A self-directed precious metals IRA lets you hold IRS-approved bullion with the tax treatment of an IRA. Here is what investors value about it, how it works, and what to weigh before you decide.
The reasons investors most often give for holding precious metals, combined with the tax advantages of an IRA wrapper.
A Traditional IRA lets gains grow tax-deferred; a Roth IRA lets qualified withdrawals come out tax-free. Eligibility and limits follow IRS rules.
Gold and silver are widely viewed as a store of value when prices rise, because they are not tied to any single currency's purchasing power.
Precious metals often move differently than stocks and bonds, which is why many investors use them to reduce overall portfolio correlation.
Bullion is a physical asset with a long history, global supply grows slowly and predictably, and it is priced to the same standards nearly everywhere.
Demand for gold has historically risen during geopolitical uncertainty and periods of currency instability.
Physical bullion held for you at a depository is not a claim on another company or bank staying in business.
Apply for a self-directed IRA through Rocket Dollar, an independent provider. Its regulated custody partner holds the account.
Roll over or transfer from an existing IRA or 401(k), or contribute. The 2026 limit is $7,500 a year ($8,600 if you are 50 or older); IRS limits change each year.
IRS-eligible gold must be 99.5% fine or better, and silver 99.9% or better. A specialist prices your order with the premium itemized in writing.
Your metals are delivered to an insured, IRS-approved depository and stay fully segregated. Home storage of IRA-owned metals is not permitted.
Sentry Bullion sources and prices your metals. Rocket Dollar — an independent self-directed IRA provider — establishes your retirement account, which is held by its regulated custody partner. Your funds are never in Sentry Bullion’s custody.
Rocket Dollar is an independent provider and is not part of Sentry Bullion. This summary comes from its own published information; please read it on rocketdollar.com before you decide.
Start with a five-minute conversation, or read the free guide first. No pressure, no obligation.
A free 5-page guide: why investors hold physical gold and silver, and how to choose between a self-directed IRA and a direct cash purchase.
Sentry Bullion is a precious metals dealer. We are not a bank, trust company, IRS-approved custodian or non-bank trustee, broker-dealer, or registered investment adviser, and we do not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. Nothing on this site is a recommendation to buy or sell any product, and no communication with us creates a fiduciary relationship. Sentry Bullion is compensated through the sale of precious metals products.
Precious metals carry risk, including loss of principal. Prices fluctuate and holdings may be worth more or less than their original cost when sold. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Physical metals are generally less liquid than securities and are best considered over a multi-year horizon. Spot prices shown on this site are indicative only and are not a quote or an offer to transact; every purchase carries a dealer premium over spot, which is itemized and disclosed to you in writing before you authorize any transaction.
Self-directed IRA accounts are established with Rocket Dollar, an independent provider, and held by its regulated custody partner; metals are stored at an independent insured depository. Rocket Dollar and the depository set and bill their own setup, subscription, storage, and insurance fees, which Sentry Bullion does not mark up. Only bullion meeting IRS purity and eligibility requirements may be held in an IRA, home storage of IRA-owned metals is not permitted, and distributions may be taxable or subject to penalty. Consult your own qualified tax and legal advisors before making retirement account decisions.
Please note that although Sentry Bullion and its representatives are precious metals specialists, we are not licensed or registered investment advisers, attorneys, CPA's, or other financial service professionals. We do not give any tax, financial, legal or investment advice. Additionally, be aware that precious metals, like any investment, carry risk of loss and are not a suitable investment for everyone. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and precious metals may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same depending on a variety of factors. Anyone who considers purchasing Precious metals, Gold American Eagles, Proof Gold American Eagles, certified gold coins, as well as gold and silver bars should consider and carefully evaluate the associated risks and acquisition costs before making the investment, and you should always consult your financial and tax professional and carefully evaluate all risks associated with the acquisition of precious metals before making the investment. It is Sentry Bullion's view that precious metals should be considered a long-term investment, and that while you can sell your precious metals at any time, you should be prepared and willing to hold any purchased precious metals for several years before selling them. Sentry Bullion cannot guarantee, and makes no representation, that any metals purchased (i.e. .999 gold bars, .9999 silver bars, or any gold or silver coins) will appreciate at all or appreciate sufficiently to produce a profit above and beyond the markup/ commissions charged whether they are bought for direct delivery or inside of a precious metals IRA. The decision to purchase or sell precious metals with funds outside or inside of a Gold IRA or a Gold Backed IRA, and which precious metals to purchase or sell, are the customer's decision alone, and purchases and sales should be made subject to the customer's own research, prudence, and judgment. By accessing any Sentry Bullion content, you agree to be bound by the terms of service. For questions regarding this disclaimer or this website please contact us at 877-315-8817.