IRA Approved Silver Coins & Bars
Not all silver qualifies for an IRA. This complete guide covers every IRS-approved silver coin and bar, purity requirements, and how to choose the best products for your goals.
Minimum Purity Requirement
The IRS requires all silver in an IRA to be at least .999 fine (99.9% pure). This ensures you're investing in investment-grade bullion, not collectibles or lower-purity items. Some products, like Canadian Maple Leafs, exceed this with .9999 purity.
IRA-Approved Silver Coins
Sovereign mint coins from recognized governments. All meet or exceed .999 purity.
American Silver Eagle
United States
The most popular silver coin for IRAs. Backed by the US Mint with guaranteed weight and purity. Recognized worldwide.
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Canada
Known for its exceptional .9999 purity - the highest of any major silver coin. Features advanced security measures.
Austrian Silver Philharmonic
Austria
Europe's best-selling silver bullion coin. Features the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra design. Good value option.
British Silver Britannia
United Kingdom
Royal Mint product with advanced security features. Features iconic Britannia design. Gaining popularity in US IRAs.
Australian Silver Kangaroo
Australia
Perth Mint coin with .9999 purity. Design changes annually, adding collector appeal while remaining IRA-eligible.
Mexican Silver Libertad
Mexico
Produced by Casa de Moneda de Mexico, one of the oldest mints in the Americas. Popular among collectors and investors.
IRA-Approved Silver Bars
Bars from recognized refiners. Lower premiums than coins, but require larger purchases.
Johnson Matthey Silver Bars
Highly respected refiner with excellent reputation. No longer in production, which adds collectible value.
Engelhard Silver Bars
Another legendary refiner no longer in production. Bars are sought after by investors and collectors alike.
PAMP Suisse Silver Bars
Premium Swiss refiner known for beautiful designs and exceptional quality. Fortuna design is iconic.
Credit Suisse Silver Bars
Well-known bank-branded bars with good liquidity. Simple, clean design.
Sunshine Minting Silver Bars
US-based refiner offering competitive pricing. Features MintMark SI security feature.
Royal Canadian Mint Silver Bars
Government mint quality with exceptional .9999 purity. Trusted worldwide.
Silver NOT Allowed in IRAs
These products don't meet IRS requirements. Purchasing them for an IRA is a prohibited transaction.
Pre-1965 US Silver Coins ('Junk Silver')
Only 90% silver - doesn't meet .999 purity requirement
Sterling Silver Items
Sterling is 92.5% silver - below IRS minimum
Numismatic/Collectible Coins
IRS prohibits collectibles in IRAs (with limited exceptions)
Proof Coins (most)
Generally considered collectibles, though some exceptions exist
Silver Jewelry or Silverware
Not bullion grade, varying purity
Silver Rounds from Unknown Mints
Must be from approved/recognized refiner
How to Choose the Right Silver
Your choice depends on your priorities: liquidity, cost efficiency, or purity.
Maximum Liquidity
Recommended: American Silver Eagles
Easiest to sell anywhere in the world. Best choice if you might need to liquidate quickly.
Lowest Premiums
Recommended: Silver Bars (100 oz)
Bars have lower premiums per ounce than coins. Larger bars have lowest premiums.
Highest Purity
Recommended: Canadian Maple Leafs
At .9999 fine, Maple Leafs are the purest widely available silver coins.
Balanced Approach
Recommended: Mix of Eagles + Bars
Coins for liquidity, bars for lower costs. Most advisors recommend this combination.
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