Frequently Asked Questions

A graded sovereign has been independently examined, weight-tested and assigned a numerical condition grade by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) or PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) — the world's two most respected grading authorities. The coin is then sealed in a tamper-proof protective holder called a slab, with the grade registered on a publicly accessible census.

For collectors and investors this provides three things that raw, ungraded coins cannot: guaranteed authenticity, preserved condition, and global liquidity.

PF70 is the highest grade NGC or PCGS can award a proof coin — it means no post-production flaws are visible under 5x magnification. It is numerically perfect.

Ultra Cameo (or DCAM on PCGS coins) refers to the exceptional contrast between the deeply frosted relief of the design and the mirror-polished fields. Combined, PF70 Ultra Cameo represents the finest possible example of a proof coin.

PF70 is flawless under 5x magnification — the highest grade achievable. PF69 is one point below and may show one or two very minor imperfections under magnification, though to the naked eye it is virtually indistinguishable from a PF70.

PF69 coins carry a lower premium than PF70s, making them an attractive option for collectors who want elite eye appeal without paying the grade-rarity premium. This is the principle behind our Sixty-Nine Select range.

Top Pop refers to a coin that holds the highest grade on the NGC or PCGS population census for that specific issue — meaning no other example has achieved a higher grade. In some cases, a Top Pop coin is the only example ever to achieve that grade, making it the finest certified specimen in existence for that year and type.

Top Pop status commands a significant premium and is particularly sought after by NGC Registry Set collectors.

Yes. Every NGC-certified coin has a unique certification number printed on the slab label. You can verify the grade, coin details and population data at NGCcoin.com using that number. PCGS coins can be verified at PCGS.com.

All coins listed on our site include a direct link to the NGC or PCGS registry entry for that specific coin.

Yes. Unlike many dealers who use stock photography, every image on our site shows the actual coin you will receive. What you see is what you get.

Yes. All British gold sovereigns are Capital Gains Tax exempt for UK residents. As legal tender coins of the realm, any profit made when selling a sovereign is entirely free from CGT — regardless of the amount. There is also no VAT on investment gold. This makes graded sovereigns one of the most tax-efficient ways to hold physical wealth in the United Kingdom.

Yes. If you have existing graded sovereigns you'd like to trade towards a purchase, contact us and we'll provide a bespoke cost-to-change valuation. We're happy to discuss part exchange on any coin in our catalogue.

Every order is sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery — a fully tracked, next-day service requiring a signature on receipt. All orders are fully insured and sent in discreet, secure packaging. Delivery is free on all orders. We do not ship internationally.

We accept debit card and bank transfer. We do not accept credit cards. For higher-value orders we may request ID verification before dispatch — this is a quick, straightforward process.

We accept returns within 14 days of receipt for graded and proof coins if the item is not as described. Please contact us before returning any item. Return postage is the buyer's responsibility unless the item was not as described. Please use a tracked and insured service when returning.

Use the form on our Sell Your Sovereigns page, or email photos and cert numbers directly to richard@sovaracoins.com. We reply with a firm, no-obligation offer the same working day.

Within 24 hours of us verifying your coins on receipt. For coins arriving by mid-morning, same-day payment by bank transfer is standard. No delays, no excuses.

Yes, for certain issues — particularly boxed Royal Mint proofs in original packaging and high-grade modern sovereigns. Graded coins are preferred for speed and price certainty, but send us details and we'll always give you an honest answer.

For transactions above our internal AML threshold we may request photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address, in line with UK anti-money laundering regulations. We'll let you know clearly if this applies to your sale — it won't hold up your payment once your coins are received.