The UK precious metals market has experienced one of the busiest periods in its history. As demand has surged, Royal Mint delays have become more visible across popular products. CGT-exempt 1oz gold coins have been particularly affected.
Here is what you need to know.
Demand for precious metals continues to surge
Gold rose 26% in 2024 and has gained more than 60% again this year. Silver has delivered even stronger gains. Rather than slowing demand, these price rises have intensified it.
Many investors now fear missing out on further upside. They have moved quickly to secure physical bullion. This has driven demand sharply higher, especially for CGT-exempt 1oz gold coins.
Solomon Global recorded a 122% year-on-year increase in sales in October 2025. This marked the strongest month in the company’s history compared with October 2024.
This rapid increase in orders caught the physical bullion network off guard. Refined metal in coin, bar, and deliverable formats could not keep pace.
Logistical issues behind Royal Mint delays
Mints increased production to meet the surge in orders. That rapid expansion placed strain on logistics providers. Transport and fulfilment quickly became pressure points across the supply chain.
Inventory shortages
Inventories in major vaults, particularly in London, have fallen to historic lows. CNBC reported that the London Bullion Market Association held 31,023 metric tons of silver in June 2022. By March 2025, volumes had dropped to around 22,126 metric tons. This marked the lowest level in years.
The Royal Mint does not operate an LBMA London vault, and its inventories remain separate. However, the wider shortage of refined, deliverable metal has still affected the supply chain. As a result, these conditions have contributed to ongoing delays.
How Solomon Global has been impacted by Royal Mint delays
At the same time, the surge in demand coincided with the launch of the 2026 Queen’s Lion Tudor Beast coin. Notably, this release remains one of the most anticipated in the series.
As a result, many clients placed large orders expecting delivery within ten days. In addition, they anticipated receiving their coins by early November. However, the timing of the launch, combined with the market pressures outlined above, made this impossible.
Consequently, orders placed throughout October are now being fulfilled. In the meantime, we would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding.
No need for concern
Importantly, these delays reflect record demand rather than a lack of metal. Meanwhile, mints and refiners continue to manufacture and ship products daily. As conditions improve, production is scaling up, although suppliers still warn of potential delays.
From the moment a customer completes payment with Solomon Global, they become the legal owner of the metal. At all times, their gold or silver remains fully insured, regardless of its location.
For those who wish to plan ahead, clients can lock in the current price on delayed items. Additionally, we will notify them as soon as stock becomes available. Alternatively, we are happy to discuss other products or denominations that remain more readily accessible.
The bigger picture
More broadly, recent conditions highlight real production constraints within the physical bullion market. In particular, these pressures intensify when large numbers of investors buy at the same time.
Ultimately, the strong demand seen throughout 2025 reflects continued confidence in precious metals as long-term stores of value. Even so, after two years of strong gold gains, investors have not stepped back. Instead, demand remains high, and the market continues to operate at record levels.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Buying physical gold as an investment involves risk, as the value of precious metal prices can be volatile. Historical financial performance does not necessarily give a guide of future financial performance. We recommend that you conduct your own independent research and seek professional tax, legal and financial advice before making any investment decisions.
