What Gold and Silver Coins Are IRA Eligible?

Learn which precious metals meet IRS requirements. Understand the rollover process. Decide whether a gold IRA fits your retirement strategy.

Not all gold and silver qualifies for Individual Retirement Accounts. This guide covers IRS-approved metals, purity requirements, and the rollover timeline. You will have what you need to make the right decision for your retirement savings.

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Quick Reference

IRA Purity Requirements at a Glance

The key rule: your IRA custodian must approve specific coins before purchase, and they must meet purity minimums.

Gold Requirements

99.5% purity (or higher)

The Exception

American Gold Eagles at 91.67% (Congressional authorization)

Approved Coins:

American Buffalo

Australian Kangaroo

Canadian Maple Leaf

Austrian Philharmonic

Most government-minted gold coins qualify. Some collectibles and numismatics do not.

Silver Requirements

99.9% purity (or higher)

Bar Requirements

Must be from approved refiners with hallmark certification

Approved Coins:

American Silver Eagle

Austrian Silver Philharmonic

Canadian Silver Maple Leaf

Mexican Libertad

Silver has stricter purity standards than gold.

Featured IRA Eligible Coins

Proof coins, limited editions, and annual series from trusted government mints worldwide.
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

1 oz .9999 Gold Maple Leaf (Year Varies)

The 1 oz Gold Canadian Maple Leaf from the Royal Canadian Mint, .9999 fine gold with sovereign backing and radial line security features.
Purity: 0.9999
  • GOLD COIN
Learn More
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

1 oz Silver Round – Buffalo Design

A 1 oz .999 fine silver round featuring the classic Buffalo design inspired by the 1913 Type 1 nickel.
Purity: 0.999
  • Silver COIN
Learn More
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

5 oz America The Beautiful Silver Coin (Design Varies)

Celebrate America’s natural beauty with the 5 oz America The Beautiful Silver Coin. Each coin is crafted from .999 fine silver, featuring unique designs that honor national parks and landmarks across the United States. Perfect for collectors and investors alike, these coins combine exquisite artistry with premium silver content. A versatile addition to any collection, they offer both aesthetic appeal and lasting value. Design may vary with each release, making every coin a unique treasure.

Purity: 0.999
  • Silver COIN
Learn More
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

2022 1/4 oz Gold Rocky Mountain Elk Coin

A 1/4 oz fine gold coin from the New Zealand Mint, featuring the Rocky Mountain elk and issued as legal tender of Niue.

Purity: 0.9999
  • GOLD COIN
Learn More
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

2018 1/2 oz Canadian Polar Bear Silver Coin

A 1/2 oz fine silver coin from the Royal Canadian Mint, featuring the Arctic polar bear and issued as $2 CAD legal tender.

Purity: 0.9999
  • Silver COIN
Learn More
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

Four Coin Proof Gold Eagle Set – Box/COA (Date Varies)

The complete four-coin Proof Gold American Eagle set from the U.S. Mint, including 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz coins with original box and COA.

Purity: 0.9167
  • GOLD COIN
  • PROOF COIN
Learn More
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

Proof Silver Eagle – Box & COA (Year Varies)

The proof version of the Silver American Eagle, struck by the U.S. Mint with mirror-like fields and ships with the original box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Purity: 0.999
  • Silver COIN
  • PROOF COIN
Learn More
  • Popular
  • IRA ELIGIBLE

Silver American Eagle – BU (Year Varies)

The official silver bullion coin of the United States, issued by the U.S. Mint and backed by the federal government for weight, content, and purity.

Purity: 0.999
  • Silver COIN
Learn More
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Direct Purchase

How It Works

Acquiring physical gold and silver for direct ownership is straightforward with Cedar Gold.

STEp 01

Free Consultation

Speak with a specialist who understands your situation. No obligation, no pressure— just honest guidance.

STEp 02

Seamless Rollover

We handle all the paperwork. Direct transfer means no taxes, no penalties, no 60-day deadline stress.

STEp 03

Secure Storage

Your metals are stored in an IRS-approved depository with full insurance and segregated holdings.

Your Purchase, Protected

Every Cedar Gold transaction is backed by our comprehensive guarantee.

Authenticity Guarantee

Every product verified and certified authentic

Top Buyback

We repurchase at competitive market rates

Secure Delivery

Fully insured shipping on every order

Price Transparency

Spot price + premium, no hidden fees ever

No-Pressure Sales

Education-first approach, your timeline

Rollover Options at a Glance

Understand which accounts can roll over into a Gold IRA
Account TypeCan Rollover?Tax-TreatmentTimeline
Traditional 401(k)YesTax-deferred30-45 days
Roth 401(k)YesTax-free growth30-45 days
Traditional IRAYesTax-deferred30-45 days
Roth IRAYesTax-free growth30-45 days
TSP (Thrift Savings)YesTax-deferred30-45 days
403(b)YesTax-deferred30-45 days

Why Open a Gold IRA in Retirement?

A gold IRA is not about getting rich quick. It is about protecting the wealth you have already built. Here is why retirement investors are adding precious metals to their accounts.

