Allegiance Gold · Questions worth asking

Precious Metals &
Gold IRA FAQ

Clear answers about buying gold and silver, comparing costs, holding qualifying metals in an IRA, and understanding the risks before you decide.

General education · Primary-source references · Sources checked October 3, 2026

Buying Gold & Silver

Ownership, buying choices and the questions to ask first.

What does it mean to buy physical gold or silver?

It means purchasing actual coins, rounds or bars rather than shares of a mining company, futures contract, ETF or other financial instrument. With a direct purchase, the customer owns the physical product subject to the transaction terms. With an IRA purchase, qualifying metals are owned by the IRA and held under applicable IRA custody rules.

Can I buy precious metals without opening an IRA?

Yes. A self-directed IRA is not required to own physical precious metals. Direct purchases and IRA purchases have different custody, tax, payment and delivery considerations. Browse physical metals.

How do I buy from Allegiance Gold?

Browse the Shop Metals catalog for current products, prices and availability. Where online checkout is available, select your products and quantities and review the final total before submitting your order. For assistance or an IRA purchase, call 844-790-9191. Confirm the product, payment method, delivery or custody arrangement, and applicable terms before authorizing a transaction.

What should I compare before buying?

Compare the exact product, fine-metal content, total purchase price, current spot reference, effective premium, current dealer repurchase indication when available, payment-related pricing, shipping/storage costs and applicable taxes. For an IRA, also compare custodian, administration, transaction, storage, distribution and termination fees.

Is gold guaranteed to preserve wealth or purchasing power?

No. Gold has been used as a store of value over long periods, but its price can decline and it can underperform other assets for extended periods. No dealer can guarantee that gold will preserve a particular amount of purchasing power or produce a profit.

Is gold a guaranteed hedge against inflation?

No. Gold is often considered as a potential inflation or currency-risk diversifier, but the relationship is not consistent in every period.

Should I put all of my retirement savings into precious metals?

Allegiance Gold does not determine an appropriate allocation for you. Concentration in any single asset class can create risk. Consider liquidity needs, time horizon, risk tolerance, existing holdings, taxes and total transaction costs with your own qualified advisers.

Physical gold vs. a gold ETF: what changes?

Physical ownership involves specific coins or bars, delivery or storage, insurance and dealer buy/sell costs. An ETF involves shares governed by a fund’s prospectus, expenses, brokerage and trading rules; owning shares does not necessarily entitle a retail shareholder to delivery of a coin or bar. Compare the actual legal ownership and costs, not just the word “gold.”

Can I shop without creating an account?

The current online terms allow guest purchases. Account registration is optional where guest checkout is offered. Keep your confirmation and order number so you can request order assistance without assuming that saving a product or submitting a contact form creates an order.

Do the shop’s heart icons reserve products?

No. The heart saves a product in the browser on that device; it does not reserve inventory or lock a price. Click it again to remove the product, and use Saved products to reopen your list. Visit the product page to check its current price and availability.

Spot Price, Premiums & Spreads

Understand what you pay, what the metal contains and what a sale may return.

What is spot price?

Spot price is a widely used market reference for the current price of a precious metal for near-immediate settlement in wholesale markets. Retail coins and bars normally trade at prices that reflect additional product-specific economics. View live metal charts.

Why does a physical coin cost more than spot?

Retail price can reflect minting/fabrication, sourcing, transportation, insurance, wholesale premiums, inventory, demand, scarcity and dealer margin.

What is a premium?

A premium is the amount above the reference value of the precious metal inside a product. Metal value = spot price per troy ounce × fine-metal troy ounces. Premium dollars = product price − metal value. Premium % = (product price ÷ metal value − 1) × 100. Compare prices from approximately the same time and the same currency. A premium is not a promised resale value.

What is the dealer spread?

The spread is the difference between the price at which a dealer sells a product and the price at which the dealer would buy or repurchase that product at a given time. The CFTC specifically encourages consumers to ask what they would receive if they sold the metal back immediately.

Why does the spread matter?

It is part of the customer's starting economics. If the current repurchase price is below the purchase price, the market/product value generally must rise enough to overcome that difference before a later sale at comparable economics would produce a gain. Future bids are not guaranteed.

Does a higher premium mean better future performance?

No. A higher premium does not guarantee appreciation, liquidity or a higher resale price.

What is melt value?

The approximate value of the fine-metal content using a specified spot reference. Melt value is not necessarily the retail purchase price or dealer repurchase price.

Does Allegiance Gold publish product prices?

The shop displays prices for products offered online. Use the current product page and checkout total for the selected quantity and payment method; an old screenshot or article is not a current quote. Product availability, taxes, shipping and payment-related charges can affect the final total.

