IRA-Eligible Silver: The Complete Product List for 2026

Not all silver qualifies for a precious-metals IRA. The IRS imposes specific purity and sourcing requirements that disqualify many popular silver products — including junk silver, sterling silver, and coins from non-approved mints. Choosing the wrong product can trigger a prohibited-transaction penalty, so getting it right matters. This guide provides the definitive list of IRA-eligible silver coins and bars for 2026, explains the IRS rules governing eligibility, identifies common products that do not qualify, and offers practical tips for verifying eligibility before you buy. If you are planning a silver IRA, bookmark this page — it is the reference you will use every time you add silver to your retirement account. Check the current silver spot price to help plan your allocation.

The IRS Purity Requirement: .999 Fine

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m)(3)(A)(iii), silver held in a self-directed IRA must have a fineness of .999 (99.9% pure). This single rule is the gatekeeper that determines eligibility for most silver products. If a coin or bar is less than .999 fine, it is not eligible — with one important exception that we will cover below.

The .999 standard rules out a significant portion of the silver market:

• Pre-1965 U.S. coins (90% silver) — not eligible
• Kennedy half-dollars 1965–1970 (40% silver) — not eligible
• Sterling silver (.925) — not eligible
• Many world coins minted before the modern bullion era — not eligible

The American Silver Eagle Exception

The American Silver Eagle is the one silver coin granted a specific statutory exemption under IRC 408(m)(3)(A)(iv). This provision makes Eagles eligible for IRA inclusion regardless of their technical fineness — though in practice, Eagles are .999 fine and would qualify on that basis alone.

The statutory exemption means Eagles face no ambiguity about eligibility. They are the single safest choice for a silver IRA and the most popular silver IRA product for precisely this reason.

IRA-Eligible Silver Coins

The following government-minted silver bullion coins meet the .999 (or higher) fineness requirement and are widely accepted by custodians for IRA inclusion:

Tier 1: Most Popular and Universally Accepted

These four coins are accepted by virtually every precious-metals IRA custodian without question. They represent the core of most silver IRA portfolios.

Tier 2: Widely Accepted

These coins meet the fineness requirement and are accepted by most custodians, though it is always prudent to confirm with your specific custodian before purchasing.

IRA-Eligible Silver Bars

Silver bars are eligible for IRA inclusion if they meet two criteria:

1. Fineness of .999 or higher
2. Produced by a refiner accredited by COMEX, LBMA, or a national government mint

Approved Refiners and Manufacturers

Bars from the following refiners are widely accepted for silver IRAs:

• PAMP Suisse — Swiss refiner; LBMA-accredited
• Valcambi — Swiss refiner; LBMA-accredited
• Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) — Government mint; LBMA-accredited
• Asahi Refining — Successor to Johnson Matthey; LBMA- and COMEX-approved
• Heraeus — German refiner; LBMA-accredited
• Johnson Matthey — Legacy bars still accepted (no longer producing)
• Engelhard — Legacy bars still accepted (no longer producing)
• Sunshine Minting — COMEX-approved
• Republic Metals Corporation — COMEX-approved
• Ohio Precious Metals (OPM) — COMEX-approved
• SilverTowne — Accepted by many custodians; verify accreditation status

Eligible Bar Sizes

IRA-eligible bars come in a range of sizes:

• 1 oz bars
• 5 oz bars
• 10 oz bars
• 1 kilo (32.15 oz) bars
• 100 oz bars
• 1,000 oz bars (COMEX-deliverable)

Larger bars offer the lowest premiums per ounce, but 10-ounce and 100-ounce bars are the most common choices for IRA investors balancing premium efficiency with practical handling.

Products That Are NOT IRA-Eligible

Understanding what does not qualify is just as important as knowing what does. The following silver products are not eligible for IRA inclusion:

90% Silver / Junk Silver

• Pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars (90% silver)
• Kennedy half-dollars 1965–1970 (40% silver)
• Morgan and Peace silver dollars (90% silver)

Despite their popularity among stackers, these coins fall below the .999 fineness threshold and are explicitly ineligible.

Sterling Silver and Silverware

Sterling silver (.925 fineness) items — including flatware, jewelry, and decorative objects — do not meet the purity requirement.

Collectible and Proof Coins with Numismatic Premiums

While certain proof coins technically meet the .999 standard, the IRS and most custodians discourage or prohibit including coins whose value is primarily numismatic rather than based on metal content. The concern is that inflated numismatic pricing could be used to overvalue IRA contributions.

