IRS-Approved Gold & Silver Coins for IRAs: Complete List (2025)
The definitive list of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars approved for Gold IRAs, including purity requirements and popular choices.
Key Takeaways
- 1IRS requires gold to be 99.5% pure (0.995 fineness) for IRA eligibility
- 2American Gold Eagles are an exception - 91.67% pure but IRA-approved
- 3Silver must be 99.9% pure; platinum and palladium must be 99.95% pure
- 4Both coins and bars from approved refiners are eligible
- 5Collectible/numismatic coins are generally NOT IRA-eligible
- 6Your Gold IRA company will ensure you only purchase approved metals
IRS Purity Requirements for IRA Metals
The IRS sets specific purity standards for precious metals held in IRAs. These requirements are non-negotiable.
- **Exception**: American Gold Eagle (91.67% gold) is specifically IRA-approved by statute
- **Proof coins**: Acceptable if they meet purity requirements and come with certificate
- **Bars**: Must be produced by NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners or national mints
- **Collectibles prohibited**: IRC Section 408(m) prohibits collectibles in IRAs
- **Numismatic value**: Coins valued primarily for rarity are not eligible
| Metal | Minimum Purity | Common Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 99.5% | 0.995 or 24 karat |
| Silver | 99.9% | 0.999 or "fine silver" |
| Platinum | 99.95% | 0.9995 |
| Palladium | 99.95% | 0.9995 |
Why American Eagles Are Different
The American Gold Eagle contains 22-karat gold (91.67% pure), but Congress specifically exempted it from the purity requirement due to its status as official U.S. legal tender bullion.
IRS-Approved Gold Coins for IRAs
These gold coins meet IRS requirements and are popular choices for Gold IRAs.
- **Most popular**: American Gold Eagle and Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
- **Best purity**: American Gold Buffalo (99.99% pure)
- **Best value**: 1 oz coins typically have lowest premiums over spot
- **Variety seekers**: Austrian Philharmonic and Australian Kangaroo offer alternatives
- **Proof versions**: Generally eligible but come with higher premiums
| Coin | Country | Purity | Sizes Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | USA | 91.67% | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz |
| American Gold Buffalo | USA | 99.99% | 1 oz |
| Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | Canada | 99.99% | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz |
| Austrian Gold Philharmonic | Austria | 99.99% | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz |
| Australian Gold Kangaroo | Australia | 99.99% | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz |
| British Gold Britannia | UK | 99.99% | 1 oz |
| Australian Gold Lunar Series | Australia | 99.99% | 1 oz |
All coins must be in uncirculated or proof condition
IRS-Approved Gold Bars for IRAs
Gold bars offer lower premiums over spot price and are fully IRA-eligible when from approved refiners.
- **Minimum purity**: 99.5% (0.995 fineness)
- **Approved refiners**: PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse, Valcambi, Perth Mint, Royal Canadian Mint
- **Common sizes**: 1 oz, 10 oz, kilo (32.15 oz)
- **COMEX/NYMEX approved**: Bars from approved refiners are eligible
- **Lower premiums**: Bars typically have 2-5% premiums vs. 5-10% for coins
- **Hallmarks required**: Must display weight, purity, and refiner marks
| Refiner/Mint | Country | Common Products |
|---|---|---|
| PAMP Suisse | Switzerland | 1 oz, 10 oz, kilo bars |
| Credit Suisse | Switzerland | 1 oz, 10 oz bars |
| Valcambi | Switzerland | 1 oz, 10 oz, kilo bars |
| Perth Mint | Australia | 1 oz, 10 oz bars |
| Royal Canadian Mint | Canada | 1 oz, 10 oz, kilo bars |
| Johnson Matthey | UK/USA | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz bars |
| Engelhard | USA | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz bars (vintage) |
Bars vs Coins
Gold bars offer better value (lower premiums) but may be harder to liquidate in small amounts. A mix of bars and coins provides flexibility—bars for bulk value, fractional coins for partial liquidation.
