IRA-Approved Gold & Silver: Criteria, How to Invest in IRA
IRA-approved gold and silver is required to fund a Gold IRA. For precious metals to qualify, they must meet strict IRS criteria including minimum purity standards and eligibility of only specific coins and bars. Focus on the User has listed all allowed gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in a Gold IRA or Silver IRA.
- There is strict criteria for eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in a Gold IRA. Gold must be 99.5% pure, silver 99.9%, and platinum and palladium 99.95%.
- Not all gold IRA companies offer the same types of coins and bars in their Gold or Silver IRAs.
- There are a few exceptions to the criteria for IRA-allowed bullion including the American Gold Eagle Coin.
- What is IRA-Approved Gold?
- Criteria For IRA-Approved Metals
- Approved Gold Coins
- Approved Gold Bars
- Approved Silver Coins
- Approved Silver Bars
- Approved Platinum & Palladium
- Ineligible Precious Metals
- How to Invest in IRA-Approved Precious Metals
- How Much to Invest in IRA-Approved Gold
- Benefits of IRA-Allowed Metals in Retirement
- FAQ
What is IRA-Approved Gold?
IRA-approved gold is physical gold bullion that meets specific criteria set by the IRS for investment in a self-directed IRA (SDIRA). Requirements include a minimum purity or fineness of 99.5% and must be produced by a certified government mint or manufacturer. IRA-eligible gold is the only gold accepted in a Gold IRA.
Not all gold and silver is allowed in a Precious Metals IRA. It is important to remember only certain gold and other precious metal products are allowed to be included. Anything outside of this list may be ineligible.
Criteria For IRA-Approved Metals
There is strict criteria set by the IRS for allowed precious metals in a self-directed individual retirement account. If the precious do not meet these rules, you may face penalties.
Each metal must meet its required purity of 99.5% (Gold), 99.9% (Silver), and 99.95% (Platinum, palladium). Eligible 24-karat gold bullion bars range from 1 oz to 400 oz. Small bullion bars, except for 400 ounce gold, 100 oz gold, 1000 oz silver, 50 oz platinum, and 100 oz palladium, must meet exact weight specifications.
IRA-approved bullion must be sourced from reputable institutions like the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), COMEX/NYMEX, or other mints, refiners, or assayers. (IRS publications 590-A & 590-B for further details.) The minimum fineness requirement applies to both coins and bars. Additionally, all IRA-holder's gold must be held in IRS-approved storage facilities.
| Precious Metal | Minimum Purity |
|---|---|
| Gold | 99.5% (.995) |
| Silver | 99.9% (.999) |
| Platinum | 99.95% (.9995) |
| Palladium | 99.95% (.9995) |
Below you can compare all pre-approved precious metals that are eligible for an IRA. These physical metals range from gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
IRA-Approved Gold Coins
Only a limited selection of gold coins are approved for IRAs, each meeting the necessary criteria. Among the most popular IRA-eligible gold coins are the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, American Buffalo, and Austrian Philharmonic gold coins. Below is the complete list of all eligible gold coins in an IRA:
American Eagle Gold Coins
Mint:
U.S. Mint
Purity:
91.67% (22-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Key Features:
Iconic design, most popular Gold IRA coin, recognized worldwide.
Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins
Mint:
Royal Canadian Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz
Key Features:
Known for purity and security features, widely accepted.
American Buffalo Gold Coins
Mint:
U.S. Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
First 24-karat gold coin by the U.S. Mint, high purity, IRA-approved.
Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins
Mint:
Austrian Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Key Features:
Europe's best-selling gold coin, recognized worldwide.
Australian Gold Kangaroo/Nugget Coin
Mint:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 kg, 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Key Features:
Unique yearly designs, highly collectible, IRA-approved.
British Gold Britannia Coin
Mint:
The Royal Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Key Features:
High-security features, .9999 Gold Britannia coins only.
Mexican Gold Libertad Coin
Mint:
Mexican Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz
Key Features:
Limited mintage, attractive designs.
British Gold Queen's Beast Coin
Mint:
The Royal Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/4 oz
Key Features:
Part of a collectible series, detailed designs.
Australian Gold Lunar Series Coins
Mint:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz
Key Features:
Part of the popular Lunar Series, features annual designs based on the Chinese Zodiac.
IRA-Approved Gold Bars
The range of gold bars approved for IRAs is also limited but includes some of the most reputable brands in the industry. The most popular choices, like Credit Suisse, PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, and Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) gold bars, are featured prominently. Below is the complete list of all eligible gold bars in an IRA:
Credit Suisse Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Credit Suisse
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
Widely accepted, serial numbered, highly reputable.
