For gold intended to go into an IRA, purity is not optional — Section 408(m) requires a minimum fineness of .995 (with the American Gold Eagle as a specific statutory exception). Beyond meeting that legal minimum, the practical factors that affect what you actually pay and own are the premium over spot price (which varies by product and dealer), the reputation and complaint history of the dealer, and how the metal will be stored and insured once purchased.

For IRA-held gold specifically, storage isn’t optional either — Section 408(a) requires a qualified custodian and IRS-approved depository, so ‘where will this actually be held’ should be one of your first questions, not an afterthought. Comparing premiums and fees across at least two or three dealers before buying is a reasonable baseline precaution the FTC’s guidance on precious metals purchases also recommends.