Though IRAs were once limited to holding American Eagle gold and silver coins, today, IRAs can invest in IRS-permitted gold, silver, palladium and platinum bullion and coins. Thanks to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 which expanded the precious metal holdings allowed in IRAs to include one, one-half, one-quarter or one-tenth ounce U.S. gold coins and one-ounce silver coins minted by the U.S. Treasury Department, along with certain foreign coins.
Gold must be 99.5% pure; silver must be 99.9% pure, and platinum and palladium must both be 99.95% pure.
Bars, rounds, and coins must be produced by a refiner, assayer, or manufacturer that is accredited/certified by NYMEX, COMEX, NYSE/Liffe, LME, LBMA, LPPM, TOCOM, ISO 9000, or a national government mint. Precious metals must also have the producer’s mint mark and meet minimum fineness requirements.
Proof coins must be encapsulated in complete, original mint packaging, in excellent condition, and include the certificate of authenticity.
Small bullion bars (other than 400-ounce gold, 100-ounce gold, 1000-ounce silver, 50-ounce platinum and 100-ounce palladium bars) must be manufactured to exact weight specifications.
Non-proof (bullion) coins must be in brilliant uncirculated condition and free from damage.
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