What is the minimum gold purity for an IRA?

Gold must be at least 99.5 percent pure (0.995 fineness) to be eligible for IRA inclusion. The only exception is the American Gold Eagle, which is 91.67 percent gold but is specifically permitted by federal law.

Are American Gold Eagles IRA-eligible even though they are not 99.5 percent pure?

Yes. Congress explicitly exempted American Gold Eagles from the 99.5 percent purity requirement in the IRA legislation. Eagles contain a full troy ounce of pure gold alloyed with silver and copper for durability, and they are the most popular gold coin held in U.S. retirement accounts.

Can I hold Krugerrands in my IRA?

No. South African Krugerrands are 22-karat gold (91.67 percent purity) and are not explicitly exempted by IRS rules. Unlike American Gold Eagles, which have a specific statutory exemption, Krugerrands do not qualify for IRA inclusion under current regulations.

Are gold bars eligible for an IRA?

Yes, provided they meet the 99.5 percent purity requirement and are produced by an accredited refiner or manufacturer. Bars from LBMA Good Delivery refiners such as PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, Credit Suisse, Heraeus, and the Royal Canadian Mint are widely accepted in Gold IRAs.

Can proof coins go into a Gold IRA?

Proof versions of IRA-eligible coins, such as Proof American Gold Eagles, are generally eligible when they are in original government-issued packaging with a certificate of authenticity. Confirm with your custodian before purchasing, as policies may vary.

What size gold bars are best for an IRA?

The 1 oz gold bar is the most popular size for IRA accounts due to its balance of manageable premium, easy valuation, and high liquidity. Larger bars (10 oz, 1 kg) offer lower per-ounce premiums but are less flexible for partial distributions. Smaller bars (1 gram to 1/2 oz) carry higher premiums per ounce.

How do I buy IRA-eligible gold?

Work with a reputable precious metals dealer that offers IRA-eligible products. At MintBuilder, our inventory is clearly labeled for IRA eligibility, and our team can help you select products that meet IRS requirements. Your Gold IRA custodian will process the purchase and arrange for secure storage. Browse our IRA-eligible gold selection to get started.

Can I transfer gold I already own into an IRA?

Generally, no. IRS rules prohibit contributing personal property, including gold you already own, to an IRA. The gold must be purchased through the IRA with IRA funds. This rule is designed to prevent the tax-sheltering of existing assets.

IRA-Eligible Gold Products: The Complete 2026 List

Not all gold qualifies for inclusion in a precious metals IRA. The IRS has established strict purity requirements and product specifications that determine which gold coins and bars can be held in a self-directed retirement account. Understanding these rules is essential before you purchase gold for your IRA, as buying a non-eligible product can result in penalties and disqualification of the investment. This comprehensive guide lists every IRA-eligible gold product currently approved, explains the IRS purity standards, identifies products that are NOT eligible, and shows you how to verify eligibility before making a purchase.

IRS Purity Requirements for Gold IRAs

The Internal Revenue Code (IRC Section 408(m)(3)(B)) establishes the purity standards for gold held in an IRA. The general rule is straightforward: gold must have a minimum fineness of 99.5 percent (0.995) to qualify for IRA inclusion. This means the gold product must contain at least 995 parts gold per 1,000 parts of total metal content.

There is one notable exception to this rule. American Gold Eagle coins, produced by the United States Mint, are explicitly permitted in IRAs despite having an alloy composition of 91.67 percent gold (22 karat). The Eagles contain a full troy ounce of pure gold but are alloyed with silver and copper for durability. Congress specifically exempted these coins in the IRA legislation because of their status as the official U.S. gold bullion coin.

Additionally, all IRA-eligible gold products must be produced by a national government mint, a refiner accredited by a nationally recognized exchange (such as the LBMA, COMEX, or NYMEX), or a manufacturer that meets these standards. Products must also be in new or brilliant uncirculated condition.