Rounds from Non-Approved Mints

Generic silver rounds from private mints — even those that are .999 fine — may not qualify unless the mint meets ISO 9001 accreditation or the custodian specifically approves them. When in doubt, choose government-minted coins or bars from LBMA/COMEX-approved refiners.

How to Verify IRA Eligibility Before You Buy

Follow these steps to ensure every silver product you add to your IRA is compliant:

1. Check fineness: Confirm the product is .999 fine or higher. This information is stamped on the product and listed in the dealer's specifications.
2. Verify the mint or refiner: For coins, confirm it is a government-minted bullion coin. For bars, confirm the refiner is on the COMEX or LBMA approved list.
3. Consult your custodian: Before purchasing, provide the specific product details to your custodian and get confirmation of eligibility. Most custodians maintain an approved-product list.
4. Work with a knowledgeable dealer: MintBuilder and other dealers experienced in IRA purchases can guide you to compliant products and flag potential issues before you buy.
5. Keep records: Maintain documentation — invoices, product descriptions, and custodian confirmations — for every IRA purchase.

Building an IRA-Eligible Silver Portfolio

Here is a sample portfolio structure for a silver IRA that balances cost, recognition, and diversification:

This is a starting framework — adjust allocations based on your custodian's product availability, current premiums, and personal preferences. For purity standards explained in depth, see our guide on understanding purity in precious metals.

IRA-Eligible Silver vs. Non-IRA Silver: Can I Own Both?

Absolutely. Many investors maintain both an IRA silver portfolio (for tax advantages) and a personal silver stack (for direct possession and liquidity). The two serve different purposes:

• IRA silver: Tax-advantaged growth; held at a depository; subject to IRS rules on contributions, distributions, and required minimum distributions.
• Personal stack: Direct possession; no restrictions on product type; available at any time without tax consequences (beyond capital-gains tax on sale at a profit).

Use IRA-eligible products for your retirement account and feel free to include junk silver, rounds, and other non-qualifying products in your personal stack. See our silver stacking guide for personal stack strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What silver coins are IRA-eligible?

American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, Austrian Philharmonics, British Britannias, Australian Kangaroos/Kookaburras/Koalas, Mexican Libertads, Chinese Pandas, and South African Krugerrands — all meeting the .999+ fineness standard. Always confirm with your custodian.

Are silver bars IRA-eligible?

Yes, if they are .999 fine or higher and produced by a COMEX- or LBMA-approved refiner. Common eligible brands include PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, RCM, Asahi, Heraeus, and Sunshine Minting.

Is junk silver IRA-eligible?

No. Pre-1965 U.S. coins are 90% silver and do not meet the IRS .999 fineness requirement for IRA inclusion.

Can I put silver rounds in an IRA?

Only if the rounds are .999 fine and produced by an accredited mint meeting ISO or similar standards. Most generic rounds from private mints do not qualify. Government-minted coins and LBMA/COMEX-approved bars are the safest choices.

What happens if I put non-eligible silver in my IRA?

Holding non-eligible metals in an IRA can constitute a prohibited transaction under IRS rules, potentially triggering taxes on the full account value plus a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if you are under 59½. This is why verification before purchase is critical.

Do I need to buy IRA silver from a specific dealer?

No. You can purchase IRA-eligible silver from any reputable dealer. The custodian will direct payment to the dealer and arrange delivery to the approved depository. MintBuilder works with major IRA custodians and can facilitate the process.

What is the best silver product for an IRA?

The American Silver Eagle is the most popular choice due to its statutory exemption, universal recognition, and strong resale value. For lower premiums, LBMA-approved 10-oz or 100-oz bars are an excellent complement. See our complete IRA guide for a broader precious-metals IRA strategy.

Can I see or touch my IRA silver?

IRA silver must be stored at an IRS-approved depository — you cannot keep it at home. However, some depositories allow in-person visits to view your metals (by appointment). Upon distribution, you can take physical delivery via an in-kind distribution. See IRA storage rules for more.

Build Your IRA-Eligible Silver Portfolio at MintBuilder

Getting IRA eligibility right from the start saves you from costly mistakes down the road. MintBuilder carries a full selection of IRA-eligible silver coins and bars from approved mints and refiners — at competitive premiums that help you get the most silver into your retirement account. Whether you are opening a new silver IRA or adding to an existing one, our team can help you select compliant products and coordinate with your custodian for a smooth, hassle-free experience.