IRA-Approved Precious Metals

IRA-approved precious metals are specific gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products that meet the IRS’s stringent purity and quality standards for inclusion in a self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA). To qualify, gold must be at least 99.5% pure, silver must be 99.9% pure, and platinum and palladium must be 99.95% pure.

These metals must be in the form of bars, rounds, or coins produced by accredited refineries, government mints, or other approved manufacturers. Examples of IRA-approved precious metals include gold and silver bars from recognized refiners, American Gold and Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and certain products from the Perth and Austrian Mints. Collectible or numismatic metals, as well as those that do not meet purity requirements, are generally ineligible. Investing in IRA-approved precious metals provides a way to diversify a retirement portfolio while benefiting from the tax advantages of an IRA.