What Coins and Bars Are Allowed in a Gold IRA?

If you’re considering opening a Gold IRA to diversify your retirement portfolio, you may be wondering:
“What coins and bars are actually allowed in a Gold IRA?”

The IRS has strict rules governing the types of precious metals that can be held in a self-directed IRA — and not every gold product qualifies. To maintain your account’s tax-advantaged status, it’s essential to only purchase IRS-approved gold coins and bullion.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly which coins and bars are eligible for Gold IRAs, and how to ensure your investments are compliant.

🟡 Gold IRA Basics: IRS Requirements

To be eligible for inclusion in a Gold IRA, gold coins and bars must meet the following IRS standards:

✅ Minimum Purity:

• Gold: Must be at least 99.5% pure (0.995 fineness)

• Silver: 99.9%

• Platinum & Palladium: 99.95%

✅ Storage Requirements:

• All metals must be held in an IRS-approved depository

• Metals must be purchased through a qualified custodian

• Home storage of IRA metals is not allowed

🪙 IRS-Approved Gold Coins for IRAs

Here are the most commonly accepted gold coins you can hold in a Gold IRA:

1. American Gold Eagle

• Issued by the U.S. Mint

• Available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz sizes

• Exceptionally IRS-approved, even though it’s only 91.67% pure

• Most popular Gold IRA coin

2. American Gold Buffalo

• 99.99% pure gold

• First 24-karat coin ever produced by the U.S. Mint

• IRA-approved and widely accepted

3. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

• Issued by the Royal Canadian Mint

• 99.99% purity (four 9s)

• Recognized for its quality and liquidity

4. Austrian Gold Philharmonic

• Produced by the Austrian Mint

• 99.99% pure

• Legal tender in Austria

5. Australian Kangaroo/Nugget Coins

• Minted by the Perth Mint

• 99.99% pure gold

• Popular worldwide and eligible for IRAs

🧱 IRS-Approved Gold Bars for IRAs

Gold bars are also allowed in a Gold IRA if they meet the IRS’s purity and manufacturing standards.

✅ Requirements:

• Must be produced by an accredited refiner (e.g., LBMA-approved)

• Must be .995 fine or better

• Must come with a certificate or proper markings of purity and weight

Commonly Approved Brands:

• PAMP Suisse

• Credit Suisse

• Valcambi

• Perth Mint

• Royal Canadian Mint

• Johnson Matthey (pre-owned)

Bars are typically available in sizes like:

• 1 oz

• 10 oz

• 100 oz

• 1 kilo

📌 Larger bars may offer lower premiums but are less liquid than coins.

⚠️ What Gold Products Are NOT Allowed?

The IRS does not allow the following in a Gold IRA:

• Collectible coins (e.g., numismatic, proof, or commemorative coins)

• Foreign coins not meeting purity standards

• Jewelry or personal gold

• Any metals not stored in an approved depository

Commonly rejected items include:

• South African Krugerrands (not pure enough)

• Chinese Gold Pandas (not always IRS-approved)

• Graded or slabbed coins

🏦 How to Buy IRA-Approved Gold

To buy eligible gold for your IRA, you’ll need to:

1. Open a self-directed Gold IRA with a qualified custodian

2. Fund your account via rollover, transfer, or contribution

3. Choose your coins or bars from an IRS-approved list

4. Have your metals shipped to an IRS-approved depository

5. Maintain tax compliance through your custodian

Most top-rated Gold IRA companies will help you select only eligible products.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Understanding what coins and bars are allowed in a Gold IRA is crucial to staying compliant and protecting your tax-advantaged status. Stick with IRS-approved bullion and widely accepted sovereign coins to ensure your investment is secure, liquid, and fully legal.

Whether you’re just starting a Gold IRA or adding to an existing one, always work with a trusted custodian and dealer who specializes in retirement-approved precious metals.

💬 Want to Get Started?

Check out our updated list of the Best Gold IRA Companies of 2025 to find trusted providers who offer IRS-approved coins, secure storage, and expert guidance.