In times of financial uncertainty, gold—in all its forms—emerges as the ultimate safe‑haven asset to which investors flock in order to preserve their purchasing power. Although bullion bars command the lion’s share of media attention, the gold pound remains a classic investment icon that blends ease of trade with a conveniently compact size. The global rush toward acquiring these coins naturally prompts some fundamental questions: What types of gold pounds are there? Exactly how much do they weigh? And how do they differ from bullion bars or smaller denominations such as the half‑pound?
In the following lines you will find a comprehensive, hands‑on guide that clarifies everything you need to know about the weight and varieties of the gold pound—so you can make your investment decision with confidence and expertise.
Types of Gold Coins
- The British Pound (Sovereign)
- The Egyptian Pound
- The Ottoman/Rashadi Pound
- The Canadian “Maple Leaf” Pound
- The Saudi “Othmani” Pound
The British Pound (Sovereign): The British Sovereign is the global benchmark for gold pounds. Minted in 22‑karat gold since 1817, it typically bears the portrait of the reigning monarch. Its total weight is 7.988 g, of which 7.322 g are pure gold; the remainder is copper and silver to enhance durability.
The Ottoman / Rashadi Pound: Known in some markets simply as the “Ottoman lira,” this historic coin is also struck in 22‑karat gold and contains roughly 7.216 g of fine gold. It retains a strong heritage appeal and is still traded by collectors and savers across the Middle East.
The Saudi “Othmani” Pound: Modeled on the Ottoman design, the Saudi mint issues this coin with a total weight of 7.999 g, containing about 7.34 g of pure gold at 22 karats. It is favored in the Gulf region thanks to its alignment with local tastes and its modern official hallmark.
The Egyptian Pound: The Egyptian Mint began issuing its gold pound in the early twentieth century. It comes in finenesses ranging from 21 k to 22 k, with net gold content hovering around 7.25 g. Consequently, editions such as the “Sphinx” or “Kingdom” series may vary by fractions of a gram depending on the year of issue.
The Canadian “Maple Leaf” Pound (Quarter‑Ounce): Although officially classified as a bullion coin, many Arab markets treat the quarter‑ounce Maple Leaf as a “pound” because its weight is close to that of the Sovereign. Struck in 24‑karat gold with 99.99 % purity, it contains 7.775 g of fine gold, making it an attractive option for those who prefer gold free of alloy metals.
Weight of Gold Coins by Denomination
| Denomination | Total Weight | Fine‑Gold Content |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter‑Pound Gold Coin | 2 g | 1.83 g |
| Half‑Pound Gold Coin | 3.99 g | 3.66 g |
| One‑Pound Gold Coin | 7.988 g | 7.322 g |
| Five‑Pound Gold Coin | 39.94 g | 36.61 g |
| Ten‑Pound Gold Coin | 79.9 g | 73.22 g |
Quarter‑Pound Gold Coin: Introduced to the British Sovereign family in 2009 to satisfy savers’ demand for small, easy‑to‑trade units, the quarter sovereign has a diameter of 13.5 mm and a total weight of roughly 2 g, of which about 1.83 g are pure gold—exactly one‑quarter of the standard sovereign’s gold content.
Half‑Pound Gold Coin: Striking a middle ground between purchasing power and liquidity, the half sovereign weighs 3.99 g in total and contains 3.66 g of fine gold. With a diameter of about 19.3 mm, it is affordable for most buyers. Investors often use this denomination to lower their average acquisition cost by purchasing small amounts over time.
Standard Gold Sovereign (One‑Pound): The “king” of gold coins since 1817, the classic sovereign weighs 7.988 g and delivers 7.322 g of pure gold at 91.67 % fineness. This balance of size and value has made the sovereign a global pricing benchmark; many markets base their daily “gold pound” quotation on it.
Five‑Pound Gold Coin (Quintuple Sovereign): Weighing 39.94 g—five times the standard sovereign—and containing 36.61 g of pure gold, this coin has a 36 mm diameter and is usually issued only for special commemorative occasions. As a result, it appeals both to numismatic collectors and to investors.
Ten‑Pound Gold Coin: The largest denomination commercially sold under the “pound” name weighs about 79.9 g, with roughly 73.22 g of fine gold. Struck in very limited quantities or marketed as collectable pieces, it commands a higher premium over melt value. It suits buyers seeking high value density in a single coin while minimizing storage and fabrication costs.
Tip: Some banks and mints in the Middle East issue the five‑ and ten‑pound coins in different fineness grades (sometimes 21 k or 22 k). Always check the assay certificate and weight before purchasing to ensure the coin meets the stated specifications.
Difference Between a Full Sovereign and a Half Sovereign
- Full Sovereign: total weight 7.988 g — of which 7.322 g is pure gold.
- Half Sovereign: total weight 3.99 g — of which 3.66 g is pure gold.
Purchasing Power: The half sovereign offers a lower‑cost entry point into the gold market: the buyer needs roughly half the capital to acquire a legally recognized, trusted coin. This makes the half sovereign a popular choice for regular savings plans and for occasion‑gifts.
Premium (Minting Cost): Although the half sovereign contains about 50 % of the gold in a full sovereign, minting costs for the two coins are almost the same. Consequently, the half sovereign usually carries an extra 1 – 2 percentage‑point premium over spot gold compared with the full sovereign, because the fixed cost is spread over a smaller gold content.
Liquidity and Resale: The full sovereign enjoys wider global recognition, which translates into slightly tighter bid‑ask spreads at major dealers. Even so, the half sovereign remains readily tradable in Middle‑Eastern and European markets thanks to its long‑standing history as currency—and it gives you the flexibility to liquidate a smaller amount of gold when needed without breaking a larger coin.
Difference Between a Gold Pound Coin and a Gold Bar
1. Purity and Fineness
- Gold Pound Coin: Commonly minted in 21 k or 22 k.
- Gold Bar: Usually 24 k (99.99 % pure).
2. Premium (Minting Cost)
- Gold Pound Coin: Higher premium because of artistic detail and smaller size.
- Gold Bar: Lower—and it decreases as bar weight increases.
3. Liquidity and Divisibility
- Gold Pound Coin: Easier to sell in small amounts thanks to its modest denominations.
- Gold Bar: Preferred for amassing larger holdings and minimizing cost per gram.
