The festive season is fast approaching, and if you’re looking for a unique, special, and shiny gift to give loved ones this Christmas, have you ever considered gold coins?
More than just precious pieces of metal, gold has always carried deep cultural and historical meaning as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. To this day, the act of gifting gold remains a thoughtful and enduring gesture, making coins the perfect present!
In this article, we’ll explore the history behind gifting gold, including four festive traditions that feature coins, and highlight the many benefits of giving gold at Christmas. You’ll also find out how to choose the perfect coin that brings not only joy, but everlasting elegance and value.
The history of gifting gold
To understand the tradition of giving gold, we must travel back thousands of years in time. Its history is intertwined with human civilisation, religious practices, and significant life milestones spanning diverse cultures and continents. Here are some notable instances of gold gifting around the world.
Ancient civilisations
The ancient Egyptians believed that gold was the “flesh of the gods”, particularly the sun god Ra. Pharaohs and nobles would often trade gold objects like coins and jewellery as a sign of status, protection and divine blessing (even in the afterlife).
Similarly, in Mesopotamia and ancient Greece, gold was used for social and political reasons. It was gifted and offered to help honour alliances, highlighting its influential role in strengthening diplomatic relationships.
This laid the foundation for the enduring perception of gold as a prestigious, meaningful, and tangible asset that has stood the test of time.
Religious significance
Besides its material value, gold has held spiritual and religious importance for centuries. For instance, the story of the Three Wise Men presenting gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus is a classic example of gold’s divinity, regality, and its long-standing connection to gift-giving at Christmas.
In Hinduism, gold is considered the most auspicious metal, associated with the goddess Lakshmi, as it is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and good fortune to those who receive it.
In Buddhism, gold represents the sun’s pure light and serves as a metaphor for the pursuit of enlightenment. This sacred symbolism is honoured through the use of gold statues, coins, and offerings in rituals.
Weddings and festivals
Throughout the course of history, gifting gold has been a traditional practice in wedding ceremonies, cultural festivals, and other major life events too.
At Indian weddings, gold jewellery (e.g., mangalsutra, bangles, necklaces) and ornaments are given as a way to bless newlywedded couples with wealth, health, and happiness. Whilst in the West, the exchange of gold wedding rings has become a global symbol of commitment and eternal love.
During celebrations, gold takes centre stage in many different ways. In China, red envelopes (hóngbāo) containing money or gold coins are given during the Lunar New Year to wish family and friends luck and prosperity. Meanwhile, children receive “gelt” (chocolate or real gold coins) both as a treat and as a way to teach Jewish tradition during the festival of Hanukkah.
From puddings to stockings: Three Christmas coin traditions
Clearly, gold’s beauty, heritage, and value make it a gift that shines in any season. But, with Christmas upon us, let’s take a look at three festive traditions that feature coins. Each of these customs shows how gifting gold coins for Christmas has reflected the season’s values of hope, generosity, and joy.
1. Sixpence in Christmas pudding:
This is perhaps one of the most charming British traditions. A silver coin, traditionally a sixpence, is mixed into the Christmas pudding batter on “Stir-Up Sunday” (the last Sunday before Advent). The pudding is then steamed and served on Christmas Day.
Whoever found the coin in their slice would receive luck, wealth and good fortune for the coming year. The custom was popularised in the Victorian era by Prince Albert, with the intention of bringing families together in a joyful, shared occasion. Nowadays, people tend to use small charms or chocolate coins to keep the tradition alive.
2. Boxing Day:
Boxing Day, celebrated on 26th December, has long been associated with giving gifts and coins to those in service, including tradespeople, postal workers, and servants.
Originating in the 1830s, masters would give their employees a “Christmas box” containing money or small tokens of appreciation for their hard work, reflecting the spirit of generosity and goodwill towards all.
Today, the bank holiday is marked by shopping deals, family gatherings, and sporting events, but the charitable gifting of small presents or gold coins for Christmas remains an important part.
3. Stockings and Saint Nicholas:
Most of us are familiar with the Christmas tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace, waiting for little gifts to appear — and we have good old Saint Nicholas to thank for that!
A 4th-century bishop and the inspiration for Santa Claus, he was renowned for his acts of kindness to those in need. Legend has it that he secretly dropped bags of gold coins down the chimney of a poor nobleman who could not afford dowries for his three daughters.
