Gold. Silver. Platinum. They’re not the usual assets investors hold in a retirement account—and some investors like it that way. They know that to diversify, you have to hold more than the traditional assets like stocks and bonds. But even though many Self-Directed IRA investors know it’s possible to hold these assets in a retirement account, not as many investors know specifically what kinds of precious metals you can keep. Can you have a gold wedding ring in a retirement account? A pair of silver earrings? Just what are the limits, anyway? In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of precious metals in your retirement portfolio.

Gold Bars and Coins in a Self-Directed IRA

Gold bars and coins are among the most popular choices for investors seeking to diversify their retirement portfolios. You might have visions of putting as much gold into the account as possible.

But not all gold is created equal in the eyes of the IRS. To be eligible for inclusion in a Self-Directed IRA, gold bars must be hallmarked by a NYMEX- or COMEX-approved refiner/assayer with a purity of 24 karats (0.995+ fineness). Similarly, gold coins accepted in these accounts have to meet stringent purity standards. This typically requires a fineness of 24 karats (0.9999 fineness), with the exception of the 22 karat U.S. Gold Eagle.

Silver and Platinum in a Self-Directed IRA

Silver enthusiasts don’t have to feel left out. You can hold silver coins and bars in your Self-Directed IRA, too. As with gold, silver coins and bars will have to meet specific purity requirements to qualify for inclusion. Generally, they’ll have to possess a fineness of 0.999 or higher. One popular option is the 1 oz. U.S. Silver Eagle coin.

Platinum and palladium, sometimes overshadowed by the popularity of gold and silver, can also have a place in Self-Directed IRAs. But there are restrictions here, too. Your platinum and palladium bars and coins will have to meet the same high standards of purity to be eligible for inclusion. Specifically, they’ll have to be hallmarked by a NYMEX- or COMEX-approved refiner/assayer and have a fineness of 0.9995 or higher.

Benefits of Holding Precious Metals in Your Self-Directed IRA

The appeal of having precious metals in your Self-Directed IRA? Twofold: you can add diversification to your portfolio and you might have some protection against market volatility. You may find that you don’t worry so much about what the stock market does when part of your portfolio is in metals. And that helps build discipline for the other aspects of your investment life.

Self-Directed IRAs empower investors to take greater control of their retirement savings, too. You don’t have to use precious metals. Self-Directed IRAs mean you can invest in assets that align with what you want to accomplish as an investor. Diversify beyond the typical stocks-and-bonds route and there’s no telling what you can accomplish. Or use a Self-Directed IRA to build the stocks-and-bonds portfolio you want. The options are nearly limitless.

Incorporating precious metals into your Self-Directed IRA has all sorts of benefits. Portfolio diversification. Potential protection from market volatility. Adhere to the specific guidelines outlined by the IRS regarding eligible precious metals and you’ll be able to invest with confidence. All that’s required is knowing the rules.

Whether you’re considering adding gold, silver, platinum, or palladium to your retirement portfolio, you can work with a knowledgeable custodian like American IRA to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Ready to learn more? For more information on how Self-Directed IRAs can help you achieve your retirement goals, you’re welcome to call 866-7500-IRA.