The 99.9% Rule
All silver in an IRA must be at least 99.9% pure (0.999 fineness). This is stricter than gold's 99.5% requirement. Most government-minted silver bullion coins meet this standard, but junk silver and sterling silver do NOT qualify.
IRS Silver Purity Requirements
The IRS sets specific standards for IRA approved silver. To be eligible for a self-directed IRA, silver must meet these criteria:
- • Minimum 99.9% purity (0.999 fine)
- • Produced by approved refiner or mint
- • Stored in IRS-approved depository
- • Purchased through your IRA custodian
- • Junk silver (90% purity)
- • Sterling silver (92.5% purity)
- • Collectible/numismatic coins
- • Home storage (must be in depository)
Unlike gold (which has a special exception for 91.67% pure American Gold Eagles), there are no exceptions for silver—it must meet the 99.9% standard, period.
IRA Approved Silver Coins
These IRA eligible silver coins are the most popular choices for precious metals IRAs. All meet or exceed the 99.9% purity requirement:
| Coin | Purity | Premium |
|---|---|---|
★ American Silver Eagle United States | 99.9% | High (15-25%) |
★ Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Canada | 99.99% | Moderate (8-15%) |
★ Austrian Silver Philharmonic Austria | 99.9% | Moderate (8-12%) |
British Silver Britannia United Kingdom | 99.9% | Moderate (8-12%) |
Australian Silver Kangaroo Australia | 99.99% | Moderate (10-15%) |
Mexican Silver Libertad Mexico | 99.9% | High (20-30%) |
Chinese Silver Panda China | 99.9% | High (15-25%) |
★ = Recommended picks for best value and liquidity
Top 3 Silver Coins for IRAs
American Silver Eagle
Maximum liquidity and recognition. The "gold standard" of silver coins (ironic, we know). Higher premiums but easiest to sell.
Canadian Maple Leaf
Highest purity (99.99%), lower premiums than Eagles, excellent security features. Best bang for your buck.
Austrian Philharmonic
Lowest premiums among major government coins. Beautiful design. EU legal tender status.
IRA Approved Silver Bars
Silver bars for IRA accounts must be produced by NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners or national government mints. Bars typically offer the lowest premiums over spot price:
| Refiner/Mint | Sizes | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson Matthey | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz, 1000 oz | Low (3-8%) |
| Engelhard | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz | Low-Moderate (5-10%) |
| PAMP Suisse | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz, 1 kg | Moderate (6-12%) |
| Royal Canadian Mint | 10 oz, 100 oz | Low (4-8%) |
| Sunshine Minting | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz | Low (3-6%) |
| Asahi Refining | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz | Low (3-6%) |
Bar Size Strategy
Ready to Add Silver to Your IRA?
Compare the best silver IRA companies and find the lowest premiums on approved products.
Compare Silver IRA CompaniesSilver NOT Allowed in IRAs
Buying non-approved silver in your IRA is a "prohibited transaction" that can disqualify your entire IRA. Avoid these products:
Junk Silver (Pre-1965 US Coins)
Only 90% silver - does not meet 99.9% purity requirement
Collectible/Numismatic Silver Coins
IRS prohibits collectibles in IRAs regardless of purity
Silver Jewelry
Not a bullion product and typically impure
Sterling Silver (.925)
Only 92.5% pure - does not meet requirement
Silver Rounds from Unknown Mints
Must be from NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners
Proof Coins with High Premiums
While some are technically allowed, the IRS may view excessive premiums as collectible transactions
Important
Best Value IRA Silver: Our Recommendations
For most investors, we recommend a mix of coins and bars to balance liquidity with value:
Recommended Silver IRA Portfolio
This mix provides: lowest average premiums (bars), best value coins (Maples), and ultimate liquidity (Eagles).
Frequently Asked Questions
What silver purity is required for an IRA?
Silver held in an IRA must be at least 99.9% pure (0.999 fineness). This is higher than gold's 99.5% requirement. Most government-minted silver coins meet or exceed this standard, including American Silver Eagles (99.9%) and Canadian Maple Leafs (99.99%).
Can I put junk silver in an IRA?
No, junk silver (pre-1965 US coins like Mercury dimes and Morgan dollars) is NOT IRA eligible. These coins are only 90% silver, which does not meet the 99.9% purity requirement. If you want to own junk silver, you'll need to hold it outside your IRA.
Are silver rounds IRA approved?
Some silver rounds are IRA approved, but only if they meet 99.9% purity AND are produced by a NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiner. Rounds from random private mints typically don't qualify. Stick with government coins or bars from approved refiners to be safe.
Should I buy silver coins or bars for my IRA?
For most investors, a mix of both works best. Bars offer the lowest premiums (3-8% over spot) so you get more silver per dollar. Coins like American Silver Eagles offer maximum liquidity and are easier to sell in smaller amounts. We recommend 40-60% bars and 40-60% coins, weighted toward bars for larger portfolios.
Related Silver IRA Guides
Thomas Richardson
Former wealth manager turned Gold IRA researcher. After 20 years in finance, I got tired of watching scammers prey on retirees. Now I investigate companies and publish what I find—good or bad.