Roth IRA Precious Metals: Hold Physical Gold & Silver Tax-Free in Your Retirement Account (2026)

Roth IRA Precious Metals Explained

A Roth IRA precious metals account holds IRS-approved physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium inside a self-directed IRA — combining tax-free Roth growth with gold's role as an inflation hedge, portfolio diversifier, and safe-haven asset during periods of geopolitical unrest and equity market volatility. Gold delivered a 27% return in 2024 (World Gold Council) and has historically outperformed during dollar debasement events, making it a complement — not a replacement — for a 60/40 stock-bond core. The account structure requires three parties: (1) you as the IRA owner, (2) an IRS-approved self-directed custodian who holds the account title, and (3) an IRS-approved depository where the physical metals are stored. You cannot hold the metals yourself at any point — doing so triggers immediate account disqualification under IRC §408(m).

Roth IRA contributions enter the account post-tax, so your gold and silver grow and distribute entirely free of federal income tax after age 59½, provided the account has been open for at least five years. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs impose no required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the account holder's lifetime under the SECURE 2.0 Act (2023), which means your precious metals can remain in tax-free storage indefinitely.

The 2026 annual contribution limit stands at $7,000 ($8,000 for investors age 50 and older). Income phase-outs begin at $150,000 MAGI for single filers and $236,000 for married couples filing jointly. Investors above these thresholds may still access a Roth gold IRA through a backdoor Roth conversion — a trustee-to-trustee transfer from a traditional IRA that triggers a taxable conversion event in the year of rollover.

Top Gold IRA Companies for Roth IRA Precious Metals 2026

Augusta Precious Metals, Goldco, and American Hartford Gold are the top-rated custodians for Roth IRA precious metals in 2026, ranked by fees, minimums, verified customer ratings, and BBB complaint history.

IRS Purity Rules for Roth IRA Precious Metals

The IRS allows only four metals in a Roth IRA, each subject to minimum purity standards under IRC §408(m)(3): gold must meet .995 fineness (99.5% pure), silver requires .999 fineness (99.9%), and both platinum and palladium demand .9995 fineness (99.95%). These thresholds apply to bullion bars and coins alike.

American Gold Eagle Exception

American Gold Eagles bypass the standard .995 fineness rule — the IRS explicitly permits them under IRC §408(m)(3)(A)(i) despite their .9167 gold content (22-karat), making them one of the most popular choices for Roth gold IRA investors. Roth IRAs also accept Canadian Gold Maple Leafs (.9999), Australian Gold Kangaroos (.9999), and Austrian Gold Philharmonics (.9999).

Numismatic and Proof Coins

IRC §408(m)(2) prohibits numismatic coins — rare, collectible, or graded pieces valued for scarcity over metal content — inside any IRA; the IRS classifies them as collectibles, and purchasing one with IRA funds triggers immediate taxation plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Select proof coins produced by the U.S. Mint (such as proof American Gold Eagles) may qualify if they meet the same fineness standards and are held in their original mint packaging — confirm with your IRA trustee before purchase.

Approved Bullion Bars

A NYMEX-, COMEX-, or LBMA-accredited refiner must produce every IRA-eligible bullion bar, stamp it with weight and purity, and certify refiner identity. Common eligible products include PAMP Suisse gold bars, Credit Suisse gold bars, Royal Canadian Mint silver bars, and Johnson Matthey platinum bars.

Prohibited Transactions and Disqualified Persons in a Roth Gold IRA

A prohibited transaction permanently disqualifies your Roth IRA and triggers full taxation — the most common triggers are home storage, self-dealing, and using a disqualified family member as a dealer. Under IRC §4975, a prohibited transaction occurs when an IRA owner personally benefits from IRA assets before distribution.

What Counts as a Prohibited Transaction?

Home storage destroys your Roth IRA's tax-advantaged status: the IRS reclassifies the entire account as a taxable distribution the moment metals leave an approved depository, triggering ordinary income tax plus a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if you are under 59½. Other prohibited transactions include purchasing metals from a family member (a disqualified person under IRC §4975(e)(2)), using IRA-held bullion as personal collateral for a loan, and selling IRA metals to yourself or a related party.

Disqualified Persons Defined

Disqualified persons include the IRA owner, their spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, and any entities they control (businesses, trusts, LLCs). Transactions between your IRA and any disqualified person are automatically prohibited regardless of fair market value or intent. The IRS imposes a 15% excise tax on the prohibited transaction amount in the first year, escalating to 100% if not corrected.

