Key Takeaways
- 1Gold must be at least 99.5% pure (0.995 fineness) to qualify for an IRA.
- 2American Gold Eagles are the one exception—approved despite being 91.67% gold.
- 3Popular choices include American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and Austrian Philharmonics.
- 4Gold bars must be produced by NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners.
- 5Collectible, numismatic, and rare coins do NOT qualify for IRAs.
- 6Silver requires 99.9% purity; platinum and palladium require 99.95%.
- 7Bars typically offer lower premiums than coins but may be less liquid.
Not all gold qualifies for a Gold IRA. The IRS has specific purity requirements that determine which IRA-approved gold coins and bars you can hold in your retirement account.
Understanding these requirements is essential—buying the wrong products can disqualify your IRA and trigger taxes and penalties.
IRS Purity Requirements
The American Eagle Exception
IRA-Approved Gold Coins
These gold coins meet IRS requirements and are commonly held in Gold IRAs:
| Coin | Purity | Sizes | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | 91.67% (22k)* | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz | 4-8% |
| American Gold Buffalo | 99.99% (24k) | 1 oz | 5-8% |
| Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | 99.99% (24k) | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz | 3-6% |
| Austrian Gold Philharmonic | 99.99% (24k) | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz | 3-6% |
| Australian Gold Kangaroo | 99.99% (24k) | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz | 3-6% |
| British Gold Britannia | 99.99% (24k) | 1 oz | 3-6% |
*American Gold Eagle is specifically approved by Congress despite lower purity.
Most Popular Choice: American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle is the most popular IRA gold coin due to its:
- Universal recognition — Accepted worldwide
- US Government backing — Legal tender with weight/purity guarantee
- Excellent liquidity — Easy to buy and sell
- Durability — 22k alloy is harder than pure gold
Best Value: Canadian Maple Leaf
For investors prioritizing purity and lower premiums, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf offers 99.99% purity at typically lower premiums than American Eagles.
IRA-Approved Gold Bars
Gold bars must meet two requirements: (1) 99.5% purity minimum, and (2) produced by a NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiner or national mint.
Approved Refiners & Mints
- PAMP Suisse
- Credit Suisse
- Perth Mint
- Royal Canadian Mint
- Johnson Matthey
- Engelhard
- Valcambi
- Heraeus
Available Sizes
IRA-eligible gold bars come in various sizes:
- 1 oz bars (most popular for IRAs)
- 10 oz bars
- 100 gram bars
- 1 kilo (32.15 oz) bars
Bars vs. Coins
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Take the Free QuizIRA-Approved Silver
Silver must be at least 99.9% pure to qualify for an IRA. Here are the most popular options:
Approved Silver Coins
| Coin | Purity | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| American Silver Eagle | 99.9% | 10-20% |
| Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | 99.99% | 8-15% |
| Austrian Silver Philharmonic | 99.9% | 8-12% |
| British Silver Britannia | 99.9% | 8-12% |
Approved Silver Bars
Silver bars from NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners qualify. Popular options:
- 1 oz, 10 oz, and 100 oz bars
- Manufacturers: Sunshine Minting, Johnson Matthey, Engelhard, PAMP Suisse
- Premium: 3-8% over spot (lower than coins)
For more on silver in IRAs, see our Silver IRA guide.
Platinum & Palladium
Both platinum and palladium require 99.95% purity for IRA eligibility.
Approved Platinum
- American Platinum Eagle — 99.95% pure, 1 oz
- Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf — 99.95% pure, 1 oz
- Platinum bars — From approved refiners, various sizes
Approved Palladium
- Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf — 99.95% pure, 1 oz
- Palladium bars — From approved refiners
Note: Platinum and palladium are less common in IRAs due to their volatility and narrower markets. Most investors focus on gold and silver.
What's NOT Allowed
These products do NOT qualify for a Gold IRA:
Prohibited Products
- Collectible/Numismatic coins — Pre-1933 coins, rare dates, proof sets valued for rarity
- South African Krugerrands — Only 91.67% gold with no US legal tender status
- Pre-1933 US Gold coins — Considered collectibles
- British Sovereigns — Only 91.67% gold
- Most jewelry — Doesn't meet purity requirements
- Bars from non-approved refiners — Must be NYMEX/COMEX approved
Beware Numismatic Coin Pushes
How to Choose the Right Products
Consider these factors when selecting gold and silver for your IRA:
Consider Premiums
Bars have lower premiums than coins. If you're maximizing gold per dollar, consider bars from reputable refiners.
Consider Liquidity
American Gold Eagles are the most recognized and liquid. They may sell faster and at better prices when you need to liquidate.
Consider Storage
Smaller denominations (1/4 oz, 1/10 oz) offer flexibility for partial distributions but carry higher per-ounce premiums.
Consider Diversification
Many investors hold a mix: gold for stability, silver for growth potential. Common allocations range from 60/40 to 80/20 gold/silver.
Recommended Portfolio Mix
- Conservative: 80% gold, 20% silver
- Balanced: 70% gold, 30% silver
- Growth-oriented: 60% gold, 40% silver
Learn more in our Gold vs. Silver IRA comparison.
IRA-Approved Gold FAQs
Can I put my existing gold coins in an IRA?
No. You cannot contribute physical gold you already own to an IRA. IRA purchases must go through your custodian using IRA funds. If you want to add personal gold to your retirement, you'd need to sell it, contribute the cash (subject to limits), then repurchase gold through the IRA.
Why are Krugerrands not allowed?
South African Krugerrands are only 91.67% gold (22 karat)—the same as American Eagles. However, Krugerrands don't have US legal tender status and weren't specifically approved by Congress like American Eagles were. It's a regulatory technicality, not a quality issue.
Are proof coins allowed in an IRA?
Some proof versions of approved coins (like Proof American Gold Eagles) are allowed. However, proof coins carry significant premiums over bullion versions. Unless you specifically want them, standard bullion coins offer better value for an IRA.
What happens if I buy non-approved gold?
Buying non-approved products is considered a "prohibited transaction" that can disqualify your entire IRA. This would make the full account value immediately taxable, plus a 10% penalty if you're under 59½. Always verify products are IRS-approved before purchasing.
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Written By
Thomas Richardson
Thomas is a former wealth manager with 20+ years of experience. He founded Rich Dad Retirement to expose the flaws of traditional "paper asset" retirement planning and educate Americans on the stability of physical precious metals.