The IRS allows gold of at least .995 fineness, silver of .999, and platinum and palladium of .9995, produced by a national mint or an accredited refiner. The American Gold Eagle is the one statutory exception to the purity rule.
Inside those limits you still have decisions to make: coins or bars, one-ounce pieces or larger sizes, gold only or a mix with silver. Product choice changes what you pay over spot when you buy and what you receive when you sell.
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