How to Avoid Prohibited Transactions

• Always use an IRS-approved third-party depository — never take personal possession of IRA metals
• Purchase metals only from unrelated, arm's-length dealers
• Never pledge IRA assets as security for any personal debt
• Ensure all transactions flow through your custodian, not directly between you and the dealer
• Consult IRS Publication 590-A and IRC §4975 before any non-standard transaction

How to Open a Roth Gold IRA: Step-by-Step

Opening a Roth gold IRA takes 3–5 business days and requires four steps: choosing a custodian, funding the account, selecting metals, and directing the custodian to purchase. Your custodian files IRS Form 5498 annually to report contributions and the fair market value of your IRA holdings.

Step 1: Choose a Self-Directed IRA Custodian

Select a custodian that specializes in self-directed IRAs and permits precious metals as an asset class. Leading custodians include Equity Trust Company, GoldStar Trust, New Direction Trust Company, and The Entrust Group. Compare annual fees, setup costs, and customer service responsiveness before committing.

Step 2: Fund Your Account

You can fund a Roth gold IRA through three methods: (1) a direct contribution up to the $7,000/$8,000 annual limit, (2) a trustee-to-trustee transfer from an existing Roth IRA (non-taxable, no time limit), or (3) a 60-day indirect rollover where you receive funds and must redeposit them within 60 calendar days to avoid taxation. A wire transfer fee of $25–$50 typically applies for incoming funds.

Step 3: Select IRS-Approved Metals

Work with your dealer to choose gold, silver, platinum, or palladium products that meet IRS fineness requirements. Consider the spot price premium (the markup over the current metal spot price, typically 2%–8% for coins and 1%–5% for bars), product liquidity, and how each metal fits your overall portfolio allocation.

Step 4: Purchase and Store

Direct your custodian to execute the purchase. The dealer ships metals directly to your chosen IRS-approved depository — you never touch the metals. Your custodian documents the transaction and reports holdings on IRS Form 5498 by May 31 of the following year.

Roth IRA Precious Metals Fees: What You'll Actually Pay

A Roth gold IRA costs $225–$750/year in ongoing fees (setup + custody + storage), on top of dealer premiums of 2%–8% above spot price. Understanding every fee component prevents surprises and helps you compare custodians accurately.

One-Time Setup Fees

Most custodians charge $50–$150 to open a new self-directed IRA. Some companies waive this fee for initial investments above $25,000 or as a promotional incentive. Augusta Precious Metals, for example, is known for transparent pricing with no hidden setup charges.

Annual Custodian Fees

Self-directed IRA custodians charge $75–$300/year for account maintenance, IRS reporting (Form 5498, Form 1099-R), record-keeping, and customer service. Fees may be flat or scaled to account value — accounts above $100,000 sometimes incur higher administration charges.

Storage Fees: Segregated vs. Commingled

Depository storage runs $100–$300/year. Segregated storage — where your specific coins and bars are kept physically separate in a labeled container — costs 20%–40% more than commingled storage but guarantees you receive your exact original pieces upon distribution. Most investors choose segregated storage for peace of mind.

Dealer Spread and Spot Price Premium

The dealer spread (bid-ask spread) represents the difference between what you pay to buy metals and what the dealer offers to buy them back. Reputable dealers maintain a spread of 2%–5% above spot price for standard bullion. High-premium products like proof coins carry wider spreads. Always compare the total premium over spot — not just the sticker price — when evaluating dealers.

Wire Transfer and Transaction Fees

Incoming wire transfers cost $25–$50 per transaction. Some custodians charge a per-trade execution fee of $40–$80 when buying or selling metals within the IRA. These fees add up if you make frequent trades, so many investors adopt a buy-and-hold strategy to minimize transaction costs.

Segregated vs. Commingled Storage: Which to Choose

Segregated storage keeps your specific coins and bars physically separate from other investors' metals; commingled storage costs 20–40% less but returns equivalent metals, not your original pieces. Both storage types use IRS-approved depositories with full insurance coverage.

How Segregated (Allocated) Storage Works

In segregated storage (also called allocated storage), your metals occupy a dedicated container or vault section labeled with your account number. Every serial number and item description is recorded on your custodian's books. When you take an in-kind distribution or sell, you receive the exact bars and coins you originally purchased. This matters for investors who want to track individual items or who hold numbered bars from specific refiners.

