Silver Eagles vs. Generic Rounds for IRA (Spokane here)

Catherine Bell

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Silver Eagles vs. Generic Rounds for IRA (Spokane here)

catherine_bell🏆Advanced (250-500k)

about 5 hours ago

Key Takeaways

•Been wrestling with this for a bit and could use some collective wisdom.
•I’ve currently got about $350k spread across a few different investments, and I’m looking to allocate another $50k or so to my Gold IRA.
•Initially, I was pretty set on just loading up on American Silver Eagles.

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Been wrestling with this for a bit and could use some collective wisdom. I’ve currently got about $350k spread across a few different investments, and I’m looking to allocate another $50k or so to my Gold IRA. Initially, I was pretty set on just loading up on American Silver Eagles. The government backing, the liquidity, the general "prestige" – all of it seemed like a no-brainer for a long-term hold, especially for someone like me who’s thinking generations down the line. My family’s always been about tangible assets, and the timber business reinforced that.

However, I've been doing some more research, and the premiums on ASEs are becoming a real sticking point. I mean, we're talking a significant percentage over spot compared to generic silver rounds or even some of the other sovereign mint coins. For a $50k allocation, that premium difference adds up fast. It makes me wonder if I'm just paying for the "name" and if that premium will truly hold its value over 20-30+ years, let alone when my kids or grandkids might be looking at this instead of me.

My main goal here is wealth preservation and transfer. Is the added cost of ASEs justified for that purpose compared to, say, a stack of reputable generic silver rounds that still meet IRA eligibility? Am I overthinking the liquidity aspect? We're not talking about needing to sell next week, but I also don't want to hamstring future liquidity for a few percentage points on premium now. Anyone in a similar boat, especially if you're in a Gold IRA? What did you end up doing and why? Also, side note, I briefly messed around with that RMD Calculator on GoldIRA Blueprint, and it was a bit eye-opening for future planning if anyone hasn't checked it out.

Appreciate any insights. Trying to make the smart long-term play here from Spokane.

4 comments

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Best Answer▲ 10 upvotes

ronald_morris👑Elite (1m-5m)

This is a great question. I'm in a similar boat myself. When you mention "generic rounds," are you talking about specific mints or just any privately minted silver that meets the fineness requirements? I've seen some pretty nice designs from private mints that are IRA-eligible, but always wondered if the resale is as smooth.

Comments (4)

steven_mitchell🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investor✓ Verified•less than a minute ago

Totally get where you're coming from on this. I had a similar dilemma when I was setting up my Gold IRA a couple of years back. I was torn between the Eagles and some of the lower-premium generic silver bars. Ended up going with a mix, honestly. A good chunk of Eagles for the recognizability and liquidity, but I also grabbed some 10oz bars for the sheer weight-to-dollar value.

In Spokane, too, so knowing the local scene for buying/selling did factor into my decision, especially since premiums can vary. Good luck with whatever you decide!

ronald_morris👑Elite (1m-5m)Real Investor•less than a minute ago

brian_edwards🌟Ultra (5m+)Real Investor✓ Verified•less than a minute ago

I get the appeal of ASEs, especially with the government backing and all, but honestly, for an IRA where you're really just looking for the silver exposure, are the premiums *really* worth it? Think about it – in 20 years, are those Eagles going to command that much more of a premium over generic rounds to justify the upfront cost? Seems like you might be leaving some ounces on the table just for the "collectibility" factor, which isn't really the point of an IRA investment, is it?

Just something to consider before you commit that $50k!

william_davis💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investor•less than a minute ago

Hey, cool you're looking into adding more to your IRA! One thing to keep in mind, even though ASEs are great, sometimes you can find a better premium on Canadian Silver Maples or even some of the older, lower mintage Perth Mint coins if you're looking for that government-backed purity without paying the huge ASE premium. A local dealer in Spokane might even have some good deals on those. Just something to consider for maximizing your metal!

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