How should I compare two dealer quotes?

Use the same product, weight, purity, quantity, payment method and approximately the same spot-price time. Compare both purchase price and current repurchase indication. For an IRA, normalize custody and storage assumptions too.

Why do spot prices differ between websites?

Feeds can use different update times, bid or ask quotes, currencies and market references. Compare the same metal, price side, troy-ounce unit and time. Allegiance’s comparison tools identify their spot assumptions; a ticker quote is not itself a retail offer to buy or sell a specific coin.

How do I use the Precious Metals Value Comparison calculator?

Choose two products of the same metal, enter your budget and run the analysis. The premium calculator compares product price with fine-metal content and shows whole units and cash remaining. Manually edited entries remain yours; untouched presets can refresh from the shop. Review displayed timestamps and assumptions before relying on a result.

Can the calculator’s equivalent ounces always be purchased?

No. A per-dollar comparison measures a rate; physical coins and bars generally require whole-unit purchases. Whole units equal the budget divided by the unit price, rounded down. For example, a hypothetical $10,000 budget at $4,200 per one-ounce bar buys 2 bars, with $1,600 remaining before tax, fees and shipping. This is an illustration, not a live quote.

Can I compare gold ounces directly with silver ounces?

No. An ounce of gold and an ounce of silver have different market values. Compare products of the same metal for an ounce-based comparison, or normalize a mixed-metal comparison to dollar value with clear assumptions. The premium calculator blocks mixed-metal ounce comparisons.

Is a calculator result a guaranteed quote or buyback offer?

No. A calculator is educational and reflects its inputs and available data at a moment in time. It may exclude tax, shipping, payment charges, quantity discounts, storage, collectible value and dealer buyback spreads. Review the product page, final checkout or written quote. None of the tools predicts future prices or promises a repurchase.

Coins, Bars, Purity & Mints

Understand product specifications and compare equivalent metal content.

What is bullion?

Coins, rounds or bars valued primarily for metal content rather than rarity. Bullion can still carry different premiums based on mint, form, size, demand and availability.

What is a troy ounce?

The standard precious-metals weight unit. One troy ounce is approximately 31.1035 grams.

What is fineness?

The proportion of precious metal in an item. For example, .9999 gold is 99.99% pure gold.

What is the difference between a coin, a round and a bar?

A bullion coin is generally issued by a government mint and has a legal-tender denomination. A round is usually privately minted and has no legal-tender denomination. Bars are manufactured by government or private mints and refiners. All three can carry premiums; compare metal content and resale demand rather than the shape alone.

What is the American Gold Eagle?

An official U.S. bullion coin produced by the U.S. Mint. The one-ounce Gold Eagle contains one troy ounce of fine gold but uses a 22-karat alloy, so gross weight is greater than one troy ounce. Certain American Eagle coins receive specific treatment under IRC §408(m) for IRA purposes.

What is the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

A sovereign bullion coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. Standard one-ounce bullion issues are known for high purity. IRA eligibility depends on the exact product satisfying applicable requirements and custodian acceptance.

American Gold Eagle vs. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: what is different?

They differ in mint, alloy/purity, design, dimensions, security features by issue, market premium and current buy/sell economics. A one-ounce Gold Eagle contains one troy ounce of fine gold despite .9167 fineness; a standard one-ounce Maple Leaf is typically .9999 fine. Compare the exact issue, live retail price and current repurchase indication.

What is a proof coin?

A specially manufactured coin produced for a distinctive finish/presentation. Proof status alone does not determine IRA eligibility or future value.

What is a certified coin?

A coin authenticated and graded by a third-party grading service. Certification does not guarantee appreciation or liquidity.

What does random year mean?

The exact year supplied may vary with inventory. The product page should state which specifications remain constant and which characteristics may vary.

Are smaller gold coins cheaper to own?

A fractional coin costs less per unit than a larger coin at comparable prices, but its premium per fine-metal ounce may be higher. Smaller units may make partial sales easier. Compare cost per fine-metal ounce, total purchase cost and current resale demand; a lower ticket price does not automatically mean better value.

Does higher gold purity mean more gold in a one-ounce coin?

Compare fine-metal content separately from gross weight. A standard one-ounce American Gold Eagle contains one troy ounce of gold plus alloy metals; a standard one-ounce .9999 Gold Maple Leaf also contains one troy ounce of gold. Different purity does not mean the Eagle’s stated ounce contains less gold.

How can I reduce the risk of counterfeit coins or bars?