How Commingled (Unallocated) Storage Works

Commingled storage pools your metals with identical items owned by other IRA holders. The depository tracks your entitlement by type, weight, and purity — not by specific item. Upon distribution, you receive metals of equivalent type and quality, but not necessarily the same pieces you purchased. Commingled storage fees typically run $50–$150/year lower than segregated options.

Top IRS-Approved Depositories

• Delaware Depository (Wilmington, DE) — segregated and commingled options, insured through Lloyd's of London
• Brink's Global Services — multiple U.S. vault locations, institutional-grade security
• International Depository Services (IDS) — facilities in Delaware and Texas, competitive rates
• STRATA Trust Company vaults — integrated custodian-depository model for streamlined administration

401(k) to Roth Gold IRA Rollover: Rules and Tax Consequences

Rolling a 401(k) into a Roth gold IRA triggers a taxable conversion event — you owe income tax on the converted amount in the year of rollover. A properly executed direct rollover (trustee-to-trustee transfer) avoids the 20% mandatory withholding that applies to indirect rollovers, and there is no limit on the amount you can convert.

Direct Rollover (Trustee-to-Trustee Transfer)

A trustee-to-trustee transfer is the preferred method: your 401(k) plan administrator sends funds directly to your new Roth gold IRA custodian. You never touch the money, so there is no withholding and no 60-day deadline. The transfer itself is not taxable for IRA-to-IRA moves between the same account type, but a traditional 401(k)-to-Roth conversion triggers ordinary income tax on the full converted amount.

60-Day Indirect Rollover

In an indirect rollover, your plan administrator issues a check to you. You must deposit the full amount (including the 20% withheld for taxes) into the new Roth gold IRA within 60 calendar days — or the IRS treats the entire distribution as taxable income plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are under 59½. The IRS limits indirect rollovers to one per 12-month period per taxpayer (not per account), per IRS Publication 590-A.

Rollover Eligibility

Most employer-sponsored plans (401(k), 403(b), TSP, 457(b)) allow rollovers when you separate from service, reach age 59½, or qualify for an in-service withdrawal. IRA-to-IRA transfers can be initiated at any time regardless of age or employment status. Check IRS Publication 590-B for distribution rules specific to your plan type.

Gold IRA vs. Gold ETF in a Roth IRA: Side-by-Side Comparison

A physical gold IRA and a gold ETF in a Roth IRA both provide exposure to gold prices, but they differ in cost structure, liquidity, counterparty risk, and distribution mechanics. The comparison below helps you determine which approach — or combination — fits your investment goals.

Cost Comparison

Gold ETFs (such as GLD or IAU) charge expense ratios of 0.25%–0.40%/year with no storage or custodian fees beyond your brokerage account. A physical gold IRA costs $225–$750/year in custodian + storage fees, plus a 2%–8% dealer spread (bid-ask spread) on purchases. Over a 10-year holding period, the total cost difference compounds significantly — making ETFs cheaper for pure price exposure.

Liquidity and Trading

Gold ETFs trade on exchanges during market hours with instant execution at market prices. Physical gold IRA transactions require contacting your custodian, who coordinates with the dealer — a process that can take 3–7 business days. This illiquidity is a structural disadvantage during periods of rapid price movement.

Counterparty Risk and Physical Ownership

A gold ETF represents a claim on gold held by a trust, introducing counterparty risk from the fund sponsor and custodian bank. A physical gold IRA eliminates this layer — you own specific bars and coins stored in your name (if using segregated storage). For investors prioritizing tangible ownership as a hedge against systemic financial risk, physical gold in a Roth IRA provides a level of direct control that ETFs cannot match.

In-Kind Distribution

Physical gold IRAs allow in-kind distributions: you can receive your actual gold bars and coins upon reaching age 59½, rather than liquidating for cash. Gold ETFs can only distribute cash. This distinction matters for investors who want to physically hold their metals in retirement. The fair market value of the distributed metals on the date of distribution determines the reportable amount on your tax return.

Roth IRA Precious Metals: Risks and Limitations

Precious metals in a Roth IRA carry five structural risks that gold ETFs do not: dealer premiums, storage fees, illiquidity, distribution friction, and custodian insolvency risk. Understanding these limitations is essential for setting realistic expectations about returns and accessibility.

