IRA withdrawal rules apply to precious metal IRAs the same way they do to any other IRA. If you take withdrawals from your IRA early, before 59 1/2, you will be assessed a 10% penalty by the IRS. The reason for this penalty is that retirement funds are usually invested from your pre-tax income (meaning they are not taxed).
You can start taking withdrawals when you turn 59 1/2. You don’t have to take any withdrawals until you are 70 1/2, at which time you must at least take the minimum withdrawal each year. That gives you another 11 years during which you can choose to allow your precious metals to grow in value.
RMDs must begin within the year you turns 70½ years of age and must be taken no later than December 31 each year. However, the initial RMD may be postponed until April 1 of the year following the calendar year. IRA owners are responsible for taking the correct amount of RMDs on time every year, or they will face stiff penalties for failure to do so. Your Self Directed IRA will calculate your annual RMD amount and provide it to you annually. Roth IRA owners do not have to take RMDs.