IRS Approved Gold for Your IRA
Not all gold qualifies for your Gold IRA. Here's the complete list of IRS-approved coins, bars, and requirements—updated for 2025.
IRS Purity Requirements
99.5%
Gold minimum
99.9%
Silver minimum
99.95%
Platinum/Palladium
Exception
American Eagles
Approved Gold Coins
| Coin | Purity | Sizes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | 91.67%* | 1, ½, ¼, 1/10 oz | ✓ Approved |
| American Gold Buffalo | 99.99% | 1 oz | ✓ Approved |
| Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | 99.99% | 1, ½, ¼, 1/10 oz | ✓ Approved |
| Australian Gold Kangaroo | 99.99% | 1, ½, ¼, 1/10 oz | ✓ Approved |
| Austrian Gold Philharmonic | 99.99% | 1, ½, ¼, 1/10 oz | ✓ Approved |
| British Gold Britannia | 99.99% | 1, ½, ¼, 1/10 oz | ✓ Approved |
| South African Krugerrand | 91.67%** | 1 oz | ✓ Approved |
*American Eagles are specifically exempted from the 99.5% requirement by law. **Krugerrands approved only in 1 oz size for IRA.
Approved Gold Bars
Gold bars must be 99.5% pure and produced by a NYMEX/COMEX approved refiner or national mint:
Approved Refiners
- • PAMP Suisse
- • Credit Suisse
- • Perth Mint
- • Royal Canadian Mint
- • Valcambi
- • Johnson Matthey
- • Engelhard
- • Heraeus
Bar Requirements
- • Minimum 99.5% pure gold
- • From NYMEX/COMEX approved refiner
- • Marked with weight, purity, refiner
- • Common sizes: 1 oz, 10 oz, 1 kilo
- • Must include assay certificate
What's NOT Approved
❌ Prohibited for Gold IRA:
- Collectible/Numismatic Coins: Rare coins valued for rarity rather than gold content
- Pre-1933 Gold Coins: Double Eagles, Saint-Gaudens, etc. (considered collectibles)
- Proof Coins: Unless from a national mint and meeting purity requirements
- Gold jewelry: No matter the purity
- Gold-plated items: Obviously
- South African Krugerrands: Only 1 oz allowed; fractional sizes prohibited
- Foreign coins below 99.5% purity: Unless specifically listed as approved
⚠️ Common Scam Alert
Some dealers push "IRA-eligible" numismatic coins at huge markups. If someone claims rare coins are "better for your IRA," they're trying to charge you 40-400% premiums. Stick to bullion.
Storage Requirements
IRS rules are strict about where your gold is stored:
✓ Required: IRS-Approved Depository
Your gold MUST be stored at an approved third-party depository. Common options: Delaware Depository, Brink's Global Services, Texas Precious Metals Depository.
✗ Prohibited: Home Storage
You cannot store IRA gold at home, in a personal safe, or in a bank safe deposit box. Doing so is a "distribution" that triggers taxes and penalties.
Our Recommendations
Best Choices for Gold IRA:
- Most Popular: American Gold Eagles (universally recognized, special IRS exemption)
- Best Value: 1 oz Gold Bars from PAMP or Credit Suisse (lowest premiums)
- Pure Gold: American Gold Buffalo or Canadian Maple Leaf (99.99%)
- Avoid: Any "rare" or "collectible" coins regardless of what a salesperson says
Quick Reference
Gold Purity Requirement
99.5% minimum (except American Eagles)
Storage Requirement
IRS-approved depository only
Approved Coins
Eagles, Buffalos, Maple Leafs, Philharmonics, Britannias, Kangaroos
Approved Bars
PAMP, Credit Suisse, Perth Mint, RCM, Valcambi