Dealer Premiums Erode Initial Value

The moment you purchase physical gold for your IRA, you are underwater by the dealer's spot price premium (typically 2%–8%). Gold must appreciate by at least that amount before you break even — unlike ETFs where you buy at or near net asset value. Proof coins and specialty products carry even wider premiums.

Ongoing Storage and Custodian Fees

Annual fees of $225–$750 create a drag on returns that compounds over time. A $50,000 gold IRA paying $400/year in fees effectively loses 0.8% annually before any price movement. Over 20 years, that fee drag reduces your ending balance by approximately 15% compared to a fee-free investment growing at the same rate.

Illiquidity and Distribution Friction

Selling physical metals from an IRA requires coordinating with your custodian and dealer, a process that takes 3–7 business days. In volatile markets, this delay can cost you significant value. An in-kind distribution of physical metals involves shipping, insurance, and a fair market value appraisal — adding complexity that cash distributions from standard IRAs do not require.

Custodian Insolvency Risk

If your custodian goes bankrupt, your metals remain your property — they are held in trust and are not part of the custodian's estate. However, transferring your IRA to a new custodian during a bankruptcy proceeding can take weeks or months, during which you cannot buy, sell, or distribute metals. Mitigate this risk by choosing custodians with strong balance sheets and regulatory track records.

No Income Generation

Physical gold and silver generate zero dividends, interest, or rental income. Your return depends entirely on price appreciation. In contrast, a diversified stock portfolio in a Roth IRA generates dividend income that compounds tax-free — a significant opportunity cost over multi-decade holding periods.

Pros and Cons of Precious Metals in a Roth IRA

The primary advantages are inflation hedging and tax-free growth; the primary drawbacks are higher fees, illiquidity, and storage restrictions unavailable in standard Roth IRAs. Most financial advisors recommend a 5–20% precious metals allocation within a diversified retirement portfolio.

Advantages

• Inflation hedge: gold and silver historically preserve purchasing power during inflationary periods and currency debasement events
• Tax-free growth: Roth IRA structure means all qualified gains and withdrawals after 59½ are 100% tax-free, including appreciation on gold bullion and silver bullion
• Portfolio diversification: precious metals show low correlation with stocks and bonds, reducing overall portfolio volatility
• No RMDs: unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions (SECURE 2.0 Act, 2023), allowing IRA-eligible metals to compound indefinitely
• Store of value: physical gold bullion and silver bullion have maintained value across centuries and multiple currency regimes
• In-kind distribution option: receive your actual bullion coins and gold bars at retirement instead of cash
• Alternative assets: precious metals are uncorrelated with equity market volatility, serving as a hedge against systemic risk

Disadvantages

• Higher fees: annual costs of $225–$750 (custodian + storage) create a return drag that gold ETF investors do not face
• Dealer premiums above spot price: markups of 2–8% mean gold must appreciate before you break even
• Illiquidity: selling requires 3–7 business days to coordinate with custodian and dealer, versus instant execution for ETFs
• No income generation: gold and silver produce zero dividends or interest — returns depend entirely on price appreciation
• Prohibited transaction risk: home storage, self-dealing, or using disqualified persons triggers IRA disqualification and full taxation
• Contribution limits: Roth IRA annual limits ($7,000/$8,000) restrict how quickly you can build a meaningful precious metals allocation

Real Cost Example: $50,000 Roth Gold IRA

A $50,000 account at a typical custodian incurs approximately $50 setup + $200 custodian fee + $150 storage fee = $400/year (0.80% annual cost). A comparable $50,000 position in a gold ETF (IAU) costs $125/year (0.25% expense ratio). Over 10 years, the physical IRA structure costs roughly $2,750 more in cumulative fees — a meaningful figure that gold must outperform the ETF to offset.

Roth IRA Precious Metals Distribution Rules and Withdrawal

A qualified distribution from a Roth IRA precious metals account is completely tax-free: the account must be at least 5 years old and you must be age 59½ or older. Non-qualified distributions trigger ordinary income tax on earnings plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Qualified Distribution Requirements

• 5-year rule: account must be at least 5 tax years old (clock starts January 1 of the year of your first Roth IRA contribution)
• Age 59½ or older at the time of distribution
• Exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty: first-time home purchase (up to $10,000 lifetime), disability, or death
• Qualified distributions can be taken in-kind (physical metals) or as cash from the sale of metals

In-Kind vs. Cash Distribution

You can receive your actual gold bars and coins (in-kind distribution) or direct the custodian to sell the metals and distribute cash. In-kind distributions require shipping from the depository — typically 5–10 business days with shipping and insurance fees of $50–$100. The fair market value of the metals on the distribution date is the reportable amount, reported on Form 1099-R.

