Why buy silver from Physical Gold?
At Physical Gold, we combine competitive bullion pricing with specialist guidance and personal customer service.
Specialist precious-metals expertise
Our experienced team can help you compare silver coins, bars, premiums and storage options, so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Competitive silver prices
We offer a range of new, Best Value and pre-owned bullion products, allowing customers to compare options according to price, availability and investment objectives.
Free, fully insured UK delivery
Eligible silver purchases for UK delivery are securely and discreetly packaged, with fully insured delivery at no additional charge.
Flexible ownership and storage options
Take delivery of your silver, arrange secure UK vault storage or explore our VAT-free offshore storage solution for qualifying products.
Trusted customer service
We believe buying precious metals should be straightforward, transparent and supported by knowledgeable people. Our team is available to answer questions before and after your purchase.
Need help choosing silver?
Call 020 7060 9992 or email info@physicalgold.com for guidance from our specialist team.
Buy silver coins or silver bars?
Both silver coins and bars provide direct ownership of physical silver, but each offers different advantages.
Silver coins
Silver bullion coins are popular with investors who value flexibility and the ability to build a holding gradually.
Coins are available in a range of sizes and designs, including British Silver Britannias and international bullion coins.
Advantages include:
- Smaller individual units, making partial sales easier.
- A wide choice of coins and denominations.
- Capital Gains Tax exemption for qualifying British legal-tender silver coins.
- The option to purchase individual coins, tubes or larger quantities.
Silver coins may carry higher premiums per gram than larger bars, so compare the total cost of the silver you are purchasing.
Silver bars
Silver bars are often preferred by investors seeking to acquire larger quantities of silver at competitive premiums.
Bars are available in different weights, with larger bars generally offering a lower premium per gram than smaller products.
Advantages include:
- Efficient acquisition of larger quantities of physical silver.
- A choice of bar weights and recognised refiners.
- Potentially lower premiums per gram on larger bars.
- Convenient storage for investors building substantial silver holdings.
Unlike qualifying British legal-tender coins, silver bars are not automatically exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
Browse silver bars + Read more
Buy Silver Britannia coins
Silver Britannias are among the best-known British silver bullion coins.
Produced by The Royal Mint, modern bullion Silver Britannias contain 999 fine silver and have British legal-tender status.
For UK investors, a particularly important advantage is their exemption from Capital Gains Tax when sold at a profit.
Silver Britannias are available in different sizes, with the 1oz coin being a popular choice for investors who want recognisable, divisible physical silver.
We offer a selection of new and Best Value Silver Britannias, including mixed-year coins that may provide opportunities to purchase silver at lower premiums than specific new-year issues.
Understanding silver prices and premiums
The price of physical silver bullion is influenced by the international silver market, but the amount you pay for a coin or bar will usually be higher than the underlying metal value.
This additional amount is known as the premium.
Premiums reflect manufacturing, refining, distribution, availability, product size and dealer costs.
As a general rule:
- Smaller silver coins tend to carry higher percentage premiums than larger bars.
- Larger bars can offer lower premiums per gram.
- Best Value and pre-owned products may offer more silver for your money.
- Buying in larger quantities may provide opportunities for volume discounts.
When comparing silver bullion, consider the total price, including applicable VAT, relative to the quantity of silver purchased.
It’s also important to consider the potential selling price. Dealers normally buy back silver at a different price from their retail selling price, so the spread between buying and selling affects your eventual return.
You can follow market movements using our live silver price chart.
VAT on silver in the UK
Most physical silver coins and bars purchased for delivery in the UK are subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%.
This is an important difference between silver and qualifying investment gold, which is generally VAT-exempt.
VAT can materially affect the overall cost of acquiring physical silver and should be considered alongside the product premium.
Can you buy silver without paying UK VAT?
Yes, qualifying silver purchased through Physical Gold’s offshore storage arrangement can be bought without the initial 20% UK VAT charge, provided it remains within the qualifying arrangement.
Our VAT-free silver service offers:
- 1oz Silver Britannia coins, for investors seeking individual coins with UK Capital Gains Tax advantages.
- 1kg silver bars, for investors who prefer to acquire silver in larger units.
