Not all gold can be held in an IRA. The IRS has strict purity requirements and specific approved lists for coins and bars that qualify for inclusion in a self-directed Gold IRA. Buying non-approved metals for an IRA can result in the account being treated as a taxable distribution — a potentially devastating tax consequence.
This guide provides the complete 2026 list of IRS-approved gold coins and bars, explains the purity requirements, and covers common mistakes to avoid. For a deeper understanding of all IRS rules governing Gold IRAs, see our complete IRS rules guide.
IRS Purity Requirements for Gold IRA
Under IRS Code Section 408(m), gold held in an IRA must meet a minimum fineness of 99.5% (0.9950). There is one important exception: American Gold Eagles, which are minted by the U.S. Mint and are explicitly permitted by Congress despite being only 91.67% gold.
Complete List of IRS-Approved Gold Coins for IRA
American Coins (U.S. Mint)
- American Gold Eagle: Available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. 91.67% gold (22-karat). The most popular IRA gold coin in America. Despite lower purity, explicitly approved by IRS.
- American Gold Buffalo: 1 oz only. 99.99% pure gold (24-karat). Introduced in 2006. Meets standard purity requirement.
International Coins (Meeting 99.5% Purity)
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: Available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. 99.99% pure gold. One of the most recognized bullion coins globally.
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic: Available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. 99.99% pure. One of Europe’s most recognized gold coins.
- Australian Gold Kangaroo/Nugget: Available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. 99.99% pure. Minted by the Perth Mint, one of the world’s most respected mints.
- Australian Gold Lunar Series: 99.99% pure gold. Annual issue with changing designs. IRA-eligible.
- Austrian Gold 100 Corona: 0.9802 fine gold. IRA-eligible as it meets the 99.5% requirement.
IRS-Approved Gold Bars for IRA
Gold bars must meet the 99.5% purity minimum and must be produced by a manufacturer, refiner, or assayer accredited by NYMEX/COMEX, NYSE/Liffe, LME, LBMA, or a national government mint. Approved bars include:
- PAMP Suisse Gold Bars: Available in 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and kilo. 99.99% pure. The most recognizable Swiss gold bar brand.
- Credit Suisse Gold Bars: 1 oz bars. 99.99% pure. Highly trusted Swiss brand.
- Royal Canadian Mint Gold Bars: Various sizes. 99.99% pure.
- Perth Mint Gold Bars: Various sizes. 99.99% pure.
- Johnson Matthey Gold Bars: Various sizes. 99.99% pure.
- Engelhard Gold Bars: Various sizes. 99.99% pure.
What Gold Is NOT Eligible for an IRA
Many popular gold coins cannot be held in an IRA. Common non-eligible items include:
- South African Krugerrands (91.67% gold, no explicit IRS approval unlike Eagles)
- British Sovereigns (91.67% gold, not IRS-approved)
- Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins (collectible/numismatic coins are not IRA-eligible)
- Gold jewelry
- Gold rounds manufactured by non-approved refiners
- Any gold bar from a non-accredited refiner
Watch out for Gold IRA companies that attempt to upsell “collectible” or “numismatic” coins as IRA investments — these are generally not eligible and carry substantial dealer markups.
Finding a Gold IRA Company That Offers Approved Metals
All of the top-rated Gold IRA companies we recommend offer only IRS-approved metals. Our top picks — Augusta Precious Metals, Goldco, and American Hartford Gold — all maintain strict compliance with IRS metal eligibility requirements. To understand how to fund your Gold IRA, read our complete rollover guide.