No RMDs: A Key Roth Advantage Over Traditional IRAs

Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the account holder’s lifetime under SECURE 2.0 Act §325 (P.L. 117-328). This means your gold bullion and silver bullion can remain in tax-free storage indefinitely, without forced liquidation at age 73 as required by traditional IRAs. This is one of the most significant advantages of the Roth structure for precious metals investors with a long time horizon.

Roth IRA Precious Metals at Fidelity: What You Need to Know

Fidelity Investments does not offer self-directed precious metals IRAs — Fidelity’s Roth IRA only holds securities (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds). To hold physical gold or silver in a Roth IRA, you need a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) custodian such as Equity Trust, GoldStar Trust, or New Direction Trust Company. Fidelity does allow gold ETFs like GLD or IAU in a standard Roth IRA account, providing price exposure without the storage fees or custodian complexity of a SDIRA.

About This Guide: Author and Methodology

Written and reviewed by the editorial team. We compare precious metals IRA companies using public information and our own evaluation criteria.

Ratings Methodology

We ranked each company by annual fees, account minimums, and verified customer ratings aggregated from Trustpilot, BBB, and Google Reviews (minimum 200 reviews per company, equal weighting). Minimums verified via company websites as of April 2026. Affiliate relationships do not influence rankings — companies are listed in order of composite score.

Regulatory Sources Cited

• IRS Publication 590-A (2026): Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
• IRS Publication 590-B (2026): Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements
• IRC §408(m)(3)(B): Definition of collectibles and permitted metals
• IRC §4975: Prohibited transactions and excise taxes
• SECURE 2.0 Act §325 (P.L. 117-328): Elimination of Roth IRA RMDs

All regulatory claims in this article cite IRS Publication 590-A (2026), IRC §408(m)(3)(B), and SECURE 2.0 Act §325. Disclosure: This site earns affiliate commissions from gold IRA companies listed above. We received no payment to alter rankings.

Last updated: October 10, 2026 | Next scheduled review: January 2027

Your Next Steps: Starting a Roth IRA Precious Metals Account

If you have decided that a Roth IRA precious metals account fits your retirement strategy, the process from decision to funded account typically takes 2–4 weeks. Here is a practical roadmap.

Step 1: Research and Request Free Kits

Request free informational kits from at least 2–3 top-rated companies. Augusta Precious Metals offers an excellent starter kit that covers IRS regulations, current market analysis, and a transparent fee breakdown. Compare materials side by side before committing to any single provider.

Step 2: Choose Your Custodian and Open Your Account

Select a custodian based on fee structure, customer service responsiveness, and depository options. Complete the application — most custodians process new accounts within 1–2 business days. Provide your government-issued ID and beneficiary designations.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

Decide how you will fund the account: direct contribution, trustee-to-trustee transfer from an existing IRA, or 401(k) rollover. If rolling over from a traditional plan to a Roth, consult a financial advisor about the tax implications of the conversion event. Your custodian coordinates all paperwork with your existing plan administrator.

Step 4: Select and Purchase Metals

Work with your dealer to choose a diversified mix of IRS-approved metals. Consider allocating across gold and silver for broader exposure, and compare spot price premiums between products. Most investors start with American Gold Eagles and silver bars for their combination of liquidity, recognition, and competitive premiums.

Augusta Precious Metals: A Trusted Industry Leader

Among gold IRA companies operating in 2026, Augusta Precious Metals consistently ranks as one of the most trusted and highly rated. Founded in 2012, Augusta holds an A+ BBB rating with near-zero complaints — a distinction that separates it from most competitors in the precious metals IRA industry.

Education-First Approach

Augusta offers a free one-on-one web conference led by their director of education, covering current economic conditions, the role of gold in a portfolio, IRS regulations, and how gold IRAs work — all with zero obligation. This education-first model helps investors make informed decisions rather than impulse purchases driven by fear or sales pressure.

