Understanding silver coin premiums
The price of a physical silver coin is normally higher than the value of the silver it contains. The difference is known as the premium.
Premiums reflect factors including minting and distribution costs, coin size, availability and market demand. Limited-edition or collectable coins may also command additional premiums that are not directly related to their silver content.
Silver coin premiums are generally higher as a percentage of metal value than gold coin premiums, making the price paid above the underlying silver value an important consideration when comparing products. Physical Gold’s existing silver investment guidance also identifies premiums as an important factor when buying physical silver.
For buyers focused primarily on bullion value, comparing standard 1oz and Best Value coins can help identify lower-premium options.
VAT and Capital Gains Tax on silver coins
The tax treatment of silver coins is an important consideration for UK buyers.
Physical silver coins purchased for delivery in the UK are generally subject to 20% VAT. This differs from qualifying investment gold, which is VAT-exempt. Investors are able to purchase silver coins without attracting VAT with our offshore solution.
Capital Gains Tax treatment depends on the coin. Qualifying British legal-tender silver coins, including Silver Britannias, are exempt from CGT for UK residents. International bullion coins such as Krugerrands, Maple Leafs and American Eagles do not generally benefit from the same exemption.
VAT and CGT should therefore both be considered when comparing different silver coins. + Read more
Silver coin prices
The underlying value of a bullion silver coin is closely linked to the amount of silver it contains and the current silver spot price.
The retail price will also include the applicable premium and VAT, so two coins containing the same quantity of silver can have different purchase prices.
You can check the underlying live silver price in pounds sterling and track changes in the silver price over time.
Delivery and secure storage
Silver coins purchased from Physical Gold can be delivered using our free, fully insured UK delivery service, with orders securely and discreetly packaged.
Alternatively, customers who would prefer not to keep their coins at home can choose specialist secure vault storage.
Storage can become particularly relevant as a silver holding grows because physical silver requires considerably more storage space than an equivalent-value holding of gold.
Find out more about silver coin delivery and secure storage.
Why buy silver coins from Physical Gold?
Physical Gold is a specialist precious-metals dealer based in London’s Hatton Garden and an authorised Royal Mint distributor.
We stock more than 170 silver coin products across British and international bullion, Best Value and collectable ranges, including Britannias, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Eagles and Royal Mint series.
Our team can help if you have questions about choosing between different silver coins, premiums, VAT, CGT, delivery or storage.
For assistance, call 020 7060 9992 or email info@physicalgold.com.





