Use an established seller, retain invoices and product identifiers, and compare specifications with the issuing mint or refiner. Packaging and visual appearance alone do not prove authenticity. If you have doubts, obtain testing by a qualified professional using methods suitable for the product; avoid destructive testing without understanding its effect on value.

Should I clean precious-metal coins?

Avoid cleaning, polishing or removing protective packaging without professional guidance. Handling and cleaning can change surfaces, condition and collector value. Use appropriate storage and ask about the exact product’s care requirements, especially for proof or certified coins.

What should I know about platinum and palladium?

They have different industrial demand, market size, price behavior and product availability from gold and silver. Premiums and resale liquidity can vary. Some products may qualify for an IRA when requirements are met, but eligibility does not establish suitability or eliminate price risk.

Ordering, Payment & Returns

Practical answers before and after an online order.

Which payment methods can I use?

Use the methods actually offered at checkout for your order. Availability, limits, verification and processing holds may differ by method and transaction. Do not assume that every payment method mentioned in older terms or educational content is currently enabled. Ask for confirmation before sending funds.

Does placing an order lock a price?

The current online terms treat a submitted order as a binding transaction and describe price confirmation subject to payment deadlines and other conditions. Adding an item to the cart, viewing a ticker or saving a product does not lock a price. Keep the order confirmation and review the Online Store Terms.

When is payment due for a check or bank-wire order?

The current online terms require a bank wire to be received within 3 business days. A check must be postmarked within 1 business day and full payment received within 10 calendar days of the order date. Receipt of a check is different from funds clearing. Missing a deadline can trigger cancellation or market-loss charges under the applicable agreement.

Where should I mail a check?

Follow your order confirmation. The published check mailing address is Allegiance Gold, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Calabasas, CA 91301. Include your order number and confirm payee and accepted check type with the team before mailing. Do not send funds to a new address based solely on an unsolicited message.

How do I obtain and verify wire instructions?

Use the instructions supplied for your specific order. Independently call 844-790-9191 using the number on the official website before sending funds, especially if someone requests changed bank details. Do not rely solely on a reply email or an inbound call to verify a payment change.

Why does my order say on hold?

An on-hold status can mean payment or another verification step is pending. An order confirmation acknowledges the order; it does not establish payment clearance or shipment. Contact the team with your order number if you need the reason for a particular hold. Do not place a duplicate order simply because payment is still being processed.

Can I cancel or change a confirmed order?

Do not assume a confirmed precious-metals order can be freely canceled or repriced. Allegiance’s online terms describe binding orders and potential market-loss charges; changes may be unavailable after processing or shipment. Contact the team promptly before taking action and review the cancellation and market-loss provisions of your agreement.

Can I return or exchange a product?

The current online terms provide a limited return/exchange process with notice within 5 business days of receipt, subject to conditions and market-loss rules. Shipping charges are not refundable, and return shipping and insurance can be your responsibility. This is not an unconditional refund promise. Review the return section of the Online Store Terms and contact the team before sending anything back.

Will I receive an order confirmation and invoice?

An online order generates an order confirmation containing its number and details. Keep it for your records and use the invoice access provided with the order when available. If you cannot find the email, check your spam folder and contact the team using your order number. A confirmation or invoice does not by itself prove shipment or cleared payment.

Can I buy IRA metals through regular shop checkout?

Do not pay for a personal delivery order and assume it is an IRA transaction. IRA purchases must follow the independent custodian’s funding, purchasing and custody process. Speak with Allegiance Gold and the custodian before ordering with retirement funds or selecting a delivery address.

Shipping, Delivery & Storage

Delivery, coverage, reporting problems and storage arrangements.

Does Allegiance Gold ship physical precious metals?

Eligible direct-purchase transactions can be shipped under Allegiance Gold's current written shipping terms. Review the applicable agreement for insurance, delivery, signature, claim, address and risk-of-loss conditions.

Is shipping insured?

Allegiance’s current online terms provide transit insurance subject to the shipping conditions and exclusions. Coverage is not a guarantee against every loss, and responsibility can end at recorded delivery. Review Section 12 of the Online Store Terms before selecting a delivery address, authorizing delivery changes or relying on coverage.

Is packaging discreet?

Confirm the packaging and carrier arrangement for your order with Allegiance Gold before shipment. Do not assume that an FAQ description guarantees how a particular package will be labeled or handled.

How long does delivery take?

Under the current online terms, bank-wire and check purchases are estimated to ship 7–10 days after funds clear. If card payments are offered, the estimate is 10–15 days after purchase. These are shipment estimates, not guaranteed delivery dates; carrier transit follows shipment. Payment verification, inventory and other delays can affect timing. Read the order confirmation and current shipping terms.