Portfolio Diversification

Gold and silver move differently than stocks and bonds. During 2022, when the S&P 500 dropped 18%, gold remained stable, losing only 0.6%. For retirement investors, this cushion matters.

Tax Advantages

Unlike direct gold purchases (which trigger capital gains taxes), precious metals in an IRA grow tax-free. Traditional IRAs defer taxes until withdrawal. Roth IRAs never pay taxes on gains.

Inflation Protection

Inflation erodes purchasing power of cash. Gold has historically moved in line with inflation—or beaten it. In 2024, gold gained 26% as inflation concerns remained elevated.

Types of Plans You Can Roll Over Into Gold

You don’t need to start from scratch. If you have a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or existing IRA, you can transfer those funds into a Gold IRA.

Traditional 401(k)

The most common rollover. Funds maintain tax-deferred status. You have 60 days to complete.

Roth 401(k) & Roth IRA

Roll into a Roth Gold IRA, keeping all future growth tax-free forever.

403(b) Plans

Teachers, nonprofit employees, healthcare workers. Same rules as 401(k) rollovers.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Federal employees and military. TSP rollovers are straightforward because both are government-backed.

The Key Rule

The custodian manages the transfer directly from your old plan administrator to the new Gold IRA You never touch the money. This is called a ‘direct transfer’ and avoids any tax withholding or penalties.

Step-by-Step Process

The Rollover Process with a Day-by-Day Timeline

One of the biggest sources of anxiety is not understanding the timeline. Here’s the actual day-by-day breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.

Day 1

You Initiate

Speak with a Cedar specialist, verify your current IRA balance, and sign a single-page rollover authorization form. No application, no credit check, no fees.

Day 2-3

We Request Your Funds

Cedar submits  your rollover request to your current plan administrator. We request a direct transfer to avoid the 60-day clock and withholding

Day 4-10

Funds in Transit

Your money is being transferred via ACH or wire. You’ll receive tracking information so you know where it is at all times.

Day 11-14

Funds Arrive & You Purchase

Your rollover funds arrive. You select which IRA-eligible coins or metals you want. No rush once the money has arrived.

Day 15-21

Gold Purchased & Shipped

Coins are secured, authenticated, and shipped under insured transport to an IRS-approved depository vault.

Day 22-30

Storage Begins

Your metals are safely stored in a segregated vault. You receive quarterly statements showing holdings and value.

Total Timeline: 30-45 days from start to finish

Most rollovers complete in 30-35 days. You cannot rush the IRS—direct transfers take as long as they take.

Is a Gold IRA or a Direct Purchase right for you?

We are not going to push you into a Gold IRA. We support both options. Here is the honest comparison so you can decide which path fits your situation.
ComparisonGold IRADirect Purchase
Tax TreatmentTax-deferred (Traditional) or tax-free (Roth). No capital
gains until withdrawal.		Capital gains taxes apply when you sell. No tax benefits.
Who It's ForRetirement investors with 401(k)s, IRAs, or TSPs. Long-
term (10+ years) focus.		Investors wanting flexibility and immediate access.
MinimumsTypically $25,000-$50,000. Cedar's minimum is lower
than competitors.		No minimum. Buy as little as one coin.
StorageRequired. IRS-approved depository vault.
$150-$300/year.		Your choice. Home safe, bank vault, or depository.
ControlYou select coins and timing. Custodian handles
administration.		Complete control. Hold, sell, trade anytime.
LiquiditySell metals, but proceeds stay in IRA until 59½. Early
withdrawal = 10% penalty + taxes.		Sell anytime. Immediate access to proceeds.
Best Use CaseLong-term retirement. Tax deferral priority. Don't need
access before 59½.		Flexibility. Physical possession. No account restrictions.
  • Choose a Gold IRA if:

• You have a 401(k) or IRA you want to roll into something tangible

• You’re planning to hold gold for 10+ years until retirement
• You want to avoid capital gains taxes on future profits
• You’re age 50+ and thinking about retirement diversification

  • Choose Direct Purchase if:

• You want complete flexibility and no restrictions on when you sell
• You want to take physical possession of your metals

• You don’t have an eligible retirement account to rollover

• You’re younger and haven’t yet accumulated significant retirement savings

The Honest Truth. Many gold dealers only sell Gold IRAs because minimums are higher and fees are ongoing. We sell both because we believe in matching the right customer to the right product.

Critical Information

What Coins and Metals Are IRA Eligible?

The IRS is surprisingly specific about which coins and bars qualify. Here’s the complete list organized by type.
  • IRA-Eligible Gold Coins

American Gold Eagle

IRA Eligible

91.67%

The IRS is surprisingly specific about which coins and bars qualify. Here’s the complete list organized by type.

American Gold Buffalo

IRA Eligible

99.99%

Modern all-American alternative. 99.99% pure. Available only in 1 oz.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

IRA Eligible

99.99%

Canada’s official bullion coin. Extremely liquid worldwide.

Austrian Gold Philharmonic

IRA Eligible

99.99%

European beauty. Features Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra instruments.

