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Can You Put Just Any Gold in a Gold IRA?
No — and that’s where many first-time investors make a mistake.
The IRS has strict rules about the types of gold and silver allowed in a self-directed IRA.
Not every coin or bar qualifies. In fact, most collectibles and commemorative gold coins are not allowed.
In this guide, we’ll give you the official 2025 list of IRS-approved gold, explain the purity requirements, and help you avoid disqualified investments.
IRS Rules for Gold IRA Investments
According to IRS Publication 590-A and IRC Section 408(m), gold held in an IRA must meet these criteria:
- Minimum purity of 99.5% (.995) for gold
- Must be bullion bars or coins (no numismatics)
- Must be produced by a government mint or approved refiner
- Must be stored in an IRS-approved depository
- You, the investor, cannot store it at home
(Link to: Home Storage Gold IRAs – Are They Legal or Risky?)
IRS-Approved Gold Coins for IRAs (2025)
These are the most popular and widely accepted coins that meet IRS standards:
American Gold Eagle (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz)
- Produced by: U.S. Mint
- Purity: 91.67% (22-karat)
- Special note: The only IRS-allowed gold coin below 99.5% purity due to its legal tender status
American Gold Buffalo (1 oz)
- Produced by: U.S. Mint
- Purity: 99.99%
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz)
- Produced by: Royal Canadian Mint
- Purity: 99.99%
Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coin (1 oz)
- Produced by: Austrian Mint
- Purity: 99.99%
Australian Gold Kangaroo (1 oz)
- Produced by: Perth Mint
- Purity: 99.99%
IRS-Approved Gold Bars for IRAs (2025)
Gold bars must meet these requirements:
- Minimum purity: 99.5% (.995)
- Must be produced by a refiner accredited by NYMEX, COMEX, LBMA, or ISO
- Must carry weight, purity, and hallmark stamped on bar
Approved bar brands include:
- PAMP Suisse
- Credit Suisse
- Perth Mint
- Valcambi
- Royal Canadian Mint
- Engelhard
- Johnson Matthey
- Metalor
Bars are available in various sizes:
- 1 oz
- 10 oz
- 1 kg (32.15 oz)
- 100 oz
Note: Smaller bars may carry higher premiums per ounce due to production costs.
Not Approved: Gold That Will Disqualify Your IRA
Do not buy these for your Gold IRA:
- South African Krugerrand – Not IRS-approved due to lack of purity guarantee
- Chinese Gold Panda – Considered collectible, purity may vary by year
- Proof coins or numismatics – Even if minted by government
- Commemorative or rare coins – Not permitted under IRS guidelines
- Gold jewelry – Never allowed in any IRA
Even if a dealer says “IRA-eligible,” always verify the purity, mint, and documentation before purchasing.
IRS-Approved Gold Purity Chart
| Gold Type | Purity Requirement | IRS Approved? |
|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | 91.67% | ✅ Exception allowed |
| Gold Buffalo / Maple Leaf / Philharmonic | 99.99% | ✅ |
| Gold Bars (PAMP, Perth, Valcambi) | 99.5%+ | ✅ |
| Krugerrand / Panda | <99.5% or collectible | ❌ |
| Proof or Rare Coins | Varies | ❌ |
| Gold Jewelry | Varies | ❌ |
What About Silver, Platinum, and Palladium?
The IRS also allows the following metals in IRAs:
- Silver: Must be .999 fine (e.g., American Silver Eagle)
- Platinum: Must be .9995 fine
- Palladium: Must be .9995 fine
Like gold, all metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository and purchased through a self-directed IRA custodian.
How to Buy IRS-Approved Gold for Your IRA
To stay compliant, follow these steps:
- Open a self-directed IRA with a qualified custodian
- Fund it via rollover or contribution
- Select IRS-approved gold bars or coins
- Custodian purchases metals on your behalf
- Metals are shipped directly to a secure vault
(Link to: How to Start a Gold IRA)
You’ll receive documentation verifying your holdings, storage, and compliance.
Where Are the Metals Stored?
Gold IRA metals must be stored in:
- IRS-approved depositories
- Examples include Brinks, Delaware Depository, and IDS Texas
You can choose between:
- Segregated storage: Your metals held separately (higher cost)
- Non-segregated storage: Your metals stored with others (lower cost)
Either option remains under your IRA’s ownership and IRS protection.
Final Thoughts: Follow the Rules — or Risk Your IRA
Gold IRAs offer powerful protection — but only if you follow the IRS rules.
Stick with:
- .995+ gold bars from approved refiners
- Official coins like Eagles, Buffaloes, Maple Leafs
- Vault storage with IRS-approved custodians
Avoid:
- Collectibles
- Rare coins
- Any “store-at-home” offers
The wrong metal can lead to:
- Disqualification of your IRA
- Taxes and penalties
- Loss of tax-deferred growth
When in doubt, work with a reputable Gold IRA company that only offers compliant products.
📍 Ready to Buy IRS-Approved Gold?
We’ve reviewed trusted providers that:
- Offer 100% IRS-compliant gold
- Provide full documentation and secure storage
- Help you avoid disqualified investments
👉 See the Best Gold IRA Companies Here
🔐 Disclosure
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