IRA-Approved Silver Coins
American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and other government-minted silver coins that qualify for your retirement account.
Browse IRA Silver CoinsIRA Silver Coin Requirements
Government Minted
Must be struck by a national mint (U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, etc.)
.999+ Purity
Minimum 99.9% pure silver. Some coins like Maple Leafs are .9999
Legal Tender
Must have legal tender status in country of origin
IRS-Approved Silver Coins for IRAs
These government-minted silver coins meet IRS requirements for precious metals IRAs. All feature proper purity and legal tender status.
American Silver Eagle
United States - U.S. Mint
Most popular IRA silver coin. Features Walking Liberty design. Highly liquid with strong resale.
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Canada - Royal Canadian Mint
Higher purity than Eagles. Features micro-engraved security mark. Excellent for IRAs.
Austrian Silver Philharmonic
Austria - Austrian Mint
Europe's best-selling silver coin. Features Vienna Philharmonic orchestra instruments.
Australian Silver Kangaroo
Australia - Perth Mint
Changes design annually. Government-backed with high purity. Popular among collectors.
British Silver Britannia
United Kingdom - Royal Mint
Features iconic Britannia design. Multiple security features added in recent years.
Mexican Silver Libertad
Mexico - Casa de Moneda de Mexico
Limited mintage creates collector premium. Features Winged Victory (Angel of Independence).
South African Silver Krugerrand
South Africa - South African Mint
Silver version of the famous gold coin. Introduced in 2017. Good value option.
Chinese Silver Panda
China - People's Bank of China
Design changes annually. Collector premium. Weight changed from oz to grams in 2016.
Ready to Add Silver Coins to Your IRA?
Augusta Precious Metals offers competitive pricing on all major IRA-approved silver coins. Get expert guidance on building your Silver IRA with the right coin selection.
Get Free Silver Coin GuideSilver Coins NOT Allowed in IRAs
Only 90% silver - below .999 purity requirement
90% silver, does not meet purity standard
90% silver, below IRS minimum
Numismatic premium, not investment-grade
Not government-minted coins (rounds are bullion, not coins)
Usually don't meet purity or are numismatic
The "Junk Silver" Misconception
Many retirees ask about adding their pre-1965 U.S. silver coins (often called "junk silver") to their IRA. Unfortunately, these historic coins are only 90% silver and do NOT qualify. The IRS requires .999 (99.9%) purity minimum for IRA eligibility.
American Eagles vs Canadian Maple Leafs
| Feature | American Eagle | Maple Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | .999 fine (99.9%) | .9999 fine (99.99%) |
| Premium | Higher (~$3-5 over spot) | Lower (~$2-4 over spot) |
| Liquidity | Highest - Most recognized | Very High |
| Security Features | Limited | Micro-engraved maple leaf |
| Face Value | $1 USD | $5 CAD |
| Best For | Maximum liquidity, patriotic appeal | Best value, highest purity |
Both coins are excellent choices for Silver IRAs. Most investors choose based on premium (Maple Leafs) or recognition (Eagles).
IRA Silver Coin FAQs
What is the difference between silver coins and silver rounds?▼
Silver coins are minted by government mints (U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, etc.) and have legal tender status. Silver rounds are privately minted bullion discs that look like coins but have no face value. For IRAs, only government-minted coins meeting .999 purity qualify - rounds do NOT qualify.
Are American Silver Eagles the best choice for an IRA?▼
American Silver Eagles are the most popular choice due to their recognition, liquidity, and U.S. government backing. However, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs offer higher purity (.9999 vs .999) at similar or lower premiums. Both are excellent choices for Silver IRAs.
Can I put collectible or proof silver coins in my IRA?▼
Generally no. The IRS prohibits 'collectibles' in IRAs, which includes most proof coins and numismatic pieces. However, American Silver Eagle proof coins are an exception - they ARE allowed in IRAs despite their proof status. Regular bullion coins are the safest choice.
Why aren't Morgan or Peace dollars allowed in IRAs?▼
Morgan and Peace dollars are only 90% silver (.900 fine), which is below the IRS minimum requirement of .999 fineness. Despite being classic American silver coins, they don't qualify for precious metals IRAs. Only modern bullion coins meeting purity standards are eligible.
Do silver coins have higher premiums than silver bars?▼
Yes, silver coins typically carry higher premiums than bars due to minting costs, design, and legal tender status. American Eagles have the highest premiums, followed by Maple Leafs and Philharmonics. For lowest premiums, consider silver bars. Coins offer better recognition and easier resale.
Can I take physical possession of my IRA silver coins?▼
Not while they're in your IRA. Taking possession is considered a distribution and triggers taxes and potential penalties. Your coins must remain in an IRS-approved depository. You can take possession at retirement through an 'in-kind' distribution, but you'll owe taxes on the value.
Shop IRA-Approved Silver Coins
Augusta Precious Metals offers competitive pricing on American Eagles, Maple Leafs, and other IRA-eligible silver coins. Get expert guidance and transparent pricing.