What Is IRA Approved Silver?

By Mike Bateman •  Updated: 03/23/25 •  8 min read

IRA Approved Silver refers to silver bullion that meets certain standards set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for use in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). This type of silver investment is ideal for individuals who are looking to diversify their portfolio, hedge against inflation, or protect their retirement savings.

IRA Approved Silver include silver bars, coins and bullion, they must be at least .999 pure and produced by national government mint. It must also be stored in an approved depository, such as a bank or an IRS-approved non-bank trustee.

Just like gold products like gold bullion coins, bars, and other precious metals products, silver approved IRA is an excellent investment option for investors who seek to diversify their portfolio and safeguard against inflation. Investing in IRA Approved Silver is a wise choice for those who are looking for a safe and reliable investment option for their retirement.

An individual retirement account (IRA) is a great way to save for retirement. While many people choose to invest in traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, there are also options for investing in precious metals like silver and gold.

If you’re interested in investing in a silver IRA, it’s important to know which silver bullion coins, silver coins, and gold coins are approved for IRA investment.

Silver Bullion Coins Approved for IRA Investment

American Silver Eagle

The American Silver Eagle is one of the most popular silver bullion coins approved for IRA investment. It was first introduced in 1986 and was minted by the United States Mint. The coin contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and features an image of the Walking Liberty on the obverse and the American eagle on the reverse.

Canadian Silver Maple Leaf

The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is another popular silver bullion coin approved for IRA investment. It was first introduced in 1988 and is minted by the Royal Canadian Mint. The coin contains one troy ounce of .9999 fine silver and features an image of the maple leaf on the reverse.

Austrian Silver Philharmonic

The Austrian Silver Philharmonic is a silver bullion coin that was first introduced in 2008. It is minted by the Austrian Mint and contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver. The coin features an image of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on the reverse.

Silver Coins Approved for IRA Investment

Australian Kookaburra Coins

The coins are produced by the Perth Mint and feature a unique design each year, depicting the iconic Australian bird, the kookaburra. The coins are made of 99.99% pure silver and are available in different sizes, ranging from 1 oz to 1 kilogram. Due to their purity and unique design, these coins have become popular not only among collectors but also among investors who are looking for a tangible asset to add to their portfolios.

American Silver Eagle Proof Coins

In addition to the standard Silver American Eagle Coins, the United States Mint also produces American Silver Eagle proof coins that are approved for IRA investment. These coins are produced in limited quantities each year and feature a mirror-like finish. They are also considered to be of higher quality than standard bullion coins.

American Silver Commemorative Coins

The United States Mint also produces American Silver Commemorative coins that are approved for IRA investment. These coins are produced to commemorate significant events or individuals in American history. They contain one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and come in a variety of designs.

Gold Coins Approved for IRA Investment

American Gold Eagle

The American Gold Eagle is one of the most popular gold coins approved for IRA investment. It was first introduced in 1986 and was minted by the United States Mint. The coin contains one troy ounce of .9167 fine gold and features an image of Lady Liberty on the obverse and the American eagle on the reverse.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is another popular gold coin approved for IRA investment. It was first introduced in 1979 and is minted by the Royal Canadian Mint. The coin contains one troy ounce of .9999 fine gold and features an image of the maple leaf on the reverse.

South African Krugerrand

The South African Krugerrand is a gold coin that was first introduced in 1967. It is minted by the South African Mint and contains one troy ounce of .9167 fine gold. The coin features an image of Paul Kruger, the former president of South Africa, on the obverse and a springbok antelope on the reverse.

What Kinds of Silver Can’t Be Put Into an IRA?

Certain types of silver cannot be put into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). One of these is the silver that you already own. IRA rules state that only new, uncirculated silver can be purchased for inclusion in an IRA. This means that any silver that has been previously owned or circulated cannot be put into an IRA. Additionally, silver jewelry or silverware, regardless of its quality, cannot be included in an IRA.

Another type of silver that cannot be put into an IRA is certified silver from a third-party grading service. The IRS has specific guidelines for the types of silver that can be included in an IRA, and certified silver may not meet these requirements. Third-party grading services may provide certification for collectible or rare silver coins, which are not eligible for inclusion in an IRA.

It’s important to note that while some types of silver cannot be included in an IRA, there are many options for investing in silver through an IRA. Popular silver bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle and Canadian Silver Maple Leaf are eligible for inclusion in an IRA, as are silver bars produced by approved manufacturers. It’s always recommended to consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions, including those related to IRAs and precious metals.

How does a Silver IRA work?

A silver IRA, or individual retirement account, is a self-directed retirement account that allows you to invest in physical silver bullion, coins, or bars. Unlike a traditional IRA, a silver IRA allows you to diversify your retirement portfolio with tangible assets, which can help protect your wealth against inflation and market volatility. Here is a guide on how Silver IRA works.

Choose a custodian

The first step in setting up a silver IRA is to choose a custodian. A custodian is a financial institution that is responsible for holding and managing your retirement assets. It’s important to choose a reputable custodian that specializes in precious metals, as not all custodians offer this type of investment.

Fund your Account

Once you’ve chosen a custodian, you’ll need to fund your silver IRA account. You can do this by rolling over funds from an existing IRA or 401(k) account or by making contributions with cash or other assets. It’s important to note that there are contribution limits for IRAs, so make sure to consult with a financial advisor to ensure you’re following the rules.

Purchase Silver

Once your account is funded, you can begin purchasing silver, including the silver coin, platinum coins, palladium bullion other physical precious metals. Your custodian will help you with this process, which may involve selecting specific types of silver bullion or coins, determining the quantity of silver to purchase, and arranging for storage.

Store your Silver

One of the key advantages of a silver IRA is that your precious metal IRA is stored in a secure, insured facility that is specifically designed for this purpose. Your custodian will help you arrange for storage and ensure that your silver is safe and secure.

Monitor your Account

Finally, it’s important to monitor your precious metals IRA on an ongoing basis. This means keeping track of the value of your silver, as well as any fees or expenses associated with your account. Your custodian can provide regular statements and other resources to help you stay informed about your retirement investments.

What Are the Advantages of Including Silver in Your Retirement Portfolio?

Including silver in your retirement portfolio can provide several benefits, including:

Mike Bateman

Hi, my name is Mike Bateman and I'm the editor-in-chief of Silver401k.com. If you're looking for information about how to invest your 401k and roll into a precious metals IRA, you'll find it here.