Gold & Tax

Gold and Trusts

Physical gold coins can be held in trust like any other possession and some of their tax features carry through.

Last reviewed October 2026

In short: Trustees can hold physical gold coins for beneficiaries. UK legal tender coins remain exempt from Capital Gains Tax when held in trust, which gold bars do not. Trust taxation is complex, so always speak to a solicitor or accountant first.

Why families use trusts for gold coins

A trust lets you set coins aside for children or grandchildren while keeping control over when and how they receive them. Coins suit this: they need no management, pay no income that would create yearly tax paperwork and can sit in insured storage for the life of the trust.

The Capital Gains Tax position

Trustees normally face Capital Gains Tax at trust rates with a reduced allowance. Britannias and Sovereigns are different: as sterling legal tender they are not chargeable assets, so Capital Gains Tax does not apply to them inside the trust.

What still needs care

Inheritance Tax is the complicated part. Transfers into most trusts can trigger an immediate charge above the nil-rate band and relevant property trusts face periodic and exit charges. None of this is unique to gold, which is why a trust holding gold coins should always be set up with a solicitor or accountant. Trustees should also arrange proper storage and insurance and document the coins clearly.

Read more: Gold and inheritance · Gold for businesses

This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Trust taxation is complex and depends heavily on the trust type and individual circumstances. Please take professional advice before acting. The value of gold can go down as well as up.

Setting up a family trust?

We are happy to work alongside your solicitor to supply and document the coins.

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