Silver Eagles vs. Generic Rounds for IRA (thoughts?)

Margaret Chen

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Silver Eagles vs. Generic Rounds for IRA (thoughts?)

margaret_chen🏆Advanced (250-500k)

less than a minute ago

Key Takeaways

•Been doing a deep dive since I started moving some of my gains from the last few years into hard assets.
•My main question is around American Silver Eagles versus generic silver rounds/bars for an IRA.
•The IRA custodian I'm working with (based out here in California, though the vault is in Delaware) lists both as acceptable.

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Been doing a deep dive since I started moving some of my gains from the last few years into hard assets. Currently sitting with about $300k across a mix of stocks and real estate, and for 2024 I'm looking to allocate a decent chunk, maybe $50-75k, into physical silver within my IRA. Most of my capital gains from the tech exit are locked up for a bit longer, but I'm trying to front-run any further inflation or market volatility signals coming out of DC.

My main question is around American Silver Eagles versus generic silver rounds/bars for an IRA. The IRA custodian I'm working with (based out here in California, though the vault is in Delaware) lists both as acceptable. Obviously, the premium on the Eagles is pretty substantial right now compared to spot – I'm seeing anywhere from 20-30% over spot for Eagles, while generics are closer to 5-10% depending on the size and vendor. That’s a huge difference when you’re talking about a $50k allocation.

Part of me, the former tech executive who obsessively optimized every line of code, wants to go for the lowest premium possible to maximize ounces. More ounces = more exposure to price appreciation, right? But then there’s the ‘flight to quality’ argument for Eagles, thinking about potential future liquidity or even a higher resale value premium if things really go sideways. Is that premium just "peace of mind" and numismatic value, or is there a real, tangible advantage to Eagles come sale time, especially within an IRA structure?

Anyone here gone through this decision? What swayed you one way or the other? Is the higher premium on Eagles justified in a retirement account context where you're really holding for the long haul? I'm based in San Francisco, so I'm used to higher prices for everything, but even I'm balking a bit at the ASE premium right now.

3 comments

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Best Answer▲ 7 upvotes

diane_bailey💰Established (100-250k)

Honestly, while the Eagles are cool and all, I'm not sure they're the best move for an IRA, especially if you're talking about a significant chunk of change. The premium on Eagles can sometimes eat into your overall gains, even if they're recognized. With an IRA, you're looking for long-term growth and stability, and that premium is essentially dead money until silver itself makes a really big jump.

For an IRA, Iâ€™d personally lean towards getting the most silver for your dollar, which usually means generic rounds or bars, even if they don't have the same "collector" appeal. You're not planning on selling these at a coin show; they're an investment vehicle. Just my two cents, obviously everyone's risk tolerance and goals are different.

Comments (3)

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

Yeah, this is a good question and one I wrestled with myself. I ended up going with a mix, honestly. Thought about doing mostly Eagles for the "brand recognition" and easy liquidity, but then the premium was just eating at me. So I went with about 70% generic rounds from a reputable mint and 30% Eagles. Figured it was a good balance between lower cost per ounce and still having some of that recognized value. Seems to be working out so far!

patricia_miller📊Growing (50-100k)✓ Verified•less than a minute ago

Interesting post! When you say "generic rounds," are you talking about specific mints or just any COMEX-approved rounds that aren't Eagles? Curious what you've seen in terms of premium differences there.

diane_bailey💰Established (100-250k)Real Investor•less than a minute ago

Honestly, while the Eagles are cool and all, I'm not sure they're the *best* move for an IRA, especially if you're talking about a significant chunk of change. The premium on Eagles can sometimes eat into your overall gains, even if they're recognized. With an IRA, you're looking for long-term growth and stability, and that premium is essentially dead money until silver itself makes a really big jump.

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