The silver is held at Brink’s in Zurich, Switzerland, on a fully allocated and segregated basis, with secure storage and insurance.
This arrangement is for offshore storage only, not UK delivery. Storage charges apply, and VAT would become applicable if the silver were subsequently imported into the UK.
Explore VAT-free silver for offshore storage
Capital Gains Tax on silver investments
Capital Gains Tax treatment depends on the type of silver you purchase.
Silver Britannias and qualifying British legal-tender coins
These coins are generally exempt from UK Capital Gains Tax for individuals, regardless of the profit realised when selling them.
Silver bars and many overseas silver coins
These do not benefit from the same legal-tender exemption. Gains may therefore be subject to Capital Gains Tax, depending on your circumstances and available allowances.
For the 2026/27 tax year, the individual annual exempt amount for Capital Gains Tax is £3,000.
VAT and Capital Gains Tax are separate considerations. For example, Silver Britannias purchased for UK delivery will generally incur VAT, even though gains on qualifying coins are CGT-exempt.
For more information, read our guide to the tax implications of gold and silver.
Why invest in physical silver?
Silver combines precious-metal investment demand with significant industrial use.
It is used in applications including electronics, solar technology, electrical equipment and manufacturing. This gives silver a different demand profile from gold.
Silver’s lower price per ounce also makes it possible to acquire physical precious metal in smaller monetary amounts.
However, silver can be volatile, and its price may fall as well as rise. Industrial demand does not guarantee future price increases.
For a more detailed discussion of silver’s advantages, disadvantages and role in a diversified portfolio, read our benefits of investing in silver guide.
You can also compare the characteristics of the two metals in our gold versus silver investment guide.
Silver delivery and secure storage
When buying silver from Physical Gold, you can choose how your bullion is held.
Free UK delivery
We provide free, fully insured UK delivery for eligible silver bullion purchases, with secure, discreet packaging.
Secure UK vault storage
Customers who prefer not to store their silver at home can arrange professional insured vault storage.
VAT-free offshore storage
Qualifying Silver Britannias and 1kg silver bars can be purchased for storage in Zurich without the initial UK VAT charge, subject to the applicable storage arrangement.
Because silver is relatively bulky compared with gold of an equivalent monetary value, storage costs and practical requirements can become increasingly important for larger holdings.
Learn more about our delivery and storage options.
Frequently asked questions about buying silver
What is the best silver to buy in the UK?
The most suitable silver depends on your budget, investment objectives and preferred storage arrangements.
Silver Britannias are popular because they are recognisable, divisible and exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK individuals. Larger silver bars may appeal to buyers seeking lower premiums per gram.
Is it better to buy silver coins or silver bars?
Coins generally offer greater flexibility when selling smaller quantities. Qualifying British legal-tender coins also benefit from CGT exemption.
Larger bars may provide a lower purchase premium per gram, making them attractive for investors acquiring substantial quantities of silver.
Do I have to pay VAT when buying silver?
Silver coins and bars delivered in the UK are generally subject to 20% VAT.
Qualifying silver purchased for and retained in Physical Gold’s offshore storage arrangement can be bought without the initial UK VAT charge. Storage fees apply, and UK import VAT becomes relevant if the silver is subsequently imported into the UK.
Are Silver Britannias Capital Gains Tax-free?
Qualifying Silver Britannias are British legal-tender coins and are exempt from UK Capital Gains Tax for individuals.
This does not mean they are VAT-free when purchased for UK delivery.
Can I buy silver online and have it delivered?
Yes. Physical Gold offers online purchasing with free, fully insured UK delivery for eligible silver coins and bars.
Alternatively, you can choose secure storage rather than taking physical delivery.
Can I sell my silver back to Physical Gold?
Physical Gold offers a bullion buyback service. The price available when selling will depend on the product, quantity and prevailing market conditions.
Our team can explain the selling process and provide a current quotation.
Ready to buy silver?
Explore our range of physical silver bullion and choose the option that suits your objectives.
Shop silver coins | Shop silver bars | Explore VAT-free silver
For personal guidance, call 020 7060 9992 or email info@physicalgold.com.