Approved Gold Coins for IRA Inclusion

The following gold coins meet IRS requirements and are approved for inclusion in a self-directed precious metals IRA:

American Gold Eagle

The American Gold Eagle is the most widely held gold coin in U.S. retirement accounts. Produced by the United States Mint, it is available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. Despite its 22-karat alloy, it is explicitly allowed in IRAs by statute. The Eagle's recognizability and liquidity make it a top choice for IRA investors.

American Gold Buffalo

The American Gold Buffalo is the U.S. Mint's 99.99 percent pure gold (24-karat) bullion coin. Available in 1 oz size, the Buffalo easily exceeds the 99.5 percent purity requirement. Its high purity and American origin make it an excellent IRA product, often chosen by investors who prefer 24-karat gold.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, the Gold Maple Leaf is 99.99 percent pure gold and is available in sizes from 1 oz down to 1/20 oz (though the 1 oz is the most common IRA holding). The Maple Leaf is globally recognized and features advanced security features including the MintMark SI micro-engraving.

Austrian Gold Philharmonic

The Austrian Mint's Gold Philharmonic is 99.99 percent pure and denominated in euros. Available primarily in 1 oz size, the Philharmonic is one of Europe's most popular bullion coins and fully qualifies for IRA inclusion.

Australian Gold Kangaroo

Produced by the Perth Mint, the Gold Kangaroo (formerly Gold Nugget) is 99.99 percent pure and available in sizes from 1 oz to 1/10 oz. The Perth Mint is internationally recognized, and the Kangaroo meets all IRS requirements for IRA eligibility.

British Gold Britannia

The Royal Mint's Gold Britannia has been struck in 99.99 percent pure gold since 2013 and is IRA-eligible. Available in 1 oz size, the Britannia features advanced anti-counterfeiting technology and is widely traded in international bullion markets.

Other Eligible Gold Coins

Chinese Gold Panda (99.9% pure, various sizes)
Armenian Gold Noah's Ark
South Korean Gold ZI:SIN series (99.99% pure)

For more details on choosing between coins, see our gold coins buyer's guide.

Approved Gold Bars for IRA Inclusion

Gold bars are also eligible for IRA inclusion, provided they meet the 99.5 percent purity requirement and are produced by an accredited refiner or manufacturer. The following refiners produce IRA-eligible gold bars:

PAMP Suisse

PAMP Suisse is one of the world's most prestigious gold refiners, based in Ticino, Switzerland. Their gold bars feature the iconic Lady Fortuna design and are available in sizes from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. The 1 oz and 10 oz bars are the most popular for IRA accounts. Each bar comes with an assay card certifying weight and purity.

Valcambi

Also based in Switzerland, Valcambi is an LBMA-accredited refiner producing gold bars in a wide range of sizes. Their bars are known for high production quality and are widely accepted in IRA accounts. The Valcambi CombiBar, which can be broken into smaller segments, is available but the standard cast and minted bars are more commonly used for IRAs.

Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse gold bars (produced by Valcambi under the Credit Suisse brand) are among the most recognized gold bars in the world. Available in 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kg sizes, these bars meet IRA purity requirements and feature individual serial numbers and assay certification.

Other LBMA-Approved Refiners

Gold bars from any refiner on the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery list generally qualify for IRA inclusion. Notable refiners include:

Royal Canadian Mint
Perth Mint
Heraeus
Johnson Matthey
Metalor Technologies
Argor-Heraeus
Asahi Refining

For a deeper dive into bar investing, visit our gold bars buyer's guide.

Gold Products NOT Eligible for IRA Inclusion

Understanding what is not eligible is just as important as knowing what is. The following gold products cannot be held in an IRA:

South African Krugerrand: Despite being one of the world's most famous gold coins, the Krugerrand is only 91.67 percent gold (22 karat) and is NOT explicitly exempted by IRS rules the way American Eagles are. Most custodians and tax professionals consider Krugerrands ineligible.
Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins: These are considered collectibles and do not meet IRA requirements regardless of their gold content.
Numismatic and collectible coins: Any coin valued primarily for its rarity, condition, or collector appeal rather than its gold content is ineligible.
Proof coins in non-standard packaging: While proof versions of eligible coins (such as Proof Gold Eagles) are generally eligible, they must be in original government packaging with a certificate of authenticity.
Gold jewelry and decorative items: These are not considered bullion products and are ineligible regardless of gold content.
Gold rounds from private mints: Unless produced by an accredited refiner meeting IRS standards, privately minted gold rounds may not qualify.

