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YES! Gold or Silver IRA's, SEP's

Updated: Feb 26

Yes, you absolutely can have more than just a gold IRA! While a "Gold IRA" is the popular shorthand, these accounts are technically Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs) that can hold several types of precious metals, including silver (platinum, and palladium).

You can set up a Silver IRA, Silver Roth IRA, or Silver SEP-IRA following the same basic structures as their gold counterparts.


The reason you may have heard more about gold is that the IRS has very specific "fineness" (purity) standards. If the metal doesn't meet these, it is considered a "collectible" and cannot be held in an IRA.

Metal

Minimum Purity Required

Popular Examples

Silver

99.9% (.999 fine)

American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Silver Philharmonic

Gold

99.5% (.995 fine)

American Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf, Bars/Rounds

Platinum

99.95% (.9995 fine)

American Eagle, Isle of Man Noble

Palladium

99.95% (.9995 fine)

Canadian Maple Leaf, Certified Bullion Bars

Key Things to Know

  • "Junk Silver" is out: Common pre-1965 U.S. silver coins (quarters, dimes) are only 90% pure and do not qualify for an IRA.

  • The American Eagle Exception: The 22k American Gold Eagle is the only major exception to the gold purity rule (it’s allowed despite being 91.67% pure). For silver, however, the standard remains a strict 99.9%.

  • Unified Accounts: You don’t actually need a separate "Gold IRA" and "Silver IRA." A single precious metals SDIRA can hold a mix of gold, silver, and other approved metals simultaneously.

  • Storage Rules: Just like gold, your silver must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. You cannot take physical possession of the silver (e.g., keeping it in a home safe) without triggering taxes and penalties.



2026 Contribution Limits & Related Options

Since it's 2026, keep in mind the updated limits for funding these accounts:

  • Traditional/Roth IRA: $7,500 (plus a $1,100 catch-up if you’re 50+).

  • SEP-IRA: Up to 25% of compensation, maxing out at $72,000.

  • Not to overlook doing a 401k direct rollover to IRA or ROTH-IRA where there are no dollar limits. However, be aware of "rolling-over" from a tax-deferred (not taxed yet) 401k to (after-tax) ROTH-IRA beforehand as there will be tax consequences related to these new earnings to consider when doing this exchange.


See recent blog article outlining additional fees when establishing a qualified gold or silver IRA, ROTH-IRA, SEP-IRA. https://www.joesimon.solutions/post/retirement-assets-gold-ira-gold-roth-ira-gold-sep




 
 
 

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