Both physical gold (meeting IRC 408(m) fineness rules) and, through specialized custodians, certain cryptocurrency can be held in a self-directed IRA — the “go gold, not crypto” framing presents this as binary when the real difference is regulatory maturity and volatility profile, not legality.

Cryptocurrency in IRAs is not FDIC or SIPC insured, is more volatile than gold historically (measured by standard deviation of returns), and the IRS treats crypto as property for tax purposes (Notice 2014-21), taxable on disposition like any other IRA asset upon distribution. Gold has a longer track record and clearer IRS rules under Section 408(m). Neither is inherently the “right” choice — that depends on your own risk tolerance, which a video cannot assess for you.