This sparked a centuries-old custom that spread across the UK, Europe and other parts of the world. Even today, families continue to fill stockings with coins, sweets, and little gifts, maintaining the element of surprise and anonymous giving.
Why gold coins are more than just gifts
No doubt, gold is a beautiful and precious metal, valued for its sentimental, historical, and cultural significance. However, there are also many practical benefits to buying gold coins for financial security and gifting purposes, including:
- A long-lasting investment: Historically, gold has maintained its purchasing power and can appreciate over time. This makes coins an excellent store of value for preserving and growing your wealth, even when other assets like stocks or paper currency fluctuate.
- Versatility: Gold coins come in a range of denominations, from small 1/10 oz coins to full 1-ounce pieces, making investing accessible to different budgets. You can build a diverse portfolio without overspending, or simply own a coin as a keepsake.
- Highly liquid: You can sell gold coins individually when needed, and because many are produced by trusted names like The Royal Mint, they’re recognised worldwide, making it easy to turn your gold into cash quickly.
- Collector appeal: With limited editions and commemorative pieces available, many gold coins attract both collectors and history enthusiasts. Their intricate designs and historical significance often carry a “collector’s premium” above the spot price of gold, enhancing their rarity and desirability.
Choosing the right gold coin for Christmas
Ideal for yourself, a loved one, or even future generations, gold coins are the gift that keeps on giving. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? Here’s a quick breakdown of what to consider before you buy.
Your goal and budget
First, ask yourself: Is this gold coin a memento, a beginner’s investment, or a bit of both? Once you’ve outlined your goal, set a budget. Fortunately, there are options at almost every price point. For modest budgets, 1/10 oz or 1/4 oz coins are perfect, while 1/2 oz and 1 oz coins are ideal for larger gifts or more substantial investments.
Weight and purity
Smaller fractional gold coins (e.g., 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz) are great for first-time recipients or children. On the flip side, 1 oz coins are the standard for more serious investors due to their higher liquidity and easier resale. When it comes to purity, look for coins with 99.99% gold content, like the Gold Britannia, or 91.67% purity, like British Sovereigns.
Design
Since it’s a gift, you’ll want to pick a gold coin with a striking, beautiful design that recipients will admire and love for years to come! Popular options include the Canadian Maple Leaf, American Eagle, Gold Sovereign (St. George and the Dragon) and Gold Britannia (Lady Britannia). Many mints also release proof or commemorative coins with festive themes like The Snowman™.
Authenticity and packaging
This is one of the biggest factors to consider when buying gold coins for Christmas. Each coin will come with a certificate of authenticity, hallmarks and a purity stamp (e.g., ‘999.9 Fine Gold’). Most coins are sealed in a tamper-proof card to keep them protected, and some bullion dealers will also offer attractive gift boxes for a small extra fee.
Pick a trusted dealer
Always buy gold coins from a reputable dealer for a stress-free experience. Check to make sure they are accredited by industry organisations like the London Bullion Market Association, as well as customer reviews for high ratings, and a strong track record. At BullionGiant, we offer LMBA-approved 99.99% pure coins, with secure, insured delivery and transparent pricing for anyone gifting cold coins this Christmas.
Storage and insurance
Once you’ve bought the gold coins, consider storage and insurance. Even when gifting, think about how the recipient will keep their coin safe and secure. This can be done at home, in a safe, or through a professional vault service. In addition, insurance protects coins from theft or damage, giving you added peace of mind and helping them retain their value.
Tax implications
Finally, remember to factor in tax. In the UK, gold bullion coins (e.g., Britannia and Sovereign) are typically exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT), meaning any profit when selling them is usually tax-free. This makes gold coins a sensible choice for gifting, collecting, or long-term investment.
Make your Christmas shine with gold coins from BullionGiant!
Want to make Christmas truly unforgettable? Browse our extensive collection of gold coins with all the beauty, history and value that make this time of the year so wonderful!
If you’re new to buying gold, our team is here to help you every step of the way, offering a secure, straightforward, and hassle-free process so you can buy gold coins or bullion bars with confidence.For more information, contact us today on 0800 433 2424, WhatsApp 07747246247 or send an email to sales@bulliongiant.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!