Best Self-Directed Precious Metals IRA: A Comprehensive Study Report Introduction Investing in precious metals has long been considered a reliable way to diversify a portfolio and hedge against inflation. A self-directed Precious Metals Individual Retirement Account (IRA) allows investors to have greater control over their retirement savings while investing in physical assets like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of the best self-directed precious metals IRA options available, examining their features, benefits, and considerations for potential investors. Understanding Self-Directed Precious Metals IRAs A self-directed IRA is a type of retirement account that allows investors to manage their own investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds. With a self-directed precious metals IRA, investors can purchase physical precious metals, which must meet specific criteria set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be eligible for tax-deferred status. IRS Guidelines for Precious Metals in IRAs The IRS stipulates that only certain types of precious metals are eligible for inclusion in a self-directed IRA. These include: Gold: Must be 99.5% pure or higher (e.g., American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf). Silver: Must be 99.9% pure or higher (e.g., American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf). Platinum: Must be 99.95% pure or higher (e.g., American Eagle). Palladium: Must be 99.95% pure or higher (e.g., Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf). Investors must also ensure that their chosen custodians are IRS-approved to handle precious metals. Benefits of a Self-Directed Precious Metals IRA Diversification: Precious metals provide a hedge against market volatility and inflation, diversifying an investment portfolio.