Can directly owned metals be stored at a depository?

Depending on the product and arrangement, third-party storage may be available. Confirm ownership, access, insurance, segregation, fees and withdrawal terms in writing.

What is segregated storage?

Generally, assets are separately stored or specifically identified under the provider's arrangement. Definitions vary. Ask exactly how assets are identified, allocated, insured, audited and released.

Will I need to sign for delivery?

The current online terms require a signature for packages over $1,000. Review the carrier and delivery instructions for your order, arrange to be available, and do not authorize signature waivers, redirection or unattended delivery without understanding the coverage consequences. Terms and exceptions control.

What if a shipment is missing, damaged or marked delivered incorrectly?

Contact Allegiance Gold immediately with your order number and tracking details. Preserve packaging and take photographs if contents are damaged, incorrect or missing. Current terms require missing/damaged-content notice within 48 hours of the delivery timestamp and other delivery issues within 2 calendar days; lost-in-transit rules have separate carrier-specific deadlines. Review Section 12 promptly—do not wait for a return window or assume insurance is unconditional.

Can I change my shipping address or redirect a package?

Ask the team before changing delivery details. Address changes can require verification and may not be possible once processing or shipment has begun. Carrier forwarding, redirection, alternative recipients and unattended delivery can affect responsibility and insurance under the shipping terms.

Is home storage appropriate for directly owned metals?

Directly owned metals outside an IRA have different rules from IRA assets, but home storage still creates security, access and insurance risks. Check the coverage and exclusions of your own policy; a safe or a bank box does not automatically insure its contents. Avoid disclosing valuable holdings unnecessarily.

What is the difference between allocated, segregated and commingled storage?

Providers use these terms differently. Allocated arrangements identify metal owned for a customer; segregated arrangements generally separate or specifically identify holdings; commingled arrangements can place compatible holdings together. Ask whether you receive the same items or equivalent products, how ownership is recorded, and what happens on withdrawal or provider failure.

Selling & Buybacks

Understand the exit before deciding what to buy.

Can I sell my metals later?

Physical precious metals have resale markets, but no future buyer, sale price, timing or liquidity level is guaranteed.

Does Allegiance Gold guarantee a buyback?

No future repurchase is guaranteed. You may ask Allegiance Gold to consider buying your metals; whether an offer is made, its price and its conditions depend on the company’s then-current policy and market conditions. Obtain a written quote rather than treating a website estimate as a commitment.

How is a buyback price determined?

A dealer’s offer can depend on metal prices, the exact product and condition, customer demand, inventory and current wholesale markets. Ask for a written offer and its conditions. Neither melt value nor the original purchase premium sets a guaranteed resale price.

Will I receive spot when I sell?

Not necessarily. A dealer's bid for a specific product can be above, at or below a spot reference.

Can I sell to another dealer?

Owners of directly held metals may generally seek offers from other buyers, subject to law and transaction terms. IRA-owned metals must be sold through the IRA's permitted custody process.

What if I sell immediately after buying?

An immediate resale can result in a loss because retail purchase and repurchase prices differ. Ask about the current spread before buying.

How do I request a current repurchase quote?

Contact 844-790-9191 with the exact product, quantity, condition, packaging and ownership or custody details. Ask whether Allegiance Gold is making an offer, how long it remains valid, and what verification, shipping, deductions and payment timing apply. IRA-owned metals require coordination with the custodian before movement or sale.

Taxes & Reporting

General U.S. tax and reporting concepts—not personalized tax advice.

Are gains on physical gold or silver taxable?

For directly held investment metals outside an IRA, a sale can produce a taxable capital gain. Long-term gains on many precious-metal coins and bullion fall under collectibles rules with a maximum 28% federal capital-gains rate, not an automatic flat 28% tax. Short-term treatment, other taxes and state rules can differ. IRA transactions and distributions follow separate rules. Ask a tax professional about your circumstances.

Are losses on physical precious metals deductible?

Treatment depends on whether the property was held for investment or personal use and on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified tax professional.

Is every precious-metals purchase reported to the government?

Not every purchase follows the same reporting rule. Form 8300 generally applies when a business receives more than $10,000 in cash as legally defined, in one transaction or related transactions. It is not a blanket rule that every purchase above $10,000 is reported on that form. Other legal requirements can apply. Never split or structure transactions to avoid reporting.

What counts as cash for Form 8300?

Cash includes currency and, in specified circumstances, certain monetary instruments such as cashier’s checks, money orders or bank drafts. A personal check drawn on the payer’s own account is not cash for Form 8300. The definition and aggregation rules are technical; review the IRS reference guide or ask a qualified tax professional.

