What is IRA approved gold? IRA approved gold refers to gold that meets IRS standards for inclusion in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). To qualify, the gold must have a purity of 99.5% or higher. Typically, approved gold comes in forms like bullion or specific coins, such as American Gold Eagles. Investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolio may consider investing in IRA-approved gold to safeguard against inflation and economic instability.