1
Rank
Augusta Precious Metals
Best overall — education & transparency
- Transparent pricing
- Dedicated specialist
- Education-first
- Lifetime support
Quick answer: IRA-approved gold must be at least .995 fine, with the American Gold Eagle as a statutory exception. Eligible products include the Gold Eagle, Gold Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, and bars from accredited refiners. Collectible and rare coins do not qualify.
Not every gold coin can go into an IRA. The IRS sets a fineness floor and approves specific products; buying ineligible metal can disqualify your account. Here is what qualifies and what to avoid.
The fineness standard
Gold for an IRA must be at least .995 (99.5%) pure. The American Gold Eagle is specifically permitted by statute even though it is 91.67% pure, because of how it was authorized by Congress.
Eligible coins and bars
Widely accepted products include the American Gold Eagle and Gold Buffalo, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, the Austrian Gold Philharmonic, and gold bars and rounds produced by accredited refiners (such as those approved by COMEX, NYMEX, or the LBMA).
What does not qualify
Rare, collectible, and most foreign or pre-1933 coins are excluded, as are jewelry and novelty items. If a dealer pushes high-premium 'numismatic' coins for an IRA, treat it as a warning sign.
Buying for your IRA
Purchases must be made through your self-directed IRA and shipped to an approved depository — you cannot buy the metal personally and then contribute it. Stick to standard, low-premium bullion for the best value.
| Product | IRA-eligible? |
|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | Yes (statutory exception) |
| American Gold Buffalo (.9999) | Yes |
| Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (.9999) | Yes |
| Austrian Gold Philharmonic (.9999) | Yes |
| Accredited-refiner bars (.995+) | Yes |
| Rare / numismatic coins | No |
Top Gold IRA companies (2026)
Updated June 20262
Rank
Goldco
Best for 401(k) & IRA rollovers
- Rollover specialists
- Wide selection
- Buyback program
- Responsive support
3
Rank
Priority Gold
Best for low minimums
- Lower entry minimum
- Price-match offer
- Secure storage
- Simple setup
4
Rank
American Hartford Gold
Best for first-time buyers
- No-minimum option
- Family-owned
- Promotional offers
- Buyback commitment
5
Rank
Birch Gold Group
Best for metals variety
- Broad selection
- Long track record
- Fee transparency
- Strong education
Order is editorial; we may earn a commission from links above. Scores are illustrative placeholders pending your own verification.
Frequently asked questions
What gold coins are IRA-approved?
The American Gold Eagle and Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, and .995+ bars from accredited refiners.
Why is the American Gold Eagle allowed if it is not .995 pure?
Congress specifically authorized it for IRAs as a statutory exception to the fineness rule.
Are rare or collectible coins allowed in a gold IRA?
No. Collectibles and numismatic coins are excluded; IRAs require investment-grade bullion.
Related guides
Authoritative resources & where to get help
Verify the rules yourself and know where to turn. Official government and regulator sources:
IRS: IRA contribution limitsIRS Pub 590-B: distributions & RMDsU.S. Code §408(m): allowed metalsCFTC: precious-metals fraudFTC: report fraudU.S. Mint
On Gold Advisor: Top 5 companies · Calculators · Fee index · Avoid scams
See the full Gold IRA rules, regulators & resources hub for IRS publications, how to vet a company, and where to file a complaint.