Exploring your retirement options?
Our 60-second quiz matches you with the right account type
IRS-Approved Silver for IRAs
Silver requires 99.9% purity (0.999) for IRA eligibility. Here are the most popular options.
- **Most popular**: American Silver Eagle (highest liquidity)
- **Best purity**: Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (99.99%)
- **Storage consideration**: Silver is bulkier than gold (more storage space/cost)
- **100 oz bars**: Most cost-effective per ounce but less flexible
- **Generic rounds**: NOT eligible - must be government mint coins or approved bars
| Product | Type | Purity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Silver Eagle | Coin | 99.9% | 1 oz |
| Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | Coin | 99.99% | 1 oz |
| Austrian Silver Philharmonic | Coin | 99.9% | 1 oz |
| Australian Silver Kangaroo | Coin | 99.9% | 1 oz |
| PAMP Suisse Silver Bar | Bar | 99.9% | 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz, kilo |
| Engelhard Silver Bar | Bar | 99.9% | 10 oz, 100 oz |
| Royal Canadian Mint Bar | Bar | 99.9% | 10 oz, 100 oz |
Approved Platinum and Palladium
Platinum and palladium require 99.95% purity. These are less common but can add diversification.
- **Higher volatility**: Platinum and palladium prices swing more than gold/silver
- **Industrial demand**: Prices tied to automotive and industrial use
- **Less liquidity**: Smaller market means potentially wider bid-ask spreads
- **Diversification**: Can hedge against gold/silver if you want exposure
- **Most Gold IRAs**: Focus primarily on gold and silver; platinum/palladium optional
| Product | Metal | Purity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Platinum Eagle | Platinum | 99.95% | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz |
| Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf | Platinum | 99.95% | 1 oz |
| Australian Platinum Koala | Platinum | 99.95% | 1 oz |
| Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf | Palladium | 99.95% | 1 oz |
| PAMP Suisse Platinum Bar | Platinum | 99.95% | 1 oz, 10 oz |
| PAMP Suisse Palladium Bar | Palladium | 99.95% | 1 oz |
Augusta Precious Metals: Curated Selection of IRA-Approved Products
Augusta Precious Metals offers a carefully curated selection of IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Every product they sell is guaranteed IRA-eligible.
- Only IRA-approved products - no guessing about eligibility
- Popular coins: American Eagles, Maple Leafs, and more
- Quality bars from top refiners at competitive premiums
- Expert guidance on building a balanced precious metals portfolio
- All products eligible for segregated or commingled storage
- Educational resources to help you choose the right mix
Frequently Asked Questions
1Can I put gold jewelry or coins I already own into a Gold IRA?
Generally no. Personal gold cannot be contributed to an IRA - it must be purchased through the IRA custodian. Even if your existing gold meets purity requirements, transferring it would be considered a "prohibited transaction." All Gold IRA metals must be newly purchased and directly delivered to the depository.
2Are rare or collectible gold coins IRA-eligible?
No. IRC Section 408(m) specifically prohibits collectibles in IRAs. Coins valued primarily for their numismatic (collector) value rather than their precious metal content are not eligible. This includes rare dates, proof sets valued for rarity, and coins with significant premiums over melt value due to collectibility.
3Why are fractional coins more expensive per ounce?
Fractional coins (1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz) have higher premiums because they cost nearly as much to mint as full-ounce coins, but contain less metal. The premium is a percentage of a smaller value. However, they offer flexibility for partial liquidation.
4Can I hold both gold and silver in the same Gold IRA?
Yes. Despite being called a "Gold IRA," you can hold any IRA-eligible precious metal including silver, platinum, and palladium. Most investors focus on gold with some silver for diversification. Your IRA can hold a mix of all four metals if desired.
Related Articles
Helpful Guides
Interactive Tools
Ready to Protect Your Retirement?
Join thousands of Americans who have secured their savings with physical gold. Augusta Precious Metals makes the process simple.