PAMP Suisse Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
PAMP Suisse
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
"Lady Fortuna" design, high-quality, serial numbered.
Valcambi Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Valcambi Suisse
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
Trusted brand, CombiBar option (breakable into smaller segments).
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Royal Canadian Mint
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz and larger
Key Features:
Anti-counterfeiting features, highly reputable.
Perth Mint Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
Serial numbered, tamper-evident packaging.
Asahi Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Asahi Refining
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz to 1 kg
Key Features:
High-quality, from former Johnson Matthey facilities.
Johnson Matthey Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Johnson Matthey
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz and larger
Key Features:
Highly recognized, still accepted despite discontinued production
Engelhard Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Engelhard
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz and larger
Key Features:
High value among collectors, still IRA-eligible.
Heraeus Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Heraeus
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
Internationally recognized, serial numbered.
Royal Mint (UK) Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Royal Mint
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz and larger
Key Features:
Prestigious, quality assured.
Metalor Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Metalor
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
Swiss quality, LBMA-accredited.
Argor-Heraeus Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Argor-Heraeus
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
Swiss-made, highly respected, serial numbered.
Rand Refinery Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Rand Refinery
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz and larger
Key Features:
Known for producing Krugerrands, LBMA-accredited.
Sunshine Minting Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Sunshine Minting
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz and larger
Key Features:
Anti-counterfeiting features, serial numbered.
Australian Bullion Company (ABC) Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Australian Bullion Company
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
IRA-approved, recognized brand.
Ohio Precious Metals (OPM) Gold Bars
Manufacturer:
Ohio Precious Metals (OPM)
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 oz and larger
Key Features:
Less common today, LBMA-accredited.
IRA-Approved Silver Coins
Several silver coins meet the requirements for IRA approval, with the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Vienna Philharmonic, and British Britannia being the most sought-after. Below is the complete list of all eligible silver coins in an IRA:
American Eagle Silver Coins
Mint:
U.S. Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Most popular IRA-approved silver coin, globally recognized.
Canadian Maple Leaf Silver Coins
Mint:
Royal Canadian Mint
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
High purity, advanced security features, widely accepted.
Austrian Vienna Philharmonic Silver Coins
Mint:
Austrian Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Popular in Europe, classic design, highly liquid.
British Britannia Silver Coins
Mint:
The Royal Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Iconic Britannia design, .999 silver Britannia coins only.
Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins
Mint:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Annual changing design, limited mintage.
Australian Koala Silver Coins
Mint:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Limited mintage, annually changing design.
Mexican Libertad Silver Coins
Mint:
Mexican Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz
Key Features:
Iconic design, diverse sizes, lower mintage.
America the Beautiful Silver Coins
Mint:
U.S. Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
5 oz
Key Features:
Large size, detailed designs of U.S. national parks.
South African Krugerrand Silver Coins
Mint:
South African Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Well-known brand, more recent entry into silver market.
British Lunar Series Silver Coins
Mint:
The Royal Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Part of the collectible Lunar Series, based on the Chinese Zodiac.
IRA-Approved Silver Bars
Silver bars approved for IRAs come from a select group of respected refiners. Leading options include those from Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), Sunshine Mint, Engelhard, and Nadir. Below is the complete list of all eligible silver bars in an IRA:
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Royal Canadian Mint
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
10 oz, 100 oz
Key Features:
High purity, anti-counterfeiting features, globally recognized.
Sunshine Mint Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Sunshine Minting
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz
Key Features:
Anti-counterfeiting security feature (MintMark SI), widely accepted.
Engelhard Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Engelhard
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
10 oz, 100 oz
Key Features:
Highly valued by collectors, limited supply, discontinued.
Nadir Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Nadir Metal Rafineri
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg
Key Features:
LBMA-approved, widely recognized in global markets.
Johnson Matthey Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Johnson Matthey
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz
Key Features:
Highly regarded, still IRA-approved despite discontinued production.
Valcambi Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Sunshine Minting
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg, 100 oz
Key Features:
Breakable CombiBar option, Swiss quality.
Credit Suisse Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Credit Suisse
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz
Key Features:
Renowned brand, serial numbered.
PAMP Suisse Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
PAMP Suisse
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg, 100 oz
Key Features:
"Lady Fortuna" design, high-quality Swiss refinery.
Perth Mint Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
10 oz, 1 kg
Key Features:
Serial numbered, tamper-evident packaging.
