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What a British sovereign is
A sovereign is a British gold coin, traditionally 22 karat, with about 0.2354 troy ounces of gold. Shops know it. It trades as a small, recognized gold piece — not as a pound note.
A sovereign is a British gold coin. The modern bullion version is still struck by the Royal Mint.
The metal
Traditional sovereigns are 22 karat (same family as a US Gold Eagle’s alloy) and contain 0.2354 troy ounces of fine gold. That fraction is why a shop does not treat one sovereign as “about a quarter ounce” in conversation and then pay you for a half. They use the real number.
Karat. Troy ounces. Pre-33 vs modern Eagles.
Why shops like them
They are old enough to feel historic and common enough to have a market. Dates and types can add a collector premium. Most circulated sovereigns are a gold bid plus a little.
Do not clean them. Don’t clean. Fakes exist, as with all small gold. Counterfeits.
Not a pound you spend
The face value is a British legal number. In a US shop it is gold. Legal tender. Face value.
Continue in the coin and money library. Related visitor guides: for shop visitors.