Gold Types in an IRA

What Precious Metals Can Be Held in a Retirement Plan?

The United States government currently allows certain precious metals to be held in a retirement account. Here is the current list of acceptable precious metals for retirement accounts:

GOLD

• American Eagle coins (1)
• Austrailian Kangaroo/Nugget coins
• Austrian Philharmonic
• Canadian Maple Leaf coins
• Credit Suisse gold – PAMP Suisse gold Bars .999
• U.S. Buffalo Gold Uncirculated coins (No Proofs)
• Bars and rounds as referenced below (2)

SILVER

• American Eagle coins (1)
• Australian Kookaburra coins
• Austrian Philharmonic coins
• Canadian Maple Leaf coins
• Mexican Libertad coins
• Bars and rounds as referenced below (2)

PLATINUM

• American Eagle coins (1)
• Australian Koala coins
• Canadian Maple Leaf coins
• Isle of Man Noble coins
• Bars and rounds as referenced below (2)

PALLADIUM

• Bars and rounds as referenced below (2)

*(1) Coins, including the American Eagle, that have undergone “certification” (also known as “slabbed” coins) are not acceptable in retirement plans at this time

*(2) Bars and rounds produced by manufacturers accredited by Nymex/Comex, LME, LBMA, NYSE/Liffe/CBOT, and ISE-9000 or a national mint. The minimum finenesses for bars are:

Gold .995+
Silver. 999+
Platinum .9995+
Palladium .9995+

Proof coins undergo a specialized minting process that uses select dies. Lustrous coin blanks are fed manually into the presses where they are struck multiple times to ensure softly frosted, detailed coin images raised above a mirror-like background. Mint inspectors review each coin before deeming it a proof and place it in a protective plastic case. Proof American Eagles come in satin-lined velvet presentation cases with official U.S. Mint Certificates of Authenticity.

Proof coins typically have a limited mintage and their prices are determined by multiple factors including: mintage, rarity, condition, age, the price of the particular metal, and demand. The United States government issues a limited number of proof coins each year and certain years have been known to sell out quickly. Due to their numismatic significance, proof coins typically carry a premium over their metal content, or bullion value. Their values, which do move up and down in markets, may not be as volatile as their bullion counterparts.

Bullion coins and bars can be thought of as common coins and bars. Their values are dependent upon and tied closely to the spot price of precious metals.

* Setup a Gold IRA today, simply follow the instructions on this link IRA Account Setup