Asahi Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Asahi Refining
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz
Key Features:
Produced by a former Johnson Matthey facility, highly respected.
Heraeus Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Heraeus
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz
Key Features:
Highly respected German refinery, LBMA-accredited.
Metalor Silver Bars
Manufacturer:
Metalor
Purity:
99.9% (.999)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg, 100 oz
Key Features:
Swiss refinery with high-quality, IRA-approved bars.
IRA-Approved Platinum Coins
Below is the complete list of all eligible platinum coins in an IRA:
American Eagle Platinum Coins
Mint:
U.S. Mint
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Key Features:
Only platinum coin issued by the U.S. Mint, iconic "Liberty" design.
Canadian Maple Leaf Platinum Coins
Mint:
Royal Canadian Mint
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Key Features:
Renowned for purity and quality, widely recognized worldwide.
Australian Koala Platinum Coins
Mint:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz
Key Features:
Unique koala designs change annually, high-quality production.
Isle of Man Noble Platinum Coins
Mint:
Pobjoy Mint (Isle of Man)
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Denominations:
1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz
Key Features:
First platinum bullion coin issued (1983), features Viking ship design.
IRA-Approved Platinum Bars
Below is the complete list of all eligible platinum bars in an IRA:
Credit Suisse Platinum Bars
Manufacturer:
Credit Suisse
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
Trusted brand, serial numbered, LBMA-accredited.
PAMP Suisse Platinum Bars
Manufacturer:
PAMP Suisse
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
"Lady Fortuna" design, high-quality Swiss production, serial numbered.
Valcambi Platinum Bars
Manufacturer:
Valcambi Suisse
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
Swiss-made, CombiBar option (breakable into smaller pieces), LBMA-accredited.
Argor Heraeus Platinum Bars
Manufacturer:
Argor-Heraeus
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz
Key Features:
Swiss quality, LBMA-accredited, serial numbered.
Johnson Matthey Platinum Bars
Manufacturer:
Johnson Matthey
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
Highly respected, still accepted despite discontinued production.
Engelhard Platinum Bars
Manufacturer:
Engelhard
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
Collectible, highly regarded despite discontinued production, LBMA-accredited.
IRA-Approved Palladium Coins
Below is the complete list of all eligible palladium coins in an IRA:
American Eagle Palladium Coins
Mint:
U.S. Mint
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
First U.S. palladium coin, features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse.
Canadian Maple Leaf Palladium Coins
Mint:
Royal Canadian Mint
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Highly recognized, features the iconic maple leaf design, backed by the Canadian government.
Australian Emu Palladium Coins
Mint:
Perth Mint
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Denominations:
1 oz
Key Features:
Features the image of an emu, limited mintage, produced by a reputable mint.
IRA-Approved Palladium Bars
Below is the complete list of all eligible palladium bars in an IRA:
Credit Suisse Palladium Bars
Manufacturer:
Credit Suisse
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
Trusted brand, serial numbered, LBMA-accredited.
PAMP Suisse Palladium Bars
Manufacturer:
PAMP Suisse
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
"Lady Fortuna" design, high-quality Swiss production, serial numbered.
Johnson Matthey Palladium Bars
Manufacturer:
Johnson Matthey
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
Highly respected brand, still accepted despite discontinued production.
Valcambi Palladium Bars
Manufacturer:
Valcambi Suisse
Purity:
99.95% (.9995)
Sizes:
1 oz, 10 oz
Key Features:
Swiss-made, LBMA-accredited, serial numbered.
Ineligible Precious Metals
Not all precious metals are eligible for a self-directed Gold IRA. These coins and bars do not meet the gold purity standards required. Popular but ineligible options include the Gold South African Krugerrand, British Sovereign, and collectible Chinese Panda coins. The complete list of ineligible precious metals can be found below to avoid non-compliant metals:
- South African Krugerrand Gold Coins – Highly popular but only 91.67% pure (22-karat).
- Chinese Panda Gold Coins – Widely recognized, but often considered collectibles.
- British Sovereign – Commonly traded, but doesn’t meet .995 purity standards.
- Pre-1965 U.S. Silver Coins ("Junk Silver") – Popular for silver investments but contain only 90% silver.
