Gold Academy · Lesson 6
How Much Gold Should I Own?
There is no single right number, but there are sensible ways to think about it, and some well-worn reference points.
Last reviewed September 2026
In short: Commentators and institutions have often suggested holding somewhere in the region of five to fifteen percent of investable wealth in gold. The right figure for you depends on what you are protecting against, your other assets and your time horizon. It is a personal decision, ideally made with advice.
Start with the job you want gold to do
If gold is your insurance against inflation and financial stress, the allocation should be big enough to matter when it is needed, but not so big that its quiet years frustrate you. A holding of a few percent barely moves the needle; a holding of half your wealth concentrates you in a single asset. Most serious thinking lands between those extremes.
Think in stages, not lump sums
You do not have to arrive at your target in one purchase. Many clients buy steadily, a coin or a few coins at a time, letting regular purchases smooth out the price. This removes the pressure of timing and builds the position calmly. We wrote about this approach in our article on building your position slowly.
Match the coins to the plan
Smaller pieces such as Sovereigns and fractional Britannias give flexibility to sell in stages later; one ounce Britannias carry lower premiums per gram. A mixed holding often serves both needs. Whatever the size, UK legal tender coins keep the whole position free of Capital Gains Tax.
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This page is general information, not financial advice, and does not recommend any particular allocation for you. The value of gold can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a guide to future performance. Consider taking regulated financial advice on your overall portfolio.
Work out your own number
Use our calculator, read the guide, and talk it through with us if it helps.
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