How to Verify IRA Eligibility

Before purchasing any gold product for your IRA, take these verification steps:

Check the purity: Confirm the product is at least 99.5 percent gold (or is an American Gold Eagle). The purity is typically stamped on the product and documented in the product specifications. Understanding gold purity markings is essential for this step.
Verify the manufacturer: Ensure the product is from a sovereign mint or an LBMA-accredited refiner. Cross-reference the refiner against the LBMA Good Delivery list if in doubt.
Confirm with your custodian: Before placing an order, verify with your Gold IRA custodian that they accept the specific product. Some custodians maintain their own approved product lists.
Work with a reputable dealer: Purchase from a dealer like MintBuilder that specializes in IRA-eligible products and can confirm eligibility for every item in your order.

Storage Requirements for IRA Gold

All gold held in an IRA must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. You cannot store IRA metals at home, in a personal safe, or in a bank safe deposit box. Approved depositories include facilities operated by companies like Delaware Depository, Brink's, and International Depository Services. Your custodian will coordinate the storage arrangement and provide options for segregated or commingled storage. For complete details, see our guide on IRA storage rules and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum gold purity for an IRA?: Gold must be at least 99.5 percent pure (0.995 fineness) to be eligible for IRA inclusion. The only exception is the American Gold Eagle, which is 91.67 percent gold but is specifically permitted by federal law.
Are American Gold Eagles IRA-eligible even though they are not 99.5 percent pure?: Yes. Congress explicitly exempted American Gold Eagles from the 99.5 percent purity requirement in the IRA legislation. Eagles contain a full troy ounce of pure gold alloyed with silver and copper for durability, and they are the most popular gold coin held in U.S. retirement accounts.
Can I hold Krugerrands in my IRA?: No. South African Krugerrands are 22-karat gold (91.67 percent purity) and are not explicitly exempted by IRS rules. Unlike American Gold Eagles, which have a specific statutory exemption, Krugerrands do not qualify for IRA inclusion under current regulations.
Are gold bars eligible for an IRA?: Yes, provided they meet the 99.5 percent purity requirement and are produced by an accredited refiner or manufacturer. Bars from LBMA Good Delivery refiners such as PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, Credit Suisse, Heraeus, and the Royal Canadian Mint are widely accepted in Gold IRAs.
Can proof coins go into a Gold IRA?: Proof versions of IRA-eligible coins, such as Proof American Gold Eagles, are generally eligible when they are in original government-issued packaging with a certificate of authenticity. Confirm with your custodian before purchasing, as policies may vary.
What size gold bars are best for an IRA?: The 1 oz gold bar is the most popular size for IRA accounts due to its balance of manageable premium, easy valuation, and high liquidity. Larger bars (10 oz, 1 kg) offer lower per-ounce premiums but are less flexible for partial distributions. Smaller bars (1 gram to 1/2 oz) carry higher premiums per ounce.
How do I buy IRA-eligible gold?: Work with a reputable precious metals dealer that offers IRA-eligible products. At MintBuilder, our inventory is clearly labeled for IRA eligibility, and our team can help you select products that meet IRS requirements. Your Gold IRA custodian will process the purchase and arrange for secure storage. Browse our IRA-eligible gold selection to get started.
Can I transfer gold I already own into an IRA?: Generally, no. IRS rules prohibit contributing personal property, including gold you already own, to an IRA. The gold must be purchased through the IRA with IRA funds. This rule is designed to prevent the tax-sheltering of existing assets.

Selecting the right IRA-eligible gold products is a critical step in building a precious metals retirement portfolio. With the information in this guide, you can confidently identify approved coins and bars, avoid ineligible products, and verify compliance with IRS standards. Explore MintBuilder's full selection of IRA-eligible gold products and check the current gold spot price to make informed purchasing decisions for your retirement account.