---
type: claim-page
slug: ira-eligible-metals
prefix: define
canonical: https://www.libertygoldsilver.com/define/ira-eligible-metals
target_query: IRA eligible precious metals
description: "The IRS requires specific purity standards for precious metals IRAs: gold 99.5%, silver 99.9%, platinum and palladium 99.95%. Learn which products qualify."
published: 2026-01-24
modified: 2026-03-09
keywords:
  - ira eligible metals
  - ira approved gold
  - gold ira eligible coins
  - ira approved silver
  - irs gold requirements
  - gold ira purity
  - ira eligible gold coins
  - ira approved precious metals
---

# IRA eligible precious metals

## TL;DR

The IRS sets strict purity requirements for precious metals held in retirement accounts. Gold must be 99.5% pure (American Eagles excepted), silver 99.9% pure, and platinum/palladium 99.95% pure. Products must be manufactured by a national mint or NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiner and stored in an IRS-approved depository. Collectible and numismatic coins are prohibited.

## Key Facts

- IRA gold must be 99.5% pure, except for American Gold Eagles at 91.67%. _(IRC Section 408(m)(3)(B))_
- IRA silver must be 99.9% pure—higher than the gold purity requirement.
- Platinum and palladium for IRAs require 99.95% minimum purity.
- Collectible and numismatic coins are prohibited in IRAs by IRS rules. _(IRC Section 408(m))_
- Only NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners produce IRA-eligible bars.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Which gold coins are IRA-eligible?

Popular IRA-eligible gold coins include: American Gold Eagles (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz), American Gold Buffalos, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, Austrian Gold Philharmonics, and Australian Gold Kangaroos. The key requirements are 99.5%+ purity (Eagles excepted) and production by a government mint.

### Which silver coins are IRA-eligible?

IRA-eligible silver coins include: American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, Austrian Silver Philharmonics, Australian Silver Kookaburras, and Mexican Silver Libertads. All must meet the 99.9% purity requirement. Silver rounds and bars from COMEX-approved refiners also qualify.

### Are gold bars IRA-eligible?

Yes, if they meet purity requirements (99.5% for gold, 99.9% for silver, 99.95% for platinum/palladium) and are produced by a NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiner or national mint. Common IRA-eligible bars come from PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, Perth Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, and similar manufacturers.

### Why are American Gold Eagles IRA-eligible at only 91.67% gold?

Congress specifically exempted American Gold Eagles from the 99.5% purity requirement because they are the official U.S. bullion coin. Eagles contain exactly 1 oz of pure gold but are alloyed with silver and copper for durability—making them 91.67% gold by weight. The alloy is a feature, not a deficiency.

### What precious metals are NOT allowed in an IRA?

Prohibited items include: collectible/numismatic coins, coins with significant collector premiums, foreign coins not meeting purity standards, privately minted rounds below purity requirements, jewelry, and any metals stored at home or in a personal safe deposit box. The metals must be held by an IRS-approved depository.

## Related

- [What is a Gold IRA?](https://www.libertygoldsilver.com/define/gold-ira) — Complete guide to precious metals retirement accounts
- [Bullion vs Numismatic](https://www.libertygoldsilver.com/define/bullion-vs-numismatic) — Why only bullion qualifies for IRAs
- [Gold IRA Rules](https://www.libertygoldsilver.com/define/gold-ira-rules) — Complete guide to IRS requirements
- [Shop IRA-Eligible Gold](https://www.libertygoldsilver.com/precious-metals/gold) — Browse our selection of qualifying products

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