Are precious-metals sales reported on Form 1099-B?

Some sales to a dealer or broker can require Form 1099-B reporting; others fall within the IRS precious-metals exceptions. The result depends on the product, form and quantity, with aggregation and anti-avoidance rules. A missing information form does not make a taxable gain tax-free. Keep your own purchase and sale records and ask a tax professional.

Does sales tax apply to gold and silver purchases?

State/local rules vary by jurisdiction, product, amount, delivery location and other factors. Applicable tax should be determined under current law at transaction time.

What records should I keep for a precious-metals purchase or sale?

Retain invoices, purchase and sale dates, product descriptions, quantities, fees, payment records and any distribution or reporting forms. Cost basis and tax treatment depend on the transaction; do not substitute an old spot quote for the actual purchase record. Your tax professional can identify the records needed for your situation.

Is a sale inside an IRA taxed like a personal bullion sale?

Generally, an IRA’s internal sale is different from a taxable personal sale. Distributions, Roth qualification, prohibited transactions and other IRA rules can still affect taxes and penalties. Avoid applying the personal collectibles capital-gains rate to an IRA distribution without professional advice.

Gold IRAs & Self-Directed IRAs

Qualifying products, independent custody and ownership rules.

What is a Gold IRA?

"Gold IRA" is a common term for a self-directed IRA that can hold qualifying physical precious metals under applicable tax and custody rules. It is not a separate federal tax category created solely for gold. Learn about Gold IRAs.

Is a Gold IRA "IRS approved"?

The IRS does not endorse individual dealers or investments. Federal tax law permits certain coins and qualifying bullion in IRAs when statutory requirements are met. Relevant rules include IRC §408(m).

Is Allegiance Gold the IRA custodian?

No. Allegiance Gold is the metals dealer. A separate qualified custodian/trustee administers the IRA.

What metals can an IRA hold?

Federal law generally excludes collectibles but provides exceptions for certain coins and certain gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion meeting statutory requirements. Custodians can impose additional restrictions.

What are the general fineness standards?

Common custodian guidelines cite minimum fineness of .995 for gold, .999 for silver, and .9995 for platinum and palladium, with specific statutory coin exceptions. Purity alone does not establish eligibility: the exact product, applicable legal requirements, custody and custodian acceptance must also be checked. Get written confirmation for the proposed product before purchasing it for an IRA.

Why can an American Gold Eagle qualify at .9167 fineness?

Certain American Eagle coins are specifically covered by the statutory coin exception in IRC §408(m).

Is a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf IRA eligible?

Many standard Maple Leaf bullion coins meet the applicable fineness requirement, but confirm the exact issue and custodian policy.

Is a Krugerrand IRA eligible?

A standard Gold Krugerrand is below the general .995 fineness threshold and does not receive the American Eagle statutory exception. Confirm any proposed product with the custodian.

Are collectible coins IRA eligible?

Many collectibles are not. Specific statutory exceptions exist. Do not rely on an "IRA approved" label without verifying the exact product and custodian policy.

Can I hold IRA-owned bullion at home?

Do not treat personally stored bullion as compliant IRA custody. The IRS says the qualifying-bullion exception requires physical possession by a bank or approved nonbank trustee, including when an IRA-owned LLC buys the bullion. Personal possession or other arrangements can create distribution or prohibited-transaction consequences. Obtain independent legal and tax advice before considering a home-storage IRA structure.

Why is a depository used?

Depositories provide specialized custody, security and inventory controls under applicable arrangements. IRA ownership does not mean the account owner can take personal possession while the assets remain in the IRA.

Do Gold IRAs earn interest or dividends?

Physical gold and silver do not pay interest or dividends. Results depend on asset value relative to purchase, holding and selling costs.

Can I contribute coins I already own to an IRA?

Ordinary IRA contributions generally must be made in money; do not transfer personally owned coins into the account and label them a new contribution. An in-kind transfer of existing IRA assets has different rules and custodian requirements. Selling personal holdings to your own IRA can also create prohibited-transaction issues. Obtain custodian and tax advice first.

Can a Roth IRA hold qualifying precious metals?

A self-directed Roth IRA may hold qualifying metals if the custodian permits them and legal and custody requirements are met. Roth contribution eligibility, conversion taxes and qualified-distribution rules still apply. The metal does not make every withdrawal tax-free.

What is a prohibited transaction?

