IRA-Approved Perth Mint Gold Lunars
To include these items in your Precious Metals IRA, you must first contact our IRA Department at (800) 418-0235. For more information, please visit our Precious Metals IRA page.
IRA-Approved Gold Lunars
To qualify for inclusion in a Precious Metals Individual Retirement Account (IRA), gold offerings must meet specific purity requirements set by the IRS. Gold needs to be at least .995 fine, except for the American Gold Eagle coin. Gold Lunar coins, struck with .9999 fine gold by The Perth Mint, are eligible for IRA investment. These coins are issued in a 1 troy ounce denomination and are available in both regular and proof finishes.
Our team of specialists can help you choose IRA-compliant gold coins from The Perth Mint, ensuring they conform to the IRS standards necessary for your retirement planning. It is recommended to discuss your investment strategy and the details of adding gold coins to your IRA with your custodian or financial advisor to ensure it fits your financial objectives.
Please be aware that investing in Perth Mint Gold Lunar coins through an IRA requires compliance with IRS rules, including the requirement for storage in an approved depository. Investors should also consider potential taxes and fees from selling these coins.
Precious Metals IRAs
Precious Metals Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are an alternative investment option to traditional stock and bond portfolios. They allow investors to include physical precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their retirement savings. Known as self-directed IRAs, these accounts give investors greater control over their investment choices within the boundaries of IRS guidelines. These guidelines set purity requirements for the metals (e.g., gold must be 99.5% pure) and require secure storage in approved facilities.
Investing in a Precious Metals IRA comes with unique factors, including potential fees for storage, insurance, and transactions that differ from traditional IRAs. The precious metals market is known for its volatility, which can introduce risks and opportunities for investors. However, including metals like gold in an IRA is often recommended for its advantages.
Benefits of Including Gold in Your IRA
Gold is valued in an IRA for its ability to act as a hedge against inflation, preserving value as the purchasing power of paper currency declines. It provides portfolio diversification, reducing risk by not moving in tandem with stocks and bonds. Gold also serves as a stable asset during political and economic uncertainty, helping protect wealth. While gold benefits from tax-deferred growth, it's considered a long-term investment. Financial advisors are crucial in assisting investors in effectively incorporating gold into their retirement strategies, aiming for a well-rounded and secure financial future.
Gold Lunars Coin Series
Honor the Chinese zodiac tradition with the exquisite Gold Lunar Series. The Perth Mint crafts these coins from .9999 fine gold and has released them annually since 1999, beginning with the year of the Rabbit. They celebrate the rich heritage of The Perth Mint's Gold Lunar Series by embodying the twelve zodiac animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Each animal is said to wield a significant influence on individuals born in its corresponding year, imbuing them with distinct traits and destinies.
The Chinese Lunar Calendar, a cornerstone of Chinese culture for millennia, intricately ties the passage of time to the moon's phases. This calendar, which spans over four millennia of history, assigns each year to one of twelve animals, starting with the Mouse and concluding with the Pig, and integrates elements such as metal, water, wood, fire, and earth to enrich the cycle with additional layers of meaning. Beyond its historical role in guiding agricultural practices, the lunar calendar continues to captivate with its deep roots in natural cycles and mythological stories.
- Mouse
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
The Lunar Series coins showcase diverse types and varieties, catering to the preferences and interests of collectors and investors alike.
Types of Gold Lunars
Gold Lunar coins are available in several denominations and finishes, including proof, bullion, and colored versions, ensuring there is something for every collector.
- Fractional Gold Lunars: The Lunar Series coins are also available in fractional sizes, offering greater accessibility and flexibility for collectors and investors. They are available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz. This variety allows enthusiasts to own beautifully designed coins with a smaller investment, making it easier to collect each animal in the series or to give as memorable gifts. The availability of these coins in fractional sizes is unique, catering to diverse budgets and interests while maintaining the high quality and intricate designs of The Perth Mint.
- Colorized Gold Lunars: The colorized versions of the Gold Lunar Series coins add a vibrant and visually striking dimension to the traditional collection. These coins, adorned with expertly applied colors, bring to life the intricate details of each zodiac animal's design, highlighting their symbolic meanings and enhancing their aesthetic appeal. The use of color on these gold coins is a unique feature that distinguishes them from their standard counterparts, offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique way to appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of the Chinese zodiac.
- Proof Gold Lunars: The Proof Gold Lunar Series coins are an excellent representation of numismatic artistry and craftsmanship. These coins are struck with a special minting process that ensures the highest level of detail and a mirror-like finish on the background, which beautifully contrasts with the frosted relief of the zodiac designs. The proof versions are highly coveted by collectors for their exceptional quality, limited mintage, and enhanced visual appeal, which brings each zodiac animal to life with unparalleled clarity and precision.
Beyond these varieties, some of the designs are also available in 2 oz and 10 oz sizes. The Perth Mint's Lunar Series coins have garnered widespread acclaim and have become highly sought after by collectors. This enthusiasm has led to the launch of three distinct series within the Lunar collection, with Series 3 currently captivating enthusiasts worldwide.
The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint enjoys international acclaim as Australia's oldest mint still in operation. Located in Perth, Western Australia, it was originally established as part of The Royal Mint in Great Britain. Since 1970, it has operated independently from British control yet remains at its historic site. Known for its high-quality gold products, including bars and coins, The Perth Mint has built a reputation for dependable gold bullion.
The mint produces gold bars with a 99.99% purity level, available in a variety from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. Each bar is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
In addition to gold bars, The Perth Mint produces renowned gold coin collections such as the Australian Gold Kangaroo, Australian Gold Lunar, and Australian Gold Swan. All are crafted from 99.99% pure gold and some are available in multiple sizes to cater to various investor and collector needs.
The Perth Mint also holds the distinction of creating the unique Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin, the only legal tender gold coin of its weight worldwide. Certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest gold coin, it highlights The Perth Mint's innovative and leading status in the minting industry.