Jasmine Birtles
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How to Tax-Proof Your Will with Gold Coins
Ruby Layram
18th Sep 2025
When most of us think about writing a will, we picture houses, savings accounts, or family heirlooms being passed down. But here’s a little-known secret, adding gold coins to your will could be one of the smartest and most tax-efficient moves you ever make.
Gold isn’t just a shiny collectable. It can also play a serious role in inheritance planning. With the right type of coins, you can pass on wealth without your loved ones facing a hefty tax bill. And let’s face it, in today’s world of rising taxes, complicated pensions, and unpredictable markets, who doesn’t want to keep more money in the family?
Why Gold Coins Belong in Your Will
Gold coins tick a lot of boxes when it comes to inheritance:
- They’re tangible: Your beneficiaries get something real and valuable they can hold in their hands.
- They hold value: Unlike cash (which can be eaten up by inflation), gold has a track record of holding and often increasing its value over time.
- They can be tax-efficient: Some coins can actually help you pass on wealth without triggering Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
Think of them as both an heirloom and a clever financial planning tool.
Are All Gold Coins Tax Efficient?
It’s really important to understand that not all gold coins come with the same tax benefits. Some will help you shield your estate from tax, while others could leave your beneficiaries with a nasty surprise.
As Harry Thorne, Director at Bullion Club, explains:
“For UK investors, the Capital Gains Tax rules on gold coins depend entirely on whether the coin is recognised as UK legal tender. Coins minted only by the Royal Mint such as Sovereigns and Britannia’s are CGT free because they carry a UK face value.
By contrast, coins struck outside the UK, such as those issued in the Solomon Islands or other Commonwealth nations, may look official but are NOT classed as UK legal tender.
As a result, while they can still qualify as investment gold for VAT purposes, any profits made on their sale could be subject to CGT.”
So, if you want to tax-proof your will, stick to Sovereigns and Britannias.
How (and Where) to Buy Gold Coins in the UK
By now, it’s pretty clear that gold coins can be a great addition to your will. But, how exactly can you buy them?
The best way to buy official gold coins in 2025 is through a trusted online broker, such as Bullion Club. Buying through a reputable broker gives you peace of mind that your coins are legit and makes the entire process a lot more straightforward.
When you buy gold coins, you can choose to either store them yourself or keep them locked up in the broker’s vault.
If you choose the first option, the coins will be delivered to your home via a secure postal service. If you choose the latter option, your coins will be held in a secure safe until you request them to be released or sold.
The second option removes the stress of securing the coins yourself (which requires investing in a home safe and increasing your home insurance!).
I recommend talking to an expert from Bullion Club before making your decision to discuss which option is best for you.
Gold Coins as an Investment: The Pros and Cons
If you’re retired or close to retirement, you might be wondering whether gold coins are a sensible investment. Like any asset, they come with upsides and downsides.
The benefits of investing in Gold Coins
The main benefit of Gold Coins for pensioners is that they offer tax benefits (which is excellent for preserving the value of your will!).
They also:
- Act as a hedge against inflation
- They are easy to include in your will and pass to your family.
- Offer tangible wealth you can actually hold.
- Are free from capital gains tax, which means that you keep the returns that you make (minus a few small brokerage fees!)
Are there any downsides?
Although we are pretty big fans of Gold Coins as an investment, it is only fair to discuss a few of the downsides!
- No income: Unlike dividend shares or bonds, coins don’t pay you while you hold them.
- Price fluctuations: Gold can be volatile in the short term.
- Storage: You’ll need a safe or vault.
- Illiquidity: Selling physical coins takes longer than offloading shares.
Final thoughts
Including gold coins in your will isn’t just a sentimental gesture. It’s a smart, tax-efficient strategy to preserve your wealth for the next generation. By choosing the right coins (Sovereigns and Britannias), you can sidestep unnecessary tax bills and give your loved ones a timeless gift of lasting value.
If you’re thinking about leaving a meaningful, tax-smart legacy, now is the perfect time to consider adding gold coins to your estate plan.
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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. Companies listed above are not necessarily endorsed by Money Magpie. When investing your capital is at risk.
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