The short answer: A gold IRA can hold gold coins and bars that are at least .995 fine, plus the American Gold Eagle, which the law allows at .9167. Popular choices are the American Gold Eagle, American Gold Buffalo, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, Australian Kangaroo and bars from accredited refiners. Not allowed: South African Krugerrands, pre-1933 US gold coins, British Sovereigns, graded rare coins and jewelry.
What makes a gold coin or bar IRA-eligible?
IRAs generally cannot own collectibles, and the tax code treats most metals and coins as collectibles. Two exceptions make gold IRAs possible:
- Certain US government coins, including American Eagle coins, named in federal law.
- Bullion meeting minimum fineness that is held by a bank or IRS-approved trustee. For gold that minimum is .995.
If your IRA buys something that does not qualify, the IRS treats the cost as a taxable distribution to you. Always have your custodian confirm a product before purchase.
Which gold coins are IRA-approved?
| Coin | Issuer | Fineness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | US Mint | .9167 | Allowed by statute despite being below .995 |
| American Gold Buffalo | US Mint | .9999 | 24-karat |
| Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | Royal Canadian Mint | .9999 | Widely traded |
| Austrian Gold Philharmonic | Austrian Mint | .9999 | Popular in Europe |
| Australian Gold Kangaroo | Perth Mint | .9999 | Design changes yearly |
| British Gold Britannia (2013 and later) | Royal Mint | .9999 | Earlier Britannias were .9167 and do not qualify |
Which gold coins are not allowed?
| Coin or product | Why not |
|---|---|
| South African Krugerrand | .9167 fine and not named in the US statute |
| Pre-1933 US gold ($20 Saint-Gaudens, Liberty) | .900 fine and treated as collectibles |
| British Sovereign, Swiss 20 Francs, Mexican 50 Pesos | Below .995 fineness |
| Graded or certified rare coins | Value comes from rarity and condition, not metal content |
| Jewelry, scrap, novelty rounds | Not bullion meeting IRS standards |
What about gold bars?
Gold bars qualify if they are .995 fine or better and come from a refiner meeting recognized accreditation standards, such as those of the London Bullion Market Association or COMEX. Custodians typically require bars to carry the refiner’s mark, fineness and weight. Common sizes are 1 oz, 10 oz and 1 kilo. Larger bars usually carry lower premiums per ounce.
Are proof American Gold Eagles allowed?
Proof American Eagles are commonly accepted by custodians because the statute covers American Eagle coins. But proofs cost much more than regular bullion Eagles, often with large premiums that are hard to recover when selling. They are a frequent upsell in sales pitches. Compare the premium carefully before agreeing.
What about silver, platinum and palladium?
| Metal | Minimum fineness | Common eligible products |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | .999 | American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, accredited bars |
| Platinum | .9995 | American Platinum Eagle, accredited bars |
| Palladium | .9995 | American Palladium Eagle, accredited bars |
See our silver IRA guide for silver-specific considerations.
How do you choose among approved products?
- Lowest cost per ounce: 10 oz or kilo bars.
- Easiest to sell anywhere: 1 oz American Gold Eagles, Buffalos and Maple Leafs.
- Flexibility for RMDs: 1 oz units rather than large bars.
- Avoid: fractional and proof coins unless you have compared premiums.
Our guide to diversifying inside a gold IRA covers how to mix coins and bars, and our fees guide shows how premiums affect total cost.
Frequently asked questions
What gold coins are IRA approved?
Common choices include the American Gold Eagle, American Gold Buffalo, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, Australian Kangaroo and Britannias from 2013 onward.
Are Krugerrands allowed in a gold IRA?
No. Krugerrands are .9167 fine and, unlike the American Gold Eagle, are not named in the US statute, so they do not qualify.
Why is the American Gold Eagle allowed if it is 22-karat?
Federal law specifically names American Eagle coins as permitted IRA investments, so they qualify despite being .9167 fine.
Can I put old US gold coins in my IRA?
No. Pre-1933 US gold coins are .900 fine and treated as collectibles.
What purity does IRA gold need?
At least .995 fine, with the statutory exception for American Gold Eagles.
Can I put gold bars in my IRA?
Yes, if they are .995 fine or better and made by a refiner meeting recognized accreditation standards. Your custodian will confirm.
Sources: IRS guidance on collectibles, USAGOLD on IRA-eligible gold. Product eligibility is confirmed by your custodian; check before you buy.