Australian Gold Kangaroo

IRA Eligible

99.99%

Changes design yearly. Very recognizable internationally.
  • IRA-Eligible Silver Coins

American Silver Eagle

IRA Eligible

99.9%

Most popular silver IRA coin. Proof versions also IRA-eligible.

Canadian Silver Maple Leaf

IRA Eligible

99.99%

Only coin with purity exception. Congressional authorization. Most popular IRA gold coin.

Austrian Silver Philharmonic

IRA Eligible

91.67%

Same design as gold version. 1 oz standard.

Australian Silver Kookaburra

IRA Eligible

99.9%

Changing design each year. Fully IRA-eligible.
  • IRA-Eligible Bars

Must meet purity minimums (99.5% gold, 99.9% silver), have assay certificate, and come from approved refiners (COMEX/LBMA-approved).



Common refiners: Engelhard, Johnson Matthey, Sunshine Mint, PAMP, Valcambi, Credit Suisse

Coins That Are NOT IRA Eligible

Knowing what you can’t buy is just as important as knowing what you can. Here are the most common coins people ask about—and why they don’t qualify.

South African Krugerrand

91.67% purity but minted by private entities, not government mints.

U.S. Commemorative Coins

Treated as collectibles, not bullion, even with precious metal content.

Proof Gold Coins (most)

Treated as numismatic items. Exception: American Gold Eagle Proof is NOT eligible, but Silver Eagle Proof IS.

Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins

Classified as numismatics. Double Eagles, Liberty Heads excluded.

Private Mint Rounds

No face value, no government backing. IRS doesn’t allow them.

Junk Silver (90% Pre-1965)

Not from approved mints. Don’t meet certified purity standards.

Storage, Custody & Depository Requirements

One common misconception: “Can I store my IRA gold at home?” The short answer is no. Here’s why and how storage actually works.

IRS Rule: Approved Depository Required

The IRS prohibits self-dealing. Storing IRA metals at home is a 'prohibited transaction.' The IRA could be disqualified, all assets become taxable immediately, and you'd owe a 10% penalty plus income taxes. This is non-negotiable.

Allocated Storage (Recommended)

Your specific coins are identified as yours. Serial numbers recorded. If the depository fails, your metals are legally protected can’t be claimed by creditors. $150-$300/year typically.

Unallocated Storage (Cheaper, Riskier)

Your metals aren’t specifically identified. You own a claim against a pool. Lower cost ($50-$150/year), but higher risk if depository fails. We don’t recommend this.

Frequently Asked

Can you visit your metals?

Generally yes. Most depositories allow tours and viewing of your allocated metals.

Can you change depositories?

Yes. Your custodian can arrange a transfer ($50-$100 fee typically).

Why Thousands of Americans Choose Cedar Gold

Trust is earned through transparency, expertise, and results. Here’s what sets Cedar Gold apart.

2,500+

Families Served

$180M+

Assets Protected

4.9/5

Google Rating

A+

BBB Rating

A+ BBB Rating

Highest rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Official Miami Marlins Partner

Proud partner of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins.

Olympic Gold Medalist Endorsement

Trusted by Olympic champion Bryan Clay.

Zero Liquidation Fees

No fees when you sell your metals back to us.

Top Buyback Guarantee

We buy back any product we sell at competitive market rates.

“Our mission is simple: help hardworking Americans protect what they’ve spent a lifetime building. We believe in education over salesmanship, transparency over pressure, and relationships over transactions.”
— Brett Bultje, CEO & Founder
Schedule a No-Pressure Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold IRAs

Everything you need to know about gold IRAs, answered by our precious metals specialists.
What is the minimum investment to open a Gold IRA?
Cedar’s minimum is lower than many competitors. Typical minimums across the industry range from $25,000 to $50,000. There is no IRS minimum.
Three main costs: custodian fee ($50-$150/year), storage fee ($150-$300/year), and liquidation fee ($50-$100 if selling). Cedar Gold explains all fees upfront.
Yes. You can have a Traditional Gold IRA and a Traditional stock-based IRA simultaneously. You can also have Roth versions of both.
Your Gold IRA passes to your named beneficiary. The metals pass with no probate, directly to the beneficiary.
Gold IRAs make sense for tax-deferred growth, rolling a 401(k), being within 10+ years of retirement, and wanting professional vault storage.
No. The IRS prohibits self-dealing in IRAs. Storing IRA metals at home is a prohibited transaction that disqualifies the IRA.
Yes. Gold has historically recovered from every crash. As part of a diversified portfolio at 5-10% allocation, a Gold IRA hedges other risks.
A direct transfer from custodian to custodian has no taxes or penalties. If you take a distribution yourself, there is typically 20% withholding.
American Eagles at 91.67% purity are the most recognizable and liquid. American Buffalos at 99.99% purity are purer and sometimes have lower premiums.
Yes. You can contribute new money up to annual limits, do additional rollovers from new employers, or convert a Roth.
Your metals are protected. They are held in segregated storage at an independent depository, not owned by your custodian.
Yes. The depository carries full insurance for segregated holdings. Theft of allocated precious metals at modern depositories is essentially nonexistent.

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