IRA Eligible Metals
Diversifying your retirement portfolio with precious metals can provide stability and protection against market volatility. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow the inclusion of specific types of precious metals, offering a tangible asset that historically retains value. Here, we outline the IRA-eligible metals and their benefits.
GOLD
Gold is a popular choice for IRA investments due to its long-standing value and ability to hedge against inflation. However, to be eligible for IRA inclusion, gold must meet specific fineness requirements, typically at least 99.5% pure.
Eligible Gold Products:
- American Gold Eagle coins
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins
- Gold bars and rounds produced by accredited refineries or national mints, meeting minimum fineness standards (.995 purity)
SILVER
Silver offers a more affordable entry point than gold and provides similar benefits in diversification and inflation protection. IRA-eligible silver must be at least 99.9% pure.
Eligible silver Products:
- American Silver Eagle coins
- Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins
- Silver bars and rounds from accredited refiners or national mints, meeting minimum fineness standards (.999 purity)
Platinum
Platinum is rarer than gold and silver, making it a valuable addition to an IRA. Its unique properties and industrial applications can offer substantial growth potential. IRA-eligible platinum must be at least 99.95% pure.
Eligible platinum Products:
- American Platinum Eagle coins
- Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf coins
- Platinum bars and rounds from accredited refiners or national mints, meeting minimum fineness standards (.9995 purity)
Palladium
Palladium is another precious metal option for IRAs. It is known for its industrial uses, particularly in automotive manufacturing. Palladium must meet a fineness standard of 99.95% to be included in an IRA.
Eligible palladium Products:
- American Palladium Eagle coins
- Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf coins
- Palladium bars and rounds from accredited refiners or national mints, meeting minimum fineness standards (.9995 purity)
key benefits
Investing in precious metals offers a range of benefits, each metal with its unique advantages.
Gold is historically stable, retains value over time, and provides protection against inflation and currency devaluation. It is highly liquid in the global market and is a tangible asset that can diversify an investment portfolio.
Silver, being more affordable than gold, is accessible to a broader range of investors and has high industrial demand, which adds to its value potential. Like gold, it offers portfolio diversification and retains long-term value as a tangible asset.
Due to its rarity and industrial demand, platinum has the potential for higher prices. It is a tangible asset with significant growth potential, diversifying an investment portfolio while acting as a hedge against economic downturns.
Similarly, palladium's high demand in the automotive industry and its rarity can lead to substantial price appreciation. It also provides diversification for retirement portfolios and serves as a hedge against economic instability, making it a valuable addition to an investment strategy.
Ensuring Compliance with IRA Rules
1
Purity Standards
Metals must meet the minimum fineness requirements (99.5% for gold, 99.9% for silver, and 99.95% for platinum and palladium.
2
Approved Forms
Only certain bullion coins and bars are permitted. Examples include American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, and bars from approved refiners.
3
Custodial Accounts
Precious metals must be held in a custodial account with an IRS-approved depository. You cannot store these metals personally.
4
Accredited Dealers
Purchase metals through accredited dealers to ensure quality and compliance with IRS standards.
A Streamlined Process
At the United States Gold Bureau, we help take the guesswork out of selecting your metals. We offer expert advice tailored specifically to match your needs. Speak to a Retirement Services representative and begin your journey towards a secure retirement future.
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