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Practical guides to gold in Denmark: selling, purity, hallmarks, market prices and pawn loans. Read the explanations and check values with the site’s calculators.
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From market price to your decision
All amounts shown are indicative metal values, not dealer offers. Use the original hallmark and net metal weight when calculating jewellery. For bullion, compare the full purchase price, selling price and any fees rather than spot alone.
A price timestamp matters as much as the amount. Prices can remain unchanged when the market is closed, and cached quotes can be older during a data interruption. Historical charts are reference series, not a promise about future returns.
Investment gold in Denmark: what applies for VAT
In Denmark, investment gold is exempt from VAT, but only if it meets specific criteria. Gold bars must have a fineness of at least 995 parts per thousand and weigh more than 1 gram to qualify as VAT-exempt investment gold; bars weighing 1 gram or less fall outside this definition.
Gold coins can also qualify as VAT-exempt investment gold, but different requirements apply: fineness must be at least 900 parts per thousand, the coin must have been minted after the year 1800, it must be or have been legal tender in the issuing country, and it must normally not be sold at more than 80% above the gold value in the specific transaction. Coins that do not meet all these conditions are taxed under the ordinary VAT rules.
It is the responsibility of the dealer and buyer to ensure that a given coin or bar actually meets the conditions at the time of the transaction, as rules and practice can change.
VAT is not the same as income tax
It is important to distinguish between VAT and income tax. The fact that an item is VAT-exempt as investment gold says nothing about how any gain on sale is taxed in a private individual's finances. Taxation of gains or losses on the sale of gold depends on specific circumstances, such as the purpose of ownership and personal situation.
This text does not constitute individual tax advice, and a general tax exemption on the sale of gold should not be assumed. Questions about taxation of gains or losses should always be clarified with SKAT or a tax advisor, as the rules can be complex and depend on the circumstances of each case.
Price versus return: what a price chart actually shows
When looking at the price development of gold over time, it is important to understand that a rising spot price does not automatically equal a net return for an investor. Price charts typically show a market price without deducting buying and selling costs, dealer margins, storage, insurance, or any applicable taxation.
An actual return therefore depends on the price actually paid at purchase, the price achieved at sale after the dealer's spread, and any ongoing costs during the holding period. Two investors who bought gold on the same date may experience different actual returns depending on these factors.
When assessing whether a specific coin meets the requirements for VAT-exempt investment gold, documentation should be obtained from the dealer regarding the year of minting, fineness, and the coin's status as legal tender, as this information is often not clearly indicated on the coin itself.
Finally, investors should be aware that rules on VAT exemption and the thresholds mentioned can change over time due to new legislation or practice, and the current status should therefore always be confirmed with a dealer or the relevant authorities before a specific transaction.
Questions and answers
Which gold bars are VAT-exempt in Denmark?
Bars with fineness at least 995 and weight over 1 gram can qualify as VAT-exempt investment gold.
Which gold coins count as investment gold?
Coins with fineness at least 900, minted after the year 1800, that are or have been legal tender, and normally sold at no more than 80% above the gold value.
Are all gold coins VAT-exempt?
No, only coins meeting all the investment gold criteria; other coins are taxed under ordinary VAT rules.
Does VAT exemption mean I don't pay tax on a gain?
No, VAT and income tax are separate matters. Ask SKAT about taxation of any gain.
Does a price chart show my actual return?
No, the chart shows the spot price without deducting costs, spread, or any applicable tax.
Can I expect the same return as someone else who bought gold the same day?
Not necessarily, since purchase price, sale price, and costs can vary between individuals.