IRA Approved Precious Metals Coins
The IRS is not kidding when they say that there are a specific number and type of precious metals coins of which they approve. Violating these rules will surely lead to disqualification of a Precious Metals IRA from tax-exempt status and possibly fines and penalties on top of this. The coins in each type of precious metals category that you are allowed to acquire with Precious Metals IRA funds are as follows:
Approved Gold Coins
- American Eagle Gold Coins – the original U.S. bullion coin from way back in 1986, the American Eagle has long been the most popular one as well. It took them no time at all to steal the South African Krueggerand’s thunder, as they had the same purity and gold composition in the one ounce gold versions. 1987 was the first year of the one ounce model, while in the following few years they also issued a 1/2 ounce, quarter ounce, and even one-tenth ounce model of what quickly became this most popular of bullion gold coins in the world.
- Proof American Eagle Coins – the U.S. mint began issuing and selling directly to the pubic a limited edition proof version of these all-popular American Eagle Coins from 2006.
- American Buffalo Bullion Gold Coins – The year 2006 saw the release of the now-beloved series of American Buffalo bullion gold coins. This year 2016 makes the ten year anniversary of this important to collectors bullion gold coin, which represented the very first 99.99% fine golden bullion issue ever produced by the U.S. mint. It is also the first American bullion gold coins issued with no alloy metals in it. The classic old West design makes it a perennial favorite with collectors and investors alike. At a $50 face value, you can always be sure this coin will have some significant worth. On the reverse side is the American Bison, while on the obverse is a Native American Chieftain made to represent the leader of three Indian tribes. It amounts to a real throwback to the Western American image that is well-known and beloved around the globe.
- Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins – 1979 saw the introduction of the first serious rival to the South African Krugerrand with the introduction of The Royal Canadian Mint‘s own Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins. This was the first bullion officially recognized by the government of Canada and whose gold content purity was guaranteed as well. The fineness of this coin has gradually been increased over the years to 99.999, making it the purest coin ever minted in the history of the entire world. The downside to this legendary purity and extravagant fineness is that it easily displays signs of wear and tear and scratches as well.
- Austrian Philharmonic Coins – the gold coins with the greatest face value in the world today are the Austrian Philharmonic gold coins. With 100 Euros face value, their minimum value independent of the price of gold is twice as high as the next most valuable contender on the bullion gold market. These coins have been greatly prized and highly valued by investors and collectors since the first day they hit the market. Unique in appearance and design, the Philharmonics could be the best coins to acquire because of their significant potential of increasing in value over spot prices given sufficient time.
- Australian Kangaroo/Nugget Coins – The famed Perth Mint issued its kangaroo themed one ounce gold coin and never looked back. These beautiful bullion coins were so immediately embraced by collectors that they are often hard to find at all. At $100 Australian Dollars face value, they will never be worthless. Their obverse bears the visage and approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, queen of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and more than ten other countries. All of these coins are issued in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
Approved Silver Coins
- American Eagle Silver Coins – The biggest silver coins which the U.S. Mint has ever produced, American Eagles in one ounce silver have become among the most collectible of coins in the entire world.
- Proof American Eagle Coins – Congress authorized the American Eagle Bullion Program in order for smaller types of investors to be able to buy silver bullion. This coin possesses a minimum of one ounce of 99.93% pure silver. America’s most beloved silver coin features an obverse walking Liberty lady with oak and laurel branches in her left hand. The reverse is the American eagle clutching a sheaf of arrows and an olive branch within its talons, as depicted by John Mercanti.
- Canadian Maple Leaf Silver Coins – Canada’s Royal Canadian Mint produced this 99.99% extremely fine silver edition of the Maple Leaf with a $20 Canadian Dollar face value. With its laser frosted text and micro-engraving features that contribute to the stunningly beautiful ripple effect, they are beloved around the world by both investors and collectors.
- Mexican Libertad Silver Bullion Coins – The oldest mint in the entire New World is also legendary throughout the world for its coins and their high quality. These Libertads first appeared in silver proof form in 1992, and they began releasing them in complete sets in 2008. At 99.9% purity silver, all of the coins feature the Angel of Liberty on the reverse side and the country’s coat of arms on the obverse side. They are available in one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, tenth ounce, and even twentieth ounce versions.
- Austrian Vienna Philharmonic Coins – 1989 saw the original creation of the Austrian Philharmonic orchestra coin program when the Austrian Mint launched it in gold. On the ten year annviersary in 2008, the silver variant appeared in its singular one ounce variety. An instant hit with investors and collectors, these beautiful and inspirational design silver coins are a hit around the world.
- Australian Kookaburra Coins – Begun in 1990, the Kookaburra series of coins has been among the most popular ever issued by the famed Perth Mint of Australia. In brilliant uncirculated quality, these one ounce beauties come with .999 fine silver purity.
Approved Platinum Coins
- American Eagle Platinum Coins – Platinum Eagles are definitely the top of the U.S. coin status model. This .9995 purity coin is available in one ounce $100 variants, half ounce $50 versions, $25 quarter ounce models, and $10 tenth ounce variants. The one ounce $100 face value version is the highest face value to ever be featured on any U.S. coin.
- Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Coins – These coins have become rare and difficult to find even though they have always been among the major three platinum issued coins in the world. Widely heralded around the globe by serious platinum investors, their beautiful design helps to ensure that they remain an eagerly sought after addition to any precious metals IRA or collection.
- Austrian Philharmonic Coins – This beautiful and extremely popular one ounce offering from the Austrian mint is also its very first effort in platinum in its more than 800 year history. Made with 999.5 pure platinum, it showcases the identical award-winning design made popular first on the gold version and then the silver one. At 100 Euros face value, this coin is similarly the most valuable face value coin on the planet alongside its gold counterpart.
- Australian Koala Coins – Australia stole the show when it became the first major nation in the modern world to introduce the one ounce platinum issued coins. The Perth Mint started minting these one ounce platinum beauties in September of 1988. Since the coin first appeared, this Australian Koala platinum bullion coin has been instrumental in the investment coin world markets. These stunners are .9995 fine platinum and come in 1 kg, 10 ounces, 2 ounces, 1 ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce variants. All are Australian legal tender.
Approved Palladium Coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf Coins – This Palladium Canadian Maple Leaf bullion coin remains among the rarest and most heavily sought out coins in the precious metals markets. Only minted from 2005 to 2007 and in 2009, there are very few of these .9995 pure palladium gems available anywhere. It remains quite possibly the most recognized such palladium bullion coin on the planet nowadays.
IRA Approved Precious Metals Bars
Approved Gold Bars
- Credit Suisse/PAMP Suisse Gold Bars
- Various Gold Rounds and Bars .995
Approved Silver Bars
- Various Silver Rounds and Bars .999
Approved Platinum Bars
- Various Rounds and Bars .9995
Approved Palladium Bars
- Various Rounds and Bars .9995