Self-Directed Precious Metals
Allowable Precious Metals
Some people are surprised to learn that IRS rules allow them to hold real gold bullion, gold coins and other precious metals with their retirement accounts. IRAs are not restricted to stocks, mutual funds, bonds, certificates of deposit, annuities and other conventional financial products.
Ready to open a precious metals IRA? Click here to begin our easy online new account application.
Allowable Investments
There are four precious metals in which your IRA can invest: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. There are, however, some restrictions when investing in these metals.
Minimum Fineness Requirements
- Gold 99.5% Pure
- Silver 99.9% Pure
- Platinum 99.95% Pure
- Palladium 99.95% Pure
Examples of Coins Your Account Can Own
Gold
- American Eagle coins (proof and non-proof)
- Note that Gold American Eagles do not meet the 99.5% purity minimum for gold. They are, however, allowed in a tax-advantaged plan thanks to an IRS exception.
- American Gold Buffalo coins
- Austrian Gold Philharmonics coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Australian Kangaroo/Nugget coins
- Bars and rounds that meet minimum fineness requirements
Silver
- American Eagle coins (proof and non-proof)
- Austrian Philharmonic coins
- Mexican Libertads coins
- Australian Kookaburras coins
- Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins
- South African Krugerrand (Silver) coins
- Bars and rounds that meet minimum fineness requirements
Platinum
- American Eagle coins (proof and non-proof)
- Australian Koalas coins
- Isle of Man Noble coins
- Bars and rounds that meet minimum fineness requirements
Palladium
- American Eagle coins (proof and non-proof)
- Bars and rounds that meet the minimum fineness requirement
Disallowed Coins
- Austrian Corona and Ducat
- Belgian Franc
- British Sovereign and Britannia
- German Mark
- Columbian Peso
- Dutch Guilder
- French Franc
- Swiss Franc
- Italian Lira
- Mexican Peso and Onza
- South African Krugerrand (Gold)
To learn more about precious metals IRAs, feel free to give us a call at 877-742-1270 or send us a message through the NDTCO Client Portal.