Learn Before You Buy

The Gold Academy

Everything a first-time gold owner needs to know, taught in plain English with no pressure and no jargon. Start at lesson one or jump to whatever you are wondering about.

Free forever · Written by Gold Tier Advisory, London

The Foundations

1What is physical gold?Coins and bars you own outright and how they differ from paper gold. 2Why do people own gold?History, independence and permanence. 3Gold vs cashThe number stays the same; the buying power does not. 4Certified coins vs standard coinsWhat independent grading, sealing and a certification number really buy you, and how to check one. 5Physical gold vs the spot priceFrom the mine to your hand and why a coin always costs more than spot. 6Gold vs propertyA plain comparison for a nation of homeowners. 7Gold vs stocksHow shares and gold coins differ. 8Gold vs ISAsHow ISAs and coins exempt from Capital Gains Tax differ. 9Gold vs UK bondsGilts pay income, gold pays none. How the two differ.

Choosing Your Gold

10How much gold should I own?No single right number, but sensible ways to think about it. 11Coins vs barsWhy the CGT exemption usually decides it for UK buyers. 12Britannia vs SovereignBritain's two great coins compared and why many hold both.

Owning It Well

13How to buy gold safelyVerifying dealers, fair pricing and the warning signs. 14How to store goldHome safe, bank box or vault: the trade-offs explained. 15How to sell goldFair quotes, selling in stages and coins exempt from Capital Gains Tax. 16Passing coins on to familyKeeping a record, gifting coins and leaving them in your will. 17What happens if gold falls?The lesson most dealers will not write.

Gold & Tax Guides

Is gold CGT free?Which gold is exempt from Capital Gains Tax and which is not. Are Britannias CGT free?The flagship coin's tax status in full. Are Sovereigns CGT free?The historic coin's tax status in full. Gold and inheritancePassing gold on, gifting and the seven year rule. Gold and trustsHolding gold in trust for the next generation. Gold for businessesCompany reserves vs personal holding.

Keep Going

Frequently Asked QuestionsQuick answers on buying, delivery, tax and selling. Market NewsFresh gold insight, history and education, published weekly.

The Academy is general information, not financial or tax advice. The value of gold can go down as well as up and past performance is not a guide to future performance.