Why Some Greeks Still Buy Gold Sovereigns – And What They’re Worth Today

While digital banking and modern investments dominate today’s financial world, many Greeks still turn to a more traditional asset: gold sovereigns. But why are these coins still popular—and what are they really worth?

Gold Sovereigns: Prices and Market Trends

Christos Pouloglou, a professional gold coin appraiser, recently shared insights on the market with Greek broadcaster SKAI.

According to Pouloglou, a gold sovereign bearing King Charles’s image currently sells for around €700, while buyers looking to sell can expect about €660. Coins depicting Queen Elizabeth fetch similar prices on the market, selling at €660.

Despite their popularity, Pouloglou notes that profit margins on gold sovereigns are quite slim. However, the market also includes rare coins such as British five-pound sovereigns, which can command prices around €4,000. These coins are particularly rare, with only about 350 minted globally. A 2005 edition, for example, is valued at approximately €3,850.

A Greek Tradition

"Even though Greece is a small country, the Greek gold coin market is one of the strongest in Europe," says Pouloglou. "Greeks are familiar with gold sovereigns. For me, gold isn’t an investment—it’s security."

He also highlights that demand for gold coins has surged compared to last year, particularly following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which caused global uncertainty and drove investors toward safe havens like gold.

Gold Prices on the Rise

The value of gold recently reached a historic high following tariff-related announcements by Donald Trump. Around 2:20 a.m. Greek time, the price of gold jumped by 0.80%, hitting $1,319 per ounce, a new record.

Global markets reacted sharply to the announcement. The Sydney Stock Exchange, one of the first to open after the U.S. news, fell by 1.8%. In Tokyo’s derivatives market, the drop was even steeper at 6%. In electronic after-hours trading, U.S. indices plummeted: the Dow Jones fell 2.4%, the Nasdaq dropped 4.25%, and the S&P 500 declined by 3.4%.

Meanwhile, in the foreign exchange markets, the Japanese yen, often seen as a “safe haven” by financial brokers, rose by 1% against the U.S. dollar.

In uncertain times, it’s clear that many still turn to the time-tested security of gold. For Greeks, the tradition of investing in sovereigns continues—offering not just a sense of financial protection, but also a deep cultural connection to the past.