List of IRA Approved Gold Bars, Rounds, and Coins

ByJohn W. Tulkar

The IRS requires a minimum fineness of .995 (99.5% pure) for gold bars, rounds, and coins to be eligible for inclusion in a precious metals IRA.

IRA Approved Gold Bars

Here is a list of some of the most common IRS-approved gold bullion bars that are eligible for inclusion in a gold IRA:

  • PAMP Suisse gold bars
  • Valcambi gold bars
  • Credit Suisse gold bars
  • Sunshine Mint gold bars
  • Johnson Matthey gold bars
  • Perth Mint gold bars
  • Engelhard gold bars
  • Asahi gold bars
  • APMEX gold bars
  • Geiger Edelmetalle gold bars
  • Heraeus gold bars
  • Argor-Heraeus gold bars
  • SEMPSA gold bars
  • Metalor gold bars
  • Rand Refinery gold bars
  • Umicore gold bars
  • Nadir Metal Refining gold bars
  • Italpreziosi gold bars
  • Ogussa gold bars
  • Heimerle + Meule gold bars
  • Cendres + Métaux gold bars
  • Istanbul Gold Refinery gold bars
  • Chimet gold bars
  • Ögussa gold bars
  • Degussa gold bars
  • Argor-Heraeus gold bars
  • Valcambi gold bars
  • PAMP Suisse gold bars

The key is that the gold bars must be 99.5% pure or higher and produced by a refiner approved by the NYMEX, COMEX, NYSE, LME, LBMA or a national government mint. Bars from accredited manufacturers that meet this purity standard are generally eligible.

IRA Approved Gold Rounds

Here are some of the most popular IRS-approved gold rounds that are eligible for inclusion in a precious metals IRA:

  • PAMP Suisse gold rounds
  • Valcambi gold rounds
  • Credit Suisse gold rounds
  • Sunshine Mint gold rounds
  • Perth Mint gold rounds
  • Engelhard gold rounds
  • Asahi gold rounds
  • APMEX gold rounds
  • Geiger Edelmetalle gold rounds
  • Heraeus gold rounds
  • Argor-Heraeus gold rounds
  • Metalor gold rounds
  • Rand Refinery gold rounds
  • Umicore gold rounds
  • Nadir Metal Refining gold rounds
  • Italpreziosi gold rounds
  • Ogussa gold rounds
  • Heimerle + Meule gold rounds
  • Cendres + Métaux gold rounds
  • Istanbul Gold Refinery gold rounds
  • Chimet gold rounds

The key requirements for gold rounds in a precious metals IRA are:

  • Minimum fineness of 99.5% pure gold (0.995 fine)
  • Produced by an IRS-approved refiner or manufacturer
  • In uncirculated, brilliant uncirculated, or proof condition
  • Not considered rare or collectible coins

As long as the gold rounds meet these criteria, they can be held in a precious metals IRA alongside approved gold coins. The IRS treats gold rounds the same as gold bars for IRA purposes.

IRA Approved Gold Coins

The current list of IRS-approved gold coins can be found below:

  • American Gold Eagle (including proofs) coins
  • Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins
  • Austrian Gold Philharmonic coins
  • Australian Gold Kangaroo/Nugget coins
  • Chinese Gold Panda coins
  • American Gold Buffalo (uncirculated) coins
  • British Gold Britannia coins
  • British The Royal Arms gold coins
  • British Queen’s Beasts gold coins
  • Hungarian Gold Korona coins
  • British Gold Standard coins
  • Mexican Gold 50 Pesos coins

It’s important to note that:

All gold coins must be in excellent condition meaning uncirculated, brilliant uncirculated, or proof condition. Rare or collectible coins are not allowed in precious metals IRAs. In other words, the gold coins must be investment grade, not numismatics. The American Gold Eagle is the only coin allowed that is not 99.5% pure, as it is 91.67% pure (22 karat). And the American Gold Buffalo coins must be uncirculated.

For additional information on specific gold bullion and coins that are commonly accepted by IRA custodians as meeting the IRS requirements, proceed by receiving our top recommended gold IRA company’s free investor kit here or read our review of them.

FAQs Related to IRA Approved Gold

Since there may be some unanswered questions, we’ve compiled the most common ones asked by our readers. If we missed any questions relating to IRS-approved gold, go ahead and contact us for further clarification.

According to the search results, proof coins are not specifically mentioned in the IRS rules regarding collectibles. However, the IRS does have rules regarding the treatment of collectibles in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).

