IRA Eligibility: Determining Your Gold or Silver Coins' Investment Worth
Precious metals IRAs offer a powerful tool for protecting retirement wealth, but there's a catch: not all coins are eligible, and the IRS rules are strict. At American Standard Gold, we've worked with thousands of investors navigating the fine print of precious metals IRAs.
The biggest mistake we see? People buying the wrong coins—and finding out too late that they can't be held in their IRA.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly what makes a coin IRA eligible, what to avoid, and how to build a portfolio that's both compliant and resilient.
What Is an IRA-Eligible Coin?
An IRA-eligible coin is a gold, silver, platinum, or palladium product that meets IRS purity, production, and classification requirements. These rules exist to ensure your retirement account holds assets with:
Reliable intrinsic value
Standardized quality
Non-collectible status
In short: no rare coins, no proofs (usually), no numismatics. Just high-purity bullion backed by a trusted sovereign or accredited mint.
The IRS Rules You Must Know
According to Section 408(m)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, these are the three primary standards for IRA-approved precious metals:
| Metal | Minimum Purity Required |
|---|---|
| Gold | 99.5% (24 karat) |
| Silver | 99.9% |
| Platinum | 99.95% |
| Palladium | 99.95% |
Exception: The American Gold Eagle (91.67% purity) is still approved because of its status as a U.S. legal tender bullion coin.
2. Production Standards
Coin and bars must be produced by a national government mint or a private mint that is:
- ISO 9001 certified
- NYMEX/COMEX, LBMA, or ICE-approved
- Accredited by a national futures association or commodities exchange
This ensures authenticity and liquidity.
3. Non-Collectible Classification
The IRS prohibits collectibles inside an IRA. This includes:
- Graded/slabbed coins
- Antique coins
- Proofs (in most cases)
- Commemoratives
- Foreign coins not meeting purity/production standards
Why? Because collectible value is subjective and volatile. For IRAs, the IRS only wants assets with objective, quantifiable value—like bullion.
These are some of the most common and trusted gold coins you can legally include in your self-directed IRA:
| Coin | Purity | Mint | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | 91.67% | U.S. Mint | Allowed despite lower purity |
| American Gold Buffalo | 99.99% | U.S. Mint | First 24-karat U.S. coin |
| Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | 99.99% | Royal Canadian Mint | Globally recognized |
| Australian Gold Kangaroo | 99.99% | Perth Mint | IRA-approved bullion version |
| Austrian Gold Philharmonic | 99.99% | Austrian Mint | Popular European option |
"Using non-eligible coins in a Gold IRA can result in: tax penalties, loss of IRA status, forced liquidation of disqualified assets, and higher fees or delays from custodians rejecting the asset."
That's why it's critical to work with experts who can guide you before you buy.
If you're a coin collector, you may own proof coins, slabbed coins (MS70), or rare sets. These can be great for numismatic portfolios—but they do not belong in your IRA.
- Liquidity
- Low premiums
- Compliance
- Storage compatibility
You can absolutely own both types of coins—but they should be held in separate strategies.
"At [American Standard Gold], we simplify the process by: offering only IRA-approved metals, working directly with compliant custodians and vaults, providing custom portfolio allocations based on your risk level, educating you every step of the way."
We've helped thousands of clients roll over 401(k)s and Traditional IRAs into tax-advantaged precious metals portfolios—with total peace of mind.
These are some of the most common and trusted silver coins you can legally include in your self-directed IRA:
| Coin | Purity | Mint | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Silver Eagle | 99.9% | U.S. Mint | Most popular IRA silver coin |
| Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | 99.99% | Royal Canadian Mint | Ultra-high purity |
| Austrian Silver Philharmonic | 99.9% | Austrian Mint | Strong liquidity |
| Australian Silver Kangaroo | 99.99% | Perth Mint | Consistent IRA compliance |
| Armenian Silver Noah’s Ark | 99.9% | Geiger Mint | Gaining U.S. popularity |
Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson is a skilled writer at PreciousMetalOne.com focusing on precious metal investments and market trends. Her expertise helps readers navigate the complexities of investing in gold and silver.