Why 90% Silver Isn't IRA Eligible: Understanding the Rules

Key Takeaways

•90% silver bags do NOT qualify for Precious Metals IRAs
•IRS requires minimum .999 fineness; 90% silver is only 0.900 fine
•IRA-eligible silver includes American Silver Eagles and other .999+ products
•Many investors hold 90% silver in taxable accounts alongside IRA bullion
•Understand the distinction before making purchase decisions

IRS Requirements for IRA Silver

The IRS permits certain precious metals in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), subject to specific requirements. For silver, the IRS requires minimum .999 fineness (99.9% pure). See the IRS guidance on IRA investments for official requirements.

Pre-1965 U.S. silver coins contain only 90% silver (0.900 fineness). This falls well short of the .999 requirement, making 90% silver bags ineligible for Precious Metals IRAs.

This is not a coin vs. bar distinction or a government mint requirement. It's purely about purity percentage. The 90% composition disqualifies these coins regardless of their U.S. mint origin.

Why This Matters for Investors

If you're considering silver for retirement accounts, you cannot use 90% silver bags. You must choose IRA-eligible products like American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, or approved .999 fine bars.

The IRA eligibility difference affects purchase decisions. If tax-advantaged retirement investing is your goal, focus on bullion products rather than 90% silver.

However, 90% silver remains excellent for non-IRA holdings. The lower premiums and divisibility advantages apply to taxable accounts and personal holdings.

IRA-Eligible Alternatives

For IRA silver, consider American Silver Eagles (.999 fine), Canadian Maple Leafs (.9999 fine), or approved silver bars from accredited refiners. The U.S. Mint American Eagle program produces IRA-approved bullion.

All IRA-eligible silver must be held by an approved custodian at an approved depository. You cannot take personal possession while coins remain in your IRA.

Combining 90% Silver with IRA Holdings

Many investors hold both types: IRA-eligible bullion in retirement accounts for tax advantages, and 90% silver bags in personal holdings for divisibility and lower premiums.

This combination lets you enjoy the benefits of each product type. Tax-advantaged growth in IRAs, plus tangible, accessible silver outside the retirement system.

Your allocation between IRA and non-IRA silver depends on your tax situation, retirement timeline, and views on accessibility versus tax efficiency. For context on silver investing options, see silver investment fundamentals.

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Questions & Answers

Common questions about 90% silver coin bags answered by our editorial team.

Why aren't 90% silver bags IRA-eligible?

IRS rules require silver in Precious Metals IRAs to have minimum .999 fineness (99.9% pure). Pre-1965 U.S. coins contain only 90% silver (0.900 fineness), falling short of this requirement. This is a purity requirement, not a coin vs. bar distinction.

What silver products ARE IRA-eligible?

IRA-eligible silver includes American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and other coins/bars meeting .999 minimum purity from approved mints. If IRA eligibility is important, focus on these products rather than 90% silver.

Can I hold both IRA silver and 90% silver bags?

Yes, many investors hold IRA-eligible silver in retirement accounts and 90% silver bags in personal holdings. This provides both tax-advantaged silver exposure (IRA) and tangible, divisible silver outside the retirement system (junk silver).

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