Numismatic vs. Bullion for Roth IRA - My Experience + Question

Brian Edwards

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Numismatic vs. Bullion for Roth IRA - My Experience + Question

brian_edwards🌟Ultra (5m+)

about 2 months ago

Key Takeaways

•Diving into this because it's come up a few times recently with folks I know looking to roll over old 401ks.
•For those of us with significant metal holdings, specifically in a Roth IRA, how are you guys approaching the numismatic vs.
•I’m comfortable with that allocation, given the market volatility and everything else going on.

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Diving into this because it's come up a few times recently with folks I know looking to roll over old 401ks. For those of us with significant metal holdings, specifically in a Roth IRA, how are you guys approaching the numismatic vs. bullion debate? I’ve been almost exclusively in bullion for my IRA up until now, mostly American Gold Eagles and Canadian Maples – stuff I can get easily recognized pricing on from pretty much any reputable dealer.

My Roth IRA, which I started funneling money into about 7 years ago after I sold off that commercial property in Snowmass, is sitting at around $1.8M in physical gold and silver. I’m comfortable with that allocation, given the market volatility and everything else going on. My non-IRA holdings are a much bigger mix, including some serious numismatic pieces I’ve picked up over the last 20 years. Think pre-1933 Saint-Gaudens and some rare European coinage. I’m thinking for diversification within the IRA, it might be time to start looking at some more collectible options, but the premium and liquidity scare me a bit for an IRA asset.

The regulations around what qualifies are clear enough for me to navigate – it essentially has to be legal tender, minimum fineness, etc. My concern isn't about avoiding the IRS; it's about the practicalities of numismatic coins in an IRA. The dealer premiums can be significantly higher, and while the potential for appreciation is greater, so is the risk of overpaying or having difficulty getting a fair price when it's time to distribute. Has anyone here gone down the numismatic route for their IRA specifically? What's been your experience with finding a custodian that handles these effectively and how do you value them for your annual statements?

I manage a decent chunk outside my IRA, probably 5x that Roth IRA number, and I'm relatively hands-on. But for an IRA where I'm more limited in what I can physically touch, it makes me think twice. I’m in Aspen, so I have access to some solid advisors, but I like hearing real-world experiences from this community. Are the higher premiums for numismatics even worth it inside an IRA structure where your ultimate goal is long-term, tax-free growth?

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5 comments

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Best Answer▲ 16 upvotes

thomas_walker🏆Advanced (250-500k)

Interesting take. I've heard the opposite from a few people though — would love to see some actual numbers on this.

Comments (5)

timothy_reed💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investor•about 2 months ago

Totally get this. I was in a very similar boat a few years back when I first set up my Gold IRA. My initial thought was "collectible coins, duh, more upside!" but after doing some actual research and talking to my advisor, I quickly pivoted to bullion for my IRA holdings. The simplicity and lower premiums just made more sense for an investment vehicle. I still snag some cool numismatics for my personal stash, but for the IRA, it's all about the straight-up metal content.

ruth_perez📊Growing (50-100k)•about 2 months ago

Interesting! You mentioned being "almost exclusively in bullion" for your IRA. Is that because of the purity/storage requirements, or more about the lower premiums compared to numismatics?

matthew_murphy👑Elite (1m-5m)Real Investor•about 2 months ago

Hey, interesting take! While I get the appeal of bullion for its direct metal value and straightforward pricing, I actually lean a bit more towards numismatics for a portion of my Roth. My thinking is that the collector's premium, while it adds to the upfront cost, can also offer a bit of a hedge against purely spot price fluctuations. It's not *just* about the metal; there's an added layer of historical or artistic value that can appreciate independently. Obviously, you have to be more careful with selection and authenticity, but the potential for higher upside exists, especially with truly rare or historically significant pieces. Just another way to look at it, maybe not for everyone though!

elizabeth_johnson💰Established (100-250k)Real Investor✓ Verified•about 2 months ago

Hey, great thread! I've been exclusively bullion in my Roth too, for the same reasons you mentioned, but I've been curious about the numismatic side. One thing I found really helpful when I was first researching was a comparison chart from a reputable dealer that broke down the pros and cons of each, specifically for IRA holdings.

It really helped clarify the tax implications and storage differences between the two. Might be worth a look if you're still weighing your options! Keep us updated on what you decide.