Gold?

Gold coins often sell for more than the value of the gold they contain. That difference is known as a premium, but not all premiums are created in the same way. For a standard bullion coin, the premium largely reflects the cost of manufacturing, distribution, handling and supplying a physical gold product. For a Proof, […]

What Does PF70 Ultra Cameo Mean? Complete Guide

PF70 Ultra Cameo

PF70 Ultra Cameo is one of the highest certifications commonly seen on modern Proof coins graded by NGC. The term actually combines two separate parts of a coin’s certification. PF70 is the numerical grade. It represents the highest grade on NGC’s 1 to 70 grading scale for Proof coins. Ultra Cameo is a separate designation […]

PF69 vs PF70: What’s the Difference and Is PF70 Worth It?

PF69 vs PF70

PF69 and PF70 are two of the highest grades awarded to Proof coins by professional grading companies such as NGC. On paper, there is only one grading point between them. In practice, that single point can sometimes result in a significant difference in certified population, collector demand and market price. A PF70 represents the highest […]

NGC First Releases vs Early Releases: What’s the Difference?

NGC First Releases vs Early Releases- What’s the Difference?

NGC First Releases and Early Releases are two designations commonly found on NGC-certified coins, including modern British gold coins, Sovereigns and commemorative issues. Although the names sound different, NGC considers First Releases and Early Releases to be interchangeable designations. They use the same definition and relevant cutoff dates. To qualify, an eligible coin must generally […]

Coin Population vs Mintage

Coin Population vs Mintage Explained

Coin Population vs Mintage: How to Assess Coin Rarity Like an Experienced Collector Learn the difference between coin population and mintage, why they measure completely different things, and how experienced collectors use both to assess the true rarity of a collectable coin. In This Guide Every certified coin comes with numbers. Maximum Coin Mintage. Limited […]

What Is a Coin Population Report?

What is a coin population report image

The Complete Guide to NGC & PCGS Population Reports Coin Population Report: Quick Answer A coin population report shows how many examples of a particular coin have been certified at each grade by a grading company. NGC publishes its population data through the NGC Census, while PCGS publishes the PCGS Population Report. For example, if […]

What Is the Best Gold Coin to Buy?

What Is the Best Gold Coin to Buy?

What Is the Best Gold Coin to Buy? If you’re asking “What is the best gold coin to buy?”, the answer is simple. For many UK buyers, a Royal Mint gold coin offers an excellent combination of quality, recognition and choice. Royal Mint gold coins are trusted, internationally recognised and available in a range of […]

Bitcoin vs Gold: Which Is Better for Protecting Your Wealth?

Bitcoin V's Gold

Bitcoin vs Gold: Which Is Better for Protecting Your Wealth? For decades, gold has been regarded as one of the world’s most trusted stores of wealth. More recently, Bitcoin has emerged as a digital alternative, with supporters arguing that it could play a similar role in the modern financial system. Both assets have attracted significant […]

How to Store Gold Coins

How to Store Gold Coins

How to Store Gold Coins About this guide Last reviewed: 9 July 2026 Disclaimer: This guide is for general education. It does not provide financial advice. Always seek professional guidance regarding your circumstances and insurance requirements. Is this guide for you? This guide is written for anyone in the UK who owns physical gold coins and wants […]

The Complete Guide to the Britannia Gold Coin

The Complete Guide to the Britannia Gold Coin

The Complete Guide to the Britannia Gold Coin About this guide Review date: 9 July 2026 (Europe/London). Purpose: This guide explains everything a first‑time buyer needs to know about the Royal Mint’s flagship bullion coin, the Gold Britannia. It is an educational resource and not financial advice. Laws and market conditions change; always confirm current tax rules […]

MS69 vs MS70: The Difference between Near‑Perfect and Perfect

MS69 vs MS70: The Difference between Near‑Perfect and Perfect

MS69 vs MS70: The Subtle Difference between Near‑Perfect and Perfect Mint State Coins About this guide Purpose: This guide helps new and experienced collectors understand the difference between the two highest Mint State grades – MS69 and MS70 – on the 70‑point Sheldon coin‑grading scale. It explains what each grade means, how coins are assessed, […]

PCGS vs NGC Coin Grading

PCGS vs NGC

PCGS vs NGC: Quick Answer PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are two of the world’s leading third-party coin grading services. Both authenticate, grade and encapsulate coins and use the internationally recognised 1–70 Sheldon grading scale. For collectors, the most obvious difference is often terminology. NGC uses PF for Proof coins […]

Understanding Coin Grading

Understanding Coin Grading

Understanding Coin Grading About this guide This guide is part of Sterling Bullion Partners’ educational hub.  It explains how coin grading works, why it matters, and how to navigate the world of graded coins.  It is not financial advice.  The guide was last reviewed on 9 July 2026 and reflects UK tax law and market practices at […]

Bullion vs Certified Coins: Which Should You Buy?

Bullion vs Certified Coins: Which Should You Buy?

Bullion vs Certified Coins: Which Should You Buy? About this guide Sterling Bullion Partners Knowledge Centre — Last reviewed: 9 July 2026 Educational disclaimer: This guide is for general education and does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice. Always seek independent advice and consider your personal circumstances and risk appetite before purchasing precious metals. Introduction When […]