Proof coins are not specifically approved or disapproved by the IRS. However, the IRS does have rules regarding the treatment of collectibles in IRAs, and proof coins may be subject to these rules if they are considered collectibles. It is recommended to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to determine the specific tax implications of proof coins in an IRA.

Yes, certain gold, silver, or platinum coins described in 31 USC Section 5112 are excluded.

Also, any coin issued under the laws of any state.

And any gold, silver, platinum, or palladium bullion of a certain fineness if a bank or approved non-bank trustee keeps physical possession of it.

  • Circulating Coins: Struck only once, no special handling or polishing.
  • Uncirculated Coins: Struck like circulating coins, but with some quality enhancements, such as higher coining force or special packaging.
  • Bullion Coins: Struck like circulating coins, but with a focus on precious metal content rather than collectibility.
  • Reverse Proof Coins: Struck with a reverse proof finish, which has a different design finish and multiple polishes.

Proof coins generally have a higher value than circulating coins due to their limited mintage, special handling, and high-quality finish. They are often sought after by collectors and can be sold at a premium price.

In summary, proof coins are high-quality coins that have been specially treated and handled during the minting process, resulting in a unique appearance and higher value.

When it comes to diversifying your retirement portfolio, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows for the inclusion of certain precious metals in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). These metals must meet specific purity standards to ensure the quality and integrity of the investments. Let’s explore the options available for precious metals in IRAs:

Gold

  • Gold coins: Your IRA can hold U.S. gold coins, including the American Gold Eagle, American Gold Buffalo, and Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, in various denominations such as one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, or one-tenth ounce.
  • Gold bullion: The IRS permits specific types of gold bullion, including bars and rounds, provided they have a minimum fineness of 99.5% (0.995) and are produced by an accredited refiner or manufacturer.

Silver

  • Silver coins: Your IRA can hold one-ounce silver coins minted by the U.S. Treasury Department, such as the American Silver Eagle.
  • Silver bullion: Certain types of silver bullion, including bars and rounds, are eligible for inclusion in your IRA, as long as they meet the IRS purity requirements.

Platinum and Palladium

  • Platinum coins: Your IRA can hold specific types of platinum coins, including the American Platinum Eagle and the Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf.
  • Platinum and palladium bullion: Both platinum and palladium bullion, in the form of bars and rounds, can be included in your IRA, provided they meet the IRS purity standards.

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The main differences between gold rounds and gold coins are:

  1. Legal Tender Status:
    • Gold coins are issued by government mints and have legal tender status, meaning they are considered official currency.
    • Gold rounds are produced by private mints and do not have legal tender status.
  2. Premium Over Spot Price:
    • Gold coins typically have a higher premium over the spot price of gold compared to gold rounds, due to their legal tender status and collectibility.
    • Gold rounds generally have a lower premium over the spot price.
  3. Collectibility:
    • Gold coins, especially those issued by national mints, can be more collectible and have a higher numismatic value.
    • Gold rounds are generally less collectible and have a lower numismatic value.
  4. Eligibility for IRAs:
    • Both gold coins and gold rounds can be held in precious metals IRAs, as long as they meet the IRS purity requirements of at least 99.5% fine gold.

In summary, the main differences lie in the legal tender status, premium over spot price, and collectibility, while both can be eligible for inclusion in a precious metals IRA.

Numismatic coins are rare, collectible coins that have value beyond their metal content. They are not allowed in precious metals IRAs, which are limited to bullion coins and bars meeting specific purity standards.

No. While the convenience of having your investments close at hand may be tempting, when it comes to precious metals held in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), storing them at home is not a viable option.

According to IRS guidelines, all tangible assets owned through an IRA must be stored in a secure, IRS-approved depository facility. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety and proper custody of your precious metals investment, protecting the integrity of your retirement savings and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

Depositories approved by the IRS are typically specialized facilities that employ advanced security measures, including 24-hour surveillance, armed guards, and strict access controls, to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard your precious metals. By entrusting your holdings to a reputable depository, you can have peace of mind knowing that your assets are being held in compliance with IRS regulations and are protected by robust security systems tailored to the needs of precious metals IRA investors.

Yes, you can own physical gold in your IRA but it must meet specific IRS requirements. The gold must be in the form of approved coins or bars with a minimum fineness of 99.5%. The gold must also be stored in an IRS-approved depository, not at your home. The IRS has strict rules governing the types and storage of precious metals held in IRAs.

Sources:

  1. IRS Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs):
    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590a.pdf
  2. IRS Notice 2014-20:
    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-14-20.pdf
  3. IRS Revenue Ruling 2008-31:
    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-08-31.pdf