It generally involves improper use of IRA assets by the owner or other disqualified persons, such as personal use, certain self-dealing purchases or prohibited borrowing. Consequences can be severe and may affect the entire account. Have the custodian and independent advisers evaluate a proposed transaction before using IRA assets.

Transfers, Rollovers & Contributions

Different ways to fund an account have different rules.

Can I move an IRA to a self-directed precious-metals IRA?

A trustee-to-trustee transfer may move assets directly between IRA custodians without distribution to you, subject to account/custodian requirements.

Can I roll a 401(k) into a Gold IRA?

Some eligible employer-plan distributions can be rolled to an IRA. Eligibility depends on the plan and circumstances. Confirm with the plan administrator.

Do I have to be age 59½ to move a 401(k) to an IRA?

Not universally. Distribution eligibility from a current employer plan depends on plan rules and law; former-employer balances may have different options.

What is a trustee-to-trustee transfer?

A direct movement from one IRA trustee/custodian to another. The IRS states this is not a rollover and is not subject to the IRA one-rollover-per-year limitation.

What is a direct rollover?

An eligible employer-plan distribution paid directly to another eligible plan or IRA. Mandatory 20% withholding generally does not apply to a qualifying direct rollover.

What is a 60-day rollover?

If an eligible distribution is paid to you, you generally have 60 days to deposit the eligible amount into another qualifying plan/IRA. Withholding and other rules can apply.

Is there a one-rollover-per-year rule?

Yes, generally for IRA-to-IRA 60-day rollovers across an individual's IRAs. It does not apply to trustee-to-trustee transfers, conversions, plan-to-IRA, IRA-to-plan or plan-to-plan rollovers.

Is every rollover tax- and penalty-free?

No blanket guarantee should be made. Eligibility, timing, withholding, Roth treatment, after-tax amounts and transaction structure can change the result.

What is the 2026 IRA contribution limit?

For tax year 2026, combined annual contributions to traditional and Roth IRAs are generally limited to $7,500, or taxable compensation if lower. The age-50-or-older limit is $8,600, including a $1,100 catch-up. Roth income eligibility and traditional-IRA deduction limits are separate rules. Eligible rollovers do not use up this annual contribution limit.

What is the 2026 SEP limit?

For 2026, employer SEP-IRA contributions generally cannot exceed the lesser of 25% of eligible compensation or $72,000. Self-employed people use a different calculation, and other eligibility and compensation rules apply. Consult the IRS SEP guidance and your tax adviser; the maximum is not an amount every business owner can contribute.

Can I move only part of a retirement account?

A partial transfer or rollover may be possible if the account, plan and receiving custodian allow it. Check distribution eligibility, minimums, fees, required distributions and any restrictions. Moving assets is not a reason to assume that all of your savings should be concentrated in metals.

Custodians, Depositories & Fees

Know who does what and obtain the complete cost in writing.

Who are the parties in a precious-metals IRA?

Typically: IRA owner, independent custodian/trustee, precious-metals dealer and depository. The dealer sells; the custodian administers; the depository stores.

What fees can apply to a precious-metals IRA?

Potential costs include setup, annual administration, transactions, wires, storage, shipping, in-kind distribution, termination and the product premium/spread. Obtain current written schedules.

Are all Gold IRA fees flat?

No. Provider schedules differ. Some are flat, some asset-value based or tiered. Do not assume.

Are promotional "free metals" really free?

A promotion may not require a separate line-item payment, but evaluate the entire transaction. Compare retail price, premium, current repurchase indication and all account costs. The CFTC advises consumers to understand how the dealer earns its profit.

How should I compare two Gold IRA quotes?

Normalize the dollar amount, metal, product, weight, quantity, spot time, payment method and storage arrangement. Compare retail price, metal value, effective premium, current repurchase indication, first-year/recurring fees and promotions.

How are IRA metals valued on statements?

Ask the custodian which valuation method it uses and when values are updated. A statement’s reporting value can differ from the retail price paid, a collectible appraisal or a dealer’s current repurchase bid. Use an actual current quote to assess possible sale proceeds; neither a statement nor an appraisal guarantees what a buyer will pay.

Are precious metals held at a depository insured?

Depositories may maintain insurance under their own policies. Limits, exclusions, deductibles and claim procedures differ. Review the applicable provider's current written coverage; avoid generic promises such as "100% insured against every loss" unless contractually supported.

Distributions & RMDs

Cash, physical distributions, beneficiaries and required withdrawals.

How can I take a distribution?

Depending on the custodian and account, you may receive cash after metals are sold or an in-kind distribution of the metals. The custodian must process the distribution and determine reporting requirements. A traditional IRA distribution can be taxable; Roth treatment depends on the distribution rules. Confirm taxes, withholding, fees and timing before requesting either method.

