Gold Coins Available Through Goldco
Goldco lists gold coins including the American Gold Eagle, American Gold Buffalo, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and the Royal Mint's British Lunar Series, along with gold bars and a range of themed and commemorative coins. The most important distinction when choosing among them is between bullion coins, priced close to their gold content, and premium or commemorative coins, which cost noticeably more above spot.
Sovereign Bullion Coins Goldco Lists
| Coin | Issuer | Gold content and notes |
|---|---|---|
| American Gold Eagle | U.S. Mint | 22-karat gold; IRA eligible under the statutory American Eagle exception |
| American Gold Buffalo | U.S. Mint | .9999 fine (24-karat) gold |
| Gold Maple Leaf | Royal Canadian Mint | .9999 fine gold |
| British Lunar Series | The Royal Mint | Annual designs based on the Chinese zodiac; confirm fineness and eligibility per item |
Each of these is legal tender issued by a national mint, which supports recognition and resale. Mint websites publish official specifications; you can check them before buying. Individual coin guides are available for the American Gold Eagle, the American Gold Buffalo, and the Gold Maple Leaf.
Bullion Coins vs Premium and Commemorative Coins
Goldco's range goes well beyond the standard bullion coins, and understanding the difference matters more than any single product choice.
Bullion coins
Bullion coins are minted in large quantities and priced mainly on gold content plus a modest premium. Because they are standardized and widely traded, dealers worldwide recognize them, and bid prices tend to stay relatively close to spot.
Proof and commemorative coins
Proof coins are struck with special dies for a mirror-like finish, often in smaller numbers. Commemorative and themed coins celebrate an event, figure, or design series. These pieces typically carry significantly higher premiums. When you sell, a buyer may pay mostly for the gold content, so the extra premium can be hard to recover. See proof vs bullion coins and commemorative and limited-mintage coins.
Gold bars
Goldco also lists gold bars. Bars typically carry lower premiums per ounce than coins of the same weight, though they lack legal-tender status and the recognition of sovereign coins. For IRAs, bars must meet the .995 fineness rule and come from an accepted refiner. See gold coins vs gold bars.
Checking Which Gold Coins Qualify for an IRA
Under 26 U.S.C. 408(m), gold held in an IRA generally must be at least .995 fine, with a specific exception for American Eagle coins. That means:
- The American Gold Eagle qualifies despite being 22-karat.
- Most .9999 sovereign bullion coins, such as the Buffalo and Maple Leaf, meet the fineness standard.
- Some coins, including certain older or collectible pieces, do not qualify.
- Custodians may apply their own requirements, such as condition or packaging.
Ask Goldco to confirm in writing which specific products are IRA eligible. More detail is in which gold coins are IRA eligible.
Questions to Ask About Any Gold Coin
- What is the price per coin, and what is the current spot value of its gold content?
- What is the premium over spot, as a percentage?
- How does that compare with a standard American Gold Eagle or Maple Leaf of the same weight?
- Is this product eligible for an IRA, and will you confirm that in writing?
- Is it covered by the advertised buyback program, and on what terms?
- If it is a proof or commemorative coin, why is it being suggested over a bullion coin?
Comparing premiums side by side is the simplest way to avoid overpaying. Asking these questions of more than one dealer helps too.
Fractional Sizes and Weights
Many gold bullion coins, including the American Gold Eagle and Gold Maple Leaf, are minted in fractional sizes as well as one troy ounce. Smaller coins let you buy in smaller increments and may be easier to sell in parts later, but they almost always carry a higher premium per ounce, because production costs are spread over less gold. If you are comparing a one-ounce coin with several fractional coins of the same total weight, compare the total price per ounce. Our fractional gold coins guide explains the trade-off, and what is a troy ounce covers the weight standard used for all precious metals pricing.
Costs Beyond the Coin Price
For coins held in an IRA, custodian and storage costs apply as well. Goldco's published fee statement lists them:
Gold IRA Fees
The required minimum purchase at Goldco to start a gold IRA is $25,000. Goldco’s preferred Custodian charges a flat annual account service fee which includes a one-time IRA account set-up fee of $50. as well as a $30 wire fee. Annual maintenance is $100, and storage is $150 for segregated storage or $100 for non-segregated storage.
Fees for gold storage and custodianship can vary depending on the company you select to handle these services (required by the IRS, as all IRA assets must be managed by a custodian). Depending on the Custodian, storage fees can range from $10 to $60 per month, or as a percentage of assets, from 0.35% to 1% annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gold coin is cheapest per ounce at Goldco?
Prices change daily. Ask for current quotes on several products and compare the premium over spot for each.
Can British Lunar Series gold coins go in an IRA?
Eligibility depends on the specific coin's fineness and custodian acceptance. Ask Goldco to confirm for the exact item.
Are commemorative coins a better choice because they are rarer?
Not necessarily. Rarity can raise the purchase premium without assuring a higher resale price.
Can I buy these coins outside an IRA?
Yes. See buying directly from Goldco. For the company overall, read our Goldco review.