How gold is priced in Europe (euro)
Across the euro area gold is priced in euros per ounce for coins and per gram or per bar for bars from 1 g to 1 kg. The prices here are spot gold converted at today's EUR/USD rate.
VAT-free investment gold
Under the EU VAT Directive (2006/112/EC), investment gold is exempt from VAT in every member state: bars of at least 995 fineness, and coins of at least 900 fineness minted after 1800 that are legal tender and sold for no more than 180% of their gold value. The European Commission publishes a list of qualifying coins every year. Jewellery pays the normal national VAT rate (19% in Germany, for example).
Germany
Gains on physical gold are tax-free after a holding period of more than one year. Within a year, gains are taxed as income, with a small annual exemption. Hallmarking is voluntary, and 333 (8K) gold is common alongside 585 and 750. Anonymous cash purchases are capped at €2,000; an EU-wide €10,000 cash limit takes effect in July 2027.
Popular products
The Vienna Philharmonic, Krugerrand, Maple Leaf and Britannia dominate coin sales; minted bars from 1 g to 100 g are popular for regular saving. Historic coins such as the Swiss Vreneli and French Napoléon (5.81 g of gold each) are traded close to their gold value.
Tax and duty information last reviewed October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your dealer or tax authority before a large purchase.