2019-W American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin PCGS SP70

The 2019-W American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin is a beautiful and sought-after coin with a number of specific characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the details and an answer to your question about its IRA eligibility:

Coin Details:

• Year: 2019¹

   

• Mint Mark: W (West Point)²

   

• Composition: 1 troy oz of .9999 fine (24-karat) gold³

   

• Face Value: $100⁴

   

• Finish: Enhanced Uncirculated (a special finish with a high-relief strike)⁵

   

• Mintage: Limited to 50,000 coins⁶

   

• Grading: PCGS SP70.⁷ This is the highest possible grade, indicating a “Specimen Proof” coin with no imperfections visible under 5x magnification.⁸ The SP70 grade is a perfect score.

   

Value:

The value of this coin is based on a combination of its gold content (1 oz of 24-karat gold) and its numismatic value as a collectible.⁹ A grade of PCGS SP70 significantly increases its value beyond the spot price of gold. Recent sales and listings show prices for this coin in the range of $3,500 to over $4,000, depending on the specific dealer, market conditions, and any special labels (e.g., “First Day of Issue”).

IRA Eligibility:

This is a critical point. While the coin is made of pure gold, the IRS has specific rules about which precious metals are allowed in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).¹⁰ The general rule is that gold must be at least 99.5% pure, and collectible or “numismatic” coins are not permitted.¹¹

The 2019-W American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin is generally not IRA-eligible. This is because it is a special commemorative coin, and the value is based on its collectibility and grading, not just its gold content. The IRS specifically excludes “collectibles” from IRAs, and a graded PCGS SP70 coin would fall into this category.¹²

Commonly IRA-Approved Gold Coins:

For comparison, here are some of the most common gold coins that are approved for a Precious Metals IRA:

• American Gold Eagle (the only exception to the 99.5% purity rule, at 22-karat)¹³

   

• American Gold Buffalo (24-karat)
• Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (24-karat)¹⁴

   

• Austrian Gold Philharmonic (24-karat)¹⁵

   

• British Gold Britannia (24-karat, minted from 2013 onward)¹⁶

   

If you are looking to invest in gold within a self-directed IRA, it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional and an IRA custodian that specializes in precious metals to ensure the coins you purchase meet the IRS’s strict requirements.¹⁷