1 · ACCOUNT
Choose a qualified custodian
The custodian establishes and administers the IRA, handles required reporting, and determines which assets and services it supports.
Retirement Account Education
Precious metals IRAs, explained clearly
Understand the account structure, eligible metals, custody, storage, transfers, costs, and risks before deciding whether physical metals belong in a retirement plan.
Start with the structure
It is an IRA that holds permitted physical metal
“Precious metals IRA” is a common industry phrase for a self-directed IRA whose custodian or trustee permits certain physical precious-metal investments. The account remains subject to IRA rules. Gettysburg Precious Metals is a metals dealer—not a bank, IRA custodian, tax adviser, or fiduciary.
2 · FUNDING
Fund through an allowed method
Depending on circumstances, funding may involve a new contribution, a trustee-to-trustee transfer, or a rollover from an eligible retirement plan. Tax treatment and timing differ.
3 · METALS
Select qualifying products
Only certain coins and bullion meeting applicable Internal Revenue Code requirements may be held. Eligibility depends on the specific item—not marketing language.
4 · STORAGE
Arrange approved custody and storage
The account—not the individual—purchases the metal. Work with the custodian on permitted storage and do not assume personal possession or a home-storage structure complies.
Eligible metals
Specific exceptions—not blanket approval
Federal tax law generally treats metals and coins as collectibles for IRA purposes, then provides exceptions for certain coins and qualifying gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion. A product should be confirmed with the custodian before purchase. The IRS does not broadly “approve” dealers or every product described as IRA eligible.
Confirm before directing a trade
- The exact coin or bar meets applicable legal requirements.
- The chosen custodian permits that specific product.
- The dealer price, premium, and shipping terms are disclosed.
- The depository and storage arrangement are acceptable to the custodian.
- All custodian, transaction, storage, insurance, and distribution fees are understood.
Funding decisions
Transfer and rollover are not interchangeable terms
Trustee-to-trustee transfer
Assets generally move directly between IRA trustees or custodians. Ask both institutions about paperwork, processing time, and asset or cash-transfer limitations.
Direct rollover
An eligible retirement-plan distribution may be paid directly to the receiving IRA. Plan type, distribution eligibility, withholding, and tax treatment should be reviewed first.
60-day rollover
When funds are paid to the individual, strict timing, withholding, and frequency rules can apply. This route can create avoidable tax risk; obtain qualified guidance before proceeding.
Start with questions
Discuss the metals side of the process
Gettysburg Precious Metals can explain available bullion products, pricing, shipping, and coordination with the custodian you select.
Important: Gettysburg Precious Metals does not provide investment, tax, legal, retirement-plan, or fiduciary advice and is not an IRA custodian or trustee. Rules and individual circumstances vary. Consult an independent qualified tax professional, attorney, financial professional, and the chosen custodian before transferring funds, selecting assets, arranging storage, or taking a distribution.
Continue your research
Continue your IRA research
Review the physical-metals buying process, important investment risks, and the questions to bring to a consultation.