The Telegraph Profiles Bullion Club Client Elaine Pickin and Her Gold Coin Portfolio

We’re proud to share that one of our clients, Elaine Pickin, has been featured in The Telegraph in a new article titled:

“I spent £120k on 28 gold coins. I’ve already made £16k in profit.”

The piece follows Elaine’s journey from curious first-time buyer to building a six-figure portfolio of Royal Mint gold coins – and how, on paper, she’s already generated a meaningful gain on her holdings.

Elaine works with Bullion Club to build and manage her coin portfolio, focusing on high-quality, legal-tender gold coins that combine long-term gold exposure with the unique tax treatment available to UK investors.

Why Elaine chose Royal Mint gold coins

The article highlights several reasons why investors like Elaine are turning to coins such as Sovereigns and other Royal Mint issues:

Each gold Sovereign contains 0.2354 troy ounces of gold – far above its nominal £1 face value

Rarer or more desirable coins can command premiums in excess of £1,000 per piece

Because qualifying Royal Mint coins are UK legal tender, gains for UK taxpayers can be exempt from Capital Gains Tax – unlike most gold bars or overseas-minted coins

According to figures cited in the article, the number of customers buying bullion Sovereigns direct from the Royal Mint is up by over 30pc versus the same point last year, with the total value of sales more than 70pc higher. At the same time, the sterling gold price has risen by more than 50pc this year alone.

Elaine’s experience is part of this wider trend: investors looking for assets that are both tangible and tax-efficient in an environment of rising taxes and ongoing market uncertainty.

The realities behind the returns

Importantly, the Telegraph article also points out that there’s more to this market than headline gains:

• Premiums over spot: Gold coins are always priced above the raw metal value to reflect craftsmanship and demand. Buying with the right guidance can help ensure you are buying right.
• Condition and grading: Coins are graded on a 1–70 scale. The grade – and the protection of that grade over time – has a significant impact on resale value.
• Storage and insurance costs: Many investors choose professional vaulting rather than keeping large values at home, and Bullion Club offers the first year free for clients.

For investors who value craftsmanship, physical ownership and CGT advantages, legal-tender gold coins remain a compelling option.

Our role in Elaine’s journey

At Bullion Club, we’ve helped Elaine:

• Focus on Royal Mint legal-tender coins that benefit from CGT exemptions for UK taxpayers
• Prioritise grading and condition, using independently certified, encapsulated coins
• Understand premiums, liquidity and storage so she can make informed decisions – not just chase headlines

Her story is ultimately her own – but it’s a great example of how disciplined coin investing can fit into a broader wealth strategy.

You can read the full Telegraph article here

If Elaine’s experience has made you curious about whether Royal Mint gold coins might suit your own situation, you’re welcome to get in touch with the team for a no-obligation conversation.