- Mexican Peso & Ounza
- Gold Mexican 50 Peso Coins (Centenario)
- U.S. Liberty Coins
- British Britannia (pre-2013)
- American Buffalo Proof
- French 20 Franc
- Austrian Corona & Ducat
- Colombian Peso
- Gold Indian Head Coins ($2.50, $5, $10)
- Belgian 20 Franc
- Dutch 10 Guilder
- Swiss 20 Franc
- German Mark
- Hungarian 100 Korona
- French 40 Franc Gold Coins
- Austrian 100 Corona
- Russian Rouble Gold Coins
- Italian 20 Lira
- Chinese Panda Silver Coins
- Australian Coins (Ducat, etc.)
- Collectible Coins or Rare Coins
How to Invest in IRA-Approved Gold & Silver
To start investing in IRA-approved gold and silver, you must first decide on a reputable gold IRA company to open your Gold IRA. Then decide on a custodian, fund your new self-directed IRA through a rollover or transfer, choose approved precious metal coins and bars, then arrange for secure storage with an IRS-approved depository. Before funding your new self-directed IRA, Focus on the User's gold IRA rollover guide explains exactly what you can expect the process to be like.
Keep in mind that not all gold IRA companies offer the same eligible coins and bars for your account. These companies usually provide a free gold IRA investment kit that details what types of coins and bars they provide. The kits also outline the minimum investment requirement to open an account. Don't forget to factor in flat rate fees and others like storage fees and one-time account setup fees as these can vary widly between each top gold company.
How Much to Invest in IRA-Approved Gold & Silver
It is recommended by financial experts to allocate 5-20% of your retirement portfolio to gold and silver, based specifically on your risk tolerance and investment goals. Speak with a financial professional before making any decisions to ensure your retirement plan is a success. The 5-20% range can vary based on your personal retirement strategy and how you want to plan against economic uncertainty.
| Investment Percentage | Investor Type | Reason for Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | Conservative Investors | Minimal exposure for basic diversification. |
| 10% | Balanced Investors | Moderate protection against market volatility. |
| 15% | Inflation-Hedging Investors | Stronger focus on hedging against inflation and economic uncertainty. |
| 20% | Aggressive Investors | Maximum protection and long-term gains in precious metals. |
Benefits of IRA-Allowed Gold & Silver in Retirement
The benefits of investing in a Gold or Silver IRA provide a hedge against inflation, protect against market volatility, diversification of your retirement portfolio, and offer long-term wealth security for retirement. The diversification of precious metals in a retirement portfolio alongside typical assets such as stocks and bonds, ensures for a robust portfolio ready to weather any financial storm. Adding these metals specifically into a SDIRA also offers tax benefits. The benefits tend to outweigh the drawbacks of Gold IRAs when you compare all pros and cons.
When purchasing gold, consider gold prices, specifically the spot price, as it reflects the current market value and serves as a benchmark for pricing gold coins and bars. The company you work with will help you through process of choosing the best priced bullion for your gold-backed IRA. As gold is seen as a long-term investment, you can analyze the price of gold over the last 10 years to better understand its stability for a strong financial future.
Eligible Precious Metal FAQ
Setting up a Gold IRA involves choosing a gold IRA company and custodian, funding your account through rollover or transfer, selecting approved precious metals, and arranging storage with an IRS-approved depository.
The annual investment limit for a Gold or Silver IRA is the same as regular IRAs, currently $7,000 (or $8,000 if age 50+) in 2024. The contributions limits typically change on a yearly basis.
Proof coins are allowed in a Gold or Silver IRA if they meet IRS purity standards and come in original, uncirculated condition, with certificate of authenticity.
Bullion coins are valued for metal content, while proof coins are collectible, with higher detail and finish, but both are allowed if they meet IRS criteria.
Both coins and bars are suitable for IRAs, but coins offer more liquidity, while bars typically have lower premiums.
Metals in an IRA must meet specific weight or size standards, with gold at .995 purity, silver at .999, platinum, and palladium at .9995.
You can combine gold, silver, platinum, and palladium within a single IRA, provided they meet the purity and eligibility criteria.
Precious metals in an IRA must be stored in an IRS-approved depository, ensuring secure and insured storage.
You can switch or sell metals within your IRA, allowing you to adapt to market changes, but transactions must be handled by your Gold IRA custodian.
How Focus on the User Listed the Top IRA Allowed Bullion
The rules behind eligible precious metals for an IRA are set by the IRS. Focus on the User has listed these approved bullion coins and bars so you can easily reference what is allowed in your self-directed IRA. Read our gold guide for even more information on starting your first Gold IRA. We make it easy to include IRA-eligible precious metals in your retirement.
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