What is an in-kind distribution?

The asset itself is distributed rather than sold for cash. The distributed value can be reportable/taxable depending on account and circumstances.

Does taking physical possession create a taxable event?

It can. Traditional and Roth IRA distribution rules differ. Ask the custodian and tax professional before directing a distribution.

What are RMDs?

Required Minimum Distributions are minimum amounts that certain retirement-account owners must withdraw after reaching the applicable statutory age.

What is the current RMD age?

The IRS currently states that RMDs generally begin at age 73, while federal law provides age 75 for certain younger birth cohorts. Earlier rules, birth year, account type and beneficiary status can change the result. Confirm your required beginning date with your custodian or tax adviser. The first-year deadline can differ from later annual deadlines.

How is an RMD calculated?

For many IRA owners, it uses the prior December 31 account balance divided by an applicable IRS life-expectancy factor. Special rules can apply.

Can I satisfy IRA RMDs from another IRA?

Traditional IRA RMDs are generally calculated separately, while aggregation rules may permit the total to be taken from one or more IRAs. Employer-plan rules differ. Confirm before acting.

Can I roll over a required minimum distribution?

No. RMD amounts are not eligible rollover distributions. If an RMD is due for the year, coordinate its treatment with the custodian or plan administrator before arranging a rollover. Errors can create excess contributions or other tax consequences.

Does my own Roth IRA require lifetime RMDs?

The original owner of a Roth IRA does not have lifetime RMDs from that Roth IRA. Beneficiaries follow separate inherited-account rules. Do not apply this answer to every retirement plan or inherited IRA without checking its rules.

What happens to a precious-metals IRA when the owner dies?

The custodian follows the beneficiary designation, account agreement and inherited-IRA rules. Deadlines and distribution options depend on the beneficiary and other circumstances; a spouse’s options can differ from a nonspouse’s. Review beneficiaries periodically and obtain independent estate and tax advice.

Risks, Scams & Dealer Due Diligence

Questions that help you identify risk and evaluate a seller.

What are the main risks of physical precious metals?

Price volatility, premiums, spreads, changing product demand, storage/account fees, theft/loss outside insured arrangements, liquidity differences, taxes, counterparty risk and opportunity cost.

Can gold prices fall?

Yes. No historical pattern or economic narrative guarantees future performance.

Are precious metals "safe"?

That label is too broad. Physical metals do not eliminate market, pricing, custody, liquidity, tax or opportunity-cost risk.

What dealer red flags should I watch for?

Guaranteed returns; claims metals cannot lose value; extreme urgency/fear; hidden premiums; refusal to provide written pricing; guaranteed buybacks; claims a dealer itself is "IRS approved"; misleading "free metal" promotions; unsupported rarity claims; or advice to evade reporting/custody rules.

What does the CFTC recommend asking?

Understand spot price, spread, all fees/commissions, salesperson/dealer compensation, what the dealer would pay if you sold immediately, and storage/IRA administration costs.

How can I evaluate a dealer?

Verify legal name, physical address, operating history, leadership, written policies, independent reviews, complaint history, pricing disclosures and third-party awards/ratings at their original sources.

Is a precious-metals dealer a fiduciary?

A dealer is not automatically your fiduciary merely because it sells precious metals. Allegiance Gold supplies metals; an independent custodian administers an IRA. Product education and sales assistance are different from individualized investment, legal or tax advice. Use your own qualified advisers for allocation and retirement decisions.

What should I do if I suspect a precious-metals scam?

Stop sending funds, preserve communications and independently verify the company and payment instructions. Contact your bank promptly if funds have been sent. Use the CFTC’s consumer guidance and complaint resources, and consider the FTC, state regulators or law enforcement as appropriate. A salesperson’s title or celebrity endorsement is not a substitute for verification.

Are physical metals or safe-deposit-box contents FDIC insured?

No. FDIC deposit insurance covers eligible deposits at insured banks, not physical precious metals or the contents of a safe deposit box. Private transit, homeowners or depository insurance is different and has its own limits and exclusions. Obtain the actual policy terms instead of assuming that storage at a bank makes the metal federally insured.

About Allegiance Gold

Company role, contact details and how to compare your options.

What is Allegiance Gold?

Allegiance Gold, LLC is a precious-metals dealer based in Calabasas, California. Customers can explore physical precious metals for direct ownership or learn about qualifying-metal purchases through a self-directed IRA administered by an independent custodian. Check the current catalog and written transaction terms for the products and services available to you.

Is Allegiance Gold affiliated with the U.S. Mint or IRS?

