Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice 3518: 8 Unusual Things to Hold in Your IRA by Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents on Alternative Investments
Apr 8, 2026
They explore unusual assets you can hold in an IRA beyond stocks and bonds. Topics include real estate via self-directed IRAs, oil and royalty interests, and private company stock. They also cover IPOs, stock options, notes and mortgages, and the custodial, liquidity, fee and tax pitfalls of alternative holdings.
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Gold And Silver Coins Are IRA-Eligible
- IRAs can hold more than stocks and bonds, including certain U.S. Mint gold and silver coins.
- Jeff Rose highlights gold eagle and silver eagle coins plus high-quality bullion as permissible IRA assets.
IRAs Can Hold IPO Shares
- IRAs can hold stock from an initial public offering, though IPOs carry higher risk.
- Jeff Rose notes IPO shares are entirely new equity issues and come with additional uncertainty.
Private Company Stock Can Live In An IRA
- Self-directed IRAs can hold closely held private company stock that isn't publicly traded.
- Jeff Rose explains private offerings must follow state blue sky laws and limit participant counts per state rules.