Which Precious Metals Qualify for an IRA
The IRS sets strict standards for precious metals held in retirement accounts. Not all gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products qualify — only those meeting certain purity marks and production standards. Knowing these rules helps you build a compliant Gold IRA.
IRS Purity Standards
The IRS calls for minimum purity levels for IRA precious metals:
- Gold: 99.5% pure (0.995 fineness) — with one exception
- Silver: 99.9% pure (0.999 fineness)
- Platinum: 99.95% pure (0.9995 fineness)
- Palladium: 99.95% pure (0.9995 fineness)
The exception: American Gold Eagles are IRA-eligible despite being only 91.67% gold. Congress carved out a rule for them as the official US bullion coin.
IRA-Eligible Gold Products
Well-known gold coins and bars that qualify:
- American Gold Eagles: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
- American Gold Buffalos: 99.99% pure, 1 oz
- Canadian Gold Maple Leafs: 99.99% pure
- Austrian Gold Philharmonics: 99.99% pure
- Australian Gold Kangaroos: 99.99% pure
- Gold bars from COMEX-approved refiners: PAMP, Credit Suisse, etc.
IRA-Eligible Silver Products
Approved silver coins and bars include:
- American Silver Eagles: The most popular choice
- Canadian Silver Maple Leafs: 99.99% pure
- Austrian Silver Philharmonics: 99.9% pure
- Australian Silver Kookaburras & Kangaroos
- Silver bars: From COMEX-approved refiners, 99.9%+ pure
What's NOT Allowed
The IRS bars certain precious metals products from IRAs:
- Collectible/non-bullion coins: Priced for rarity, not metal content
- Coins below purity marks: Pre-1933 US gold coins, Krugerrands
- Jewelry and art: No matter the metal content
- Privately struck rounds: Unless they meet purity and production standards
When in doubt, ask your custodian or dealer to confirm IRA eligibility before you buy.
Storage Rules
Beyond purity, IRA metals must be kept in an IRS-approved depository. Home storage — no matter what safeguards you have — isn't allowed and can void your whole IRA.