Purchasing a government-minted coin does not mean the government endorses the dealer or the investment. The IRS does not endorse an individual dealer’s investment recommendations. IRA eligibility is a question of tax law, the exact product and compliant custody—not a government guarantee of returns.

Can Allegiance Gold compare another dealer's quote?

You can use the Gold & Silver Price Comparison tool to compare a quoted order with available Allegiance Gold products, or request assistance at 844-790-9191. Match the product, fine-metal content, quantity, payment method and quote time. Include tax, shipping and account costs when assessing a final purchase.

How can I contact Allegiance Gold?

Call 844-790-9191 or use the contact page. The published address is 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Calabasas, CA 91301. Published business hours are Monday–Thursday, 7 AM–5 PM, and Friday, 7 AM–4 PM, Pacific time. Confirm holiday schedules and any in-person appointment before visiting.

Does a Top Pick or Selling Fast badge mean a guaranteed investment?

No. Top Pick is a curated storefront selection, not a personalized investment recommendation. Selling Fast does not establish rarity, future value or a guaranteed deadline. Confirm the actual price, availability and product details; promotional labels do not remove investment or transaction risks.

Put the numbers in context

Compare costs before you commit.

Use the tools already available on Allegiance Gold. They provide educational comparisons, not a guaranteed transaction or future resale value.

Precious Metals Value Comparison

Compare premiums, fine-metal content, purchasable whole units and cash remaining using products of the same metal.

Open the premium calculator

Gold & Silver Price Comparison

Enter a quoted order and compare equivalent products and quantities with available Allegiance Gold shop pricing.

Compare a quoted order

A shared vocabulary

Precious-metals terms, explained.

Ask
A quoted selling price in a particular market.
Bid
A quoted buying price in a particular market.
Bullion
Coins, rounds or bars valued primarily for their precious-metal content.
Custodian
A qualified trustee or institution that administers an IRA under its agreement and applicable rules.
Depository
A facility providing specialized metal storage under a custody or storage arrangement.
Fine-metal content
The amount of pure precious metal in a product, separate from alloy metals.
Fineness
Purity expressed as a fraction, such as .9999 for 99.99% gold.
In-kind distribution
Delivery of an asset from an account rather than a cash payment.
Liquidity
The ability to find a buyer and convert an asset to cash, with price and timing limitations.
Melt value
An estimate of fine-metal content multiplied by a specified spot reference.
Numismatic value
Value associated with collector demand, rarity, condition and other factors beyond metal content.
Premium
The amount above the reference metal value paid for a particular product.
RMD
A required minimum distribution under the applicable retirement-account rules.
Self-directed IRA
An IRA whose custodian permits certain alternative investments, subject to law and policy.
Spot price
A current wholesale-market reference for a metal, quoted with a unit, currency and market side.
Spread
The difference between a dealer’s selling and repurchase prices at a given time.
Troy ounce
A precious-metals weight unit equal to approximately 31.1035 grams.

Your pre-purchase checklist

Know the cost, custody, risk and exit.

Ask for these details in writing before buying metals or moving retirement assets.

  1. Exact product, mint or refiner, fine-metal weight, purity and quantity.
  2. Total purchase price, payment charges, tax and shipping.
  3. Spot reference, currency, price side and quote time.
  4. Product premium or the inputs needed to calculate it.
  5. Current repurchase indication, if an offer is available, and its conditions.
  6. Dealer, custodian, depository, storage, distribution and account fees.
  7. Ownership, custody, insurance and access arrangements.
  8. Payment deadlines, cancellation, returns and delivery-claim terms.
  9. Price, liquidity, storage, concentration and opportunity-cost risks.
  10. Tax, reporting, IRA eligibility and distribution rules relevant to your situation.

Sources and policy references

Tax and retirement answers summarize general U.S. rules. Check the linked primary sources and ask your own qualified advisers about your circumstances. Custodian requirements and written transaction terms matter. An external source link does not imply endorsement of Allegiance Gold.

Have a question about your next step?

Explore the current catalog, learn about a precious-metals IRA, or ask our team for written product and transaction details. Take the time you need to compare your options.

Important: Allegiance Gold sells physical precious metals; an independent custodian administers an IRA. This page provides general education, not personalized investment, tax or legal advice. Precious metals can rise or fall in value and do not pay interest or dividends. No future return, liquidity or repurchase is guaranteed. Review the risk disclosure and your applicable transaction terms before purchasing. This FAQ does not amend a signed agreement or expand insurance coverage.

Precious Metals Data, Currency Data, Charts, and Widgets Powered by nFusion Solutions
CALL