Are coins Capital Gains Tax exempt

In the UK, UK legal tender coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax. This includes popular ranges like Britannia coins and The Sovereign, as well as other UK bullion, circulating and proof coins. The exemption applies regardless of the metal from which the coin is made. Coins minted before 1837 are no longer classed as legal tender, and therefore the legal tender exemption would not apply.

Bullion bars, or coins that are not legal tender in the UK (such as the South African Krugerrands) are not exempt from Capital Gains Tax under the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1996 Section 21 (1)(b). Individual circumstances may vary.

The Royal Mint does not provide tax advice, so we recommend carrying out your own research or speaking to a qualified tax adviser.

You can find further information in HMRC’s Capital Gains Manual.