Eligible Precious Metals for IRA Investing
Looking to set up a Self-Directed Precious Metals IRA? Well, not all gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion are approved for an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The IRS only approved certain gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coin types. Below you’ll find a list of the IRA approved bullion that can be purchased for a Precious Metals IRA.
Precious Metals Fineness Requirements for IRA
Eligible Product Types for IRA
Bullion Bars*
Bullion Coins*
Proof Coins†
Rounds*
*Bullion Coins, Bars and Rounds:
- Must meet minimum fineness requirements (listed above).
- Must be produced by a national government mint or produced by or a private refiner, assayer or manufacturer that is accredited/certified by: NYMEX, COMEX, NYSE/Liffe, LME, LBMA, LPPM, TOCOM, ISO 9000.
- Non-proof (bullion) coins must be in brilliant uncirculated condition and free from damage (excellent condition).
†Proof Coins:
Proof coins cannot be graded. Also, they must be complete in original mint packaging and include the certificate of authenticity.
Eligible Weights
Coin and Rounds Weights
1/10 Ounce (oz)
1/4 Ounce (oz)
1/2 Ounce (oz)
1 Ounce (oz)
Additionally, certain foreign coins are eligible as well. However, BEWARE OF EXCLUSIVE COINS.
Bullion Bars Weights
Gold Bars
(Up to 400 oz Bars)
Silver Bars
(Up to 1,000 oz Bars)
Platinum Bars
(Up to 50 oz Bars)
Palladium Bars
(Up to 100 oz Bars)
Smaller bullion bars (other than 100 ounce gold and the sizes listed above) must be manufactured to the exact weight specifications.
IRA Eligible Gold Bullion
| Approved Gold Coins |
|---|
| American Eagle Gold Coins |
| American Buffalo Bullion Gold Coins |
| Australian Kangaroo/Nugget Coins |
| Australian Lunar Series Gold Coins |
| Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins |
| Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins |
| Chinese Panda Gold Coins |
| British Britannia Gold Coins (.9999 Gold Britannia Coins Only) |
| Mexican Libertad Gold Bullion Coins |
| Approved Gold Proof Coins |
| American Eagle Gold Proof Coins |
| Approved Gold Bars & Rounds |
| Credit Suisse Gold Bars |
| PAMP Suisse Gold Bars |
| Valcambi Gold Bars |
| Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) Gold Bars |
| Perth Mint Gold Bars |
| Asahi Gold Bars |
| Johnson Matthey Gold Bars |
| Other various gold rounds & gold bars of 99.95% fine gold |
Learn More about a Physical Gold IRA
IRA Eligible Silver Bullion
| Approved Silver Coins |
|---|
| American Eagle Silver Coins | America The Beautiful Silver Coins |
| Australian Koala Silver coin |
| Austrian Vienna Philharmonic Silver Coins |
| Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins |
| Canadian Maple Leaf Silver Coins |
| Mexican Libertad Silver Bullion Coins |
| Chinese Panda Silver Coins |
| British Britannia Silver Coins(.999 Silver Britannia Coins Only) |
| British Lunar Series Silver Bullion Coins |
| South African Krugerrand Silver Coins |
| Approved Silver Proof Coins |
| American Eagle Silver Proof Coins |
| Approved Silver Bars & Rounds |
| Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) Silver Bars |
| Sunshine Mint Silver Bars |
| Engelhard Silver Bars |
| Nadir Silver Bars |
| Johnson Matthey Silver Bars |
| Valcambi Silver Bars |
| Credit Suisse Bars |
| PAMP Suisse Silver Bars |
| Perth Mint Silver Bars |
| Asahi Silver Bars |
| Other various silver rounds & silver bars of 99.9% fine silver |
Learn How To Strengthen & Protect Your IRA With Physical Gold
Get FREE Gold IRA Investor GuidesIRA Eligible Platinum Bullion
| Approved Platinum Coins |
|---|
| American Eagle Platinum Coins |
| Australian Koala Platinum Coins |
| Canadian Maple Leaf Platinum Coins |
| Isle of Man Noble Platinum Coins |
| Approved Platinum Proof Coins |
| American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins |
| Approved Platinum Bars & Rounds |
| Credit Suisse Platinum Bars |
| PAMP Suisse Platinum Bars |
| Valcambi Platinum Bars |
| Argor Heraeus Platinum Bars |
| Johnson Matthey Platinum Bars |
| Engelhard Platinum Bars |
| Other various platinum bullion bars & platinum rounds of 99.95% fine platinum |
IRA Eligible Palladium Bullion
| Approved Palladium Coins |
|---|
| Canadian Maple Leaf Palladium Coins |
| Approved Palladium Bars & Rounds |
| Credit Suisse Palladium Bars |
| PAMP Suisse Palladium Bars |
| Johnson Matthey Palladium Bars |
| Valcambi Palladium Bars |
| Other various palladium bullion bars & palladium rounds of 99.95% fine palladium |
InEligible Precious Metals for IRA Investing
Collectible coins or rare coins, including graded or certified coins, are not eligible for a Precious Metal IRA. The following is a list of precious metal coins that may not be invested in a Precious Metal IRA.
- Austrian Corona & Ducat
- U.S. Buffalo Proof
- U.S. Liberty
- British Britannia (*Gold & silver Britannias minted before to 2013 are ineligible.)
- British Sovereign
- Belgian 20 Franc
- Chilean 100 Peso
- Columbian Peso
- Dutch 10 Guilder
- French 20 Franc
- German Mark
- Hungarian 100 Korona
- Italian 20 Lira
- Mexican Peso & Ounza
- Swiss 20 Franc
- South African Krugerrand Gold Coins
- Collectible coins or rare coins, including certified or graded coins
FAQ About Approved Precious Metals for IRA
What Does IRA Eligible Silver Mean?
Not just any silver coin or bars will qualify for a silver IRA account. Approved silver investments must fall under a pre-approved list of eligible items as detailed above. Read IRS publications 590-A & 590-B for further details.
What is IRA Eligible Gold?
Just like with silver, not all gold bullion will qualify for a gold IRA account. Approved gold investments must fall under a pre-approved list (as detailed above), be pure 24-karat gold bullion bars (1 oz – 400 oz.), and secure an appropriate hallmark from a qualified refiner or assayer. Read the IRS publications 590-A & 590-B for further details.
How Do Precious Metals IRA Plans Work?
To invest in precious metals through a self-directed IRA, you must establish a valid IRA and have cash available in the IRA. Scottsdale Bullion & Coin has simplified the process of setting up a gold and silver IRA into six easy steps. Read: How a Precious Metals IRA Works
Read more Gold and Silver IRA Frequently Asked Questions
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