Transparent Pricing and Lifetime Support

Augusta discloses all costs upfront — custodian fees, storage fees, and product premiums — before you make any commitment. Each client receives a dedicated account manager for the life of the account, providing continuity for questions about distributions, market movements, or portfolio adjustments.

Streamlined Process

From account setup to metal selection and depository delivery, Augusta coordinates with custodians, manages paperwork, and ensures every step complies with IRS requirements. Most clients have their accounts fully funded and metals purchased within two to three weeks.

What Is a Roth IRA Precious Metals Strategy?

A Roth IRA precious metals strategy uses a self-directed retirement account to hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion bars or coins that meet IRS purity standards — instead of, or alongside, traditional investments like mutual funds and stock market index funds. Because standard brokerage custodians rarely hold physical metals for IRAs, most precious metals investors use a self-directed IRA with a reputable custodian and an IRS-approved depository for physical storage.

Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRAs for Gold and Precious Metals

Both traditional and Roth IRAs can hold physical precious metals through a self-directed IRA, follow the same IRS purity rules, and use an IRS-approved depository. The key difference is taxation: traditional IRAs provide an upfront tax deduction but tax withdrawals as ordinary income, while Roth IRA contributions use after-tax dollars and qualifying withdrawals enjoy tax-free growth. Investors evaluating traditional versus Roth IRAs typically compare current tax brackets with expected retirement tax rates to determine which structure maximizes after-tax wealth.

Gold IRA vs. Precious Metals ETF and Mutual Funds

A precious metals IRA holds physical metals, while a precious metals ETF or mutual fund provides price exposure through securities traded at firms like Fidelity Investments. ETFs remove the need to store precious metals, involve lower fees, and trade with instant liquidity. By contrast, a gold IRA requires a self-directed custodian, an IRA trustee experienced with alternative assets, and ongoing storage — which involves higher total costs. Some investors combine both: holding a gold ETF for liquidity and price exposure in a conventional Roth IRA, and using a self-directed IRA for physical ownership and long-term portfolio diversification.

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA for Precious Metals: Key Differences

Why Add Gold and Precious Metals to a Retirement Portfolio?

Gold and precious metals serve three primary functions in a retirement portfolio: portfolio diversification across uncorrelated asset classes, a potential inflation hedge against purchasing power erosion, and a store of value during periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty. Most financial advisors recommend allocating 5%–20% of total retirement assets to precious metals — enough to provide meaningful downside protection without sacrificing the growth potential of equities and bonds.

Portfolio Diversification and Inflation Hedge

Physical metals have no credit risk and historically react differently than the stock market, which can reduce overall portfolio volatility when combined with equities and bonds. Including physical precious metals within a self-directed retirement account may improve portfolio diversification because precious metals do not always move in tandem with stocks, bonds, or real estate. While past performance never guarantees future results, a thoughtfully sized precious metals allocation can moderate drawdowns during bear markets and currency debasement events.

Market Volatility and Economic Uncertainty

Periods of elevated market volatility and geopolitical instability have historically driven demand for gold IRA strategies. A balanced approach that considers risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs is essential — ideally developed with guidance from a financial advisor who understands both IRA investments and alternative assets.

Which Precious Metals Are Allowed in a Gold IRA?

The IRS permits four metals in a Roth IRA — gold, silver, platinum, and palladium — each subject to minimum fineness thresholds under IRC §408(m)(3). Collectible coins, jewelry, and metals below the purity threshold are explicitly prohibited. Always confirm eligibility with your IRA trustee before purchasing.

Physical Gold Coins and Bullion Bars

Common gold IRA assets include American Gold Eagle coins (exempt from the .995 threshold at .9167 fine under IRC §408(m)(3)(A)(i)), Canadian Gold Maple Leafs (.9999), and IRA-eligible bullion bars from NYMEX/COMEX-accredited refiners. Your custodian verifies each product's eligibility, serial numbers for bars, and custody chain under IRS regulations.

Silver, Platinum, and Palladium Options

Beyond gold, many investors hold silver, platinum, and palladium inside a precious metals IRA. Silver coins and bars require .999 fineness — popular choices include American Silver Eagles and Royal Canadian Mint silver bars. Palladium bullion and palladium bars that meet the .9995 fineness rule can enhance diversification within the metals allocation. Physical ownership in an IRA means the trustee or IRS-approved depository holds the metals; the IRA owner does not take physical possession while the assets remain inside the retirement account.