IRS Purity Standards for Precious Metals IRAs
The IRS requires minimum fineness for IRA-eligible metals: 99.5% for gold, 99.9% for silver, 99.95% for platinum and palladium. Coins and bars must be produced by an approved mint, assayer, or refiner on the LBMA, COMEX, NYMEX, or equivalent approved list.
Self-directed IRAs can only hold precious metals that meet the fineness and provenance requirements set under IRC §408(m)(3). Below is the working reference our desk uses when quoting IRA-eligible product.
- Gold minimum fineness
- 99.5% (.995 or finer)
- Silver minimum fineness
- 99.9% (.999 or finer)
- Platinum minimum fineness
- 99.95% (.9995 or finer)
- Palladium minimum fineness
- 99.95% (.9995 or finer)
- Approved producers
- LBMA, COMEX, NYMEX, or equivalent national mint
- Notable statutory exception
- American Gold Eagle (91.67% fineness — statutorily allowed)
This reference is educational. Eligibility confirmation for any specific product happens on the call — every IRA transaction we execute is confirmed against the current IRS and custodian requirements before any funds move.