Which gold coins are IRA-eligible?

IRS-eligible gold coins for an IRA: American Gold Eagle (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz — .9167 fine, the only coin explicitly named in IRC §408(m)(3)(A)(i)), American Gold Buffalo (1 oz, .9999 fine), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (1 oz, .9999 fine), Austrian Gold Philharmonic (1 oz, .9999 fine), Australi

Are American Gold Eagles IRA-eligible?

Yes — American Gold Eagles are IRA-eligible and are the ONLY gold coin explicitly named in the IRS code at IRC §408(m)(3)(A)(i). They are also the only IRS-approved exception to the standard .995 fineness requirement — American Gold Eagles are .9167 fine (22 karat gold alloyed with silver and copper

Are Morgan dollars IRA-eligible?

No — Morgan dollars are not IRA-eligible. They are historical US coins with .900 fineness (below the .999 minimum for most coins) and are classified as numismatic collectibles. The IRS explicitly prohibits collectibles inside IRAs under IRC §408(m)(2). Any company that promotes Morgan dollars or oth

Can I hold proof gold coins in my IRA?

Generally no. Proof coins are specially minted collector versions with mirror-like finishes and typically come in presentation packaging — they command significant premiums over spot price and are classified as collectibles. American Gold Eagle bullion coins qualify for an IRA, but American Gold Eag

Do Canadian Gold Maple Leafs qualify for an IRA?

Yes — Canadian Gold Maple Leafs are IRA-eligible. The 1 oz .9999 fine Royal Canadian Mint Gold Maple Leaf meets both the fineness requirement (.9999 > .995 minimum) and the approved sovereign mint requirement. It features Bullion DNA security technology and is one of the most liquid, widely recogniz

What is the premium over spot for IRA gold coins?

IRA gold coin premiums over spot price typically range: American Gold Eagle — $35-$65/oz over COMEX spot; Canadian Maple Leaf — $30-$55/oz; American Gold Buffalo — $40-$70/oz; Austrian Philharmonic — $30-$50/oz. Fractional coins (1/4 oz, 1/10 oz) carry proportionally higher premiums per ounce. Gold

Are South African Krugerrands IRA-eligible?

South African Krugerrands are not IRS-eligible for an IRA. Although they are .9167 fine (22 karat, same as American Gold Eagles), the Krugerrand is not listed in IRC §408(m)(3) and is not produced by a country whose mint has been approved under the specific fineness standards required. The American

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Last updated: April 2026. This website is for educational purposes only. Content does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing in precious metals involves risk including loss of principal. Always consult a licensed financial advisor. We may receive affiliate compensation from featured companies. This does not influence our editorial content.