IRA coin and bar checker

The rule behind every answer

Section 408(m) of the Internal Revenue Code treats most metals and coins as “collectibles” that an IRA cannot buy. Section 408(m)(3) makes two exceptions:

1. Named coins: U.S. gold coins described in 31 U.S.C. 5112(a)(7) to (10) (the American Gold Eagle), the silver coin in 5112(e) (the American Silver Eagle), the platinum coin in 5112(k) (the American Platinum Eagle), and coins issued under the laws of any state.
2. Bullion that’s pure enough for a futures exchange: gold, silver, platinum or palladium bullion at or above the minimum fineness that a regulated futures exchange requires for delivery, held in the physical possession of the IRA’s trustee.

That is why the American Gold Eagle qualifies at 22 karat (.9167), because it is named in the law, while the Krugerrand and the British Sovereign, also 22 karat, do not. And because the second exception requires the trustee to hold the metal, IRA gold is stored at a depository, not at home. How a gold IRA works.

More on IRA-approved gold

What gold is IRA approved?

American Gold Eagles (named in the law), and gold bullion coins and bars of .995 fineness or higher, such as the American Gold Buffalo, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and bars from established refiners. The metal must be held by the IRA’s trustee.

Can I put Krugerrands in an IRA?

No. The Krugerrand is .9167 fine, below the .995 standard for gold bullion, and it is not one of the coins named in section 408(m)(3).

Are proof coins allowed in an IRA?

The law names coins and sets a fineness standard; it does not list individual proof or graded versions. Custodians decide which versions they accept, so ask yours before buying any proof or certified coin for an IRA.

Can I keep IRA gold at home?

The bullion exception requires the metal to be in the physical possession of the IRA’s trustee. See self-directed IRAs and gold for what the IRS and the Tax Court have said about home storage.

Sources and fact-check6 primary sources, checked October 17, 2026

1. 26 U.S. Code § 408(m), Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School.
2. 31 U.S. Code § 5112, Legal Information Institute (U.S. Mint coin specifications).
3. Coin fineness: U.S. Mint bullion programs, Royal Canadian Mint, Gold Maple Leaf, The Royal Mint, The Sovereign 2026, The Royal Mint, Philharmonic 2024 1oz, Rand Refinery, Krugerrand.
4. CME Group, COMEX Rulebook Chapter 113, Gold Futures (995 minimum).
5. CME Group, COMEX Rulebook Chapter 112, Silver Futures (999 minimum).
6. CME Group, What is the precious metals delivery process? (platinum and palladium 99.95%).

We check every figure against the original source: the mint, the regulator, the exchange or the company itself. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.