Gold IRAs can be invested in bullion bars and coins, which are off-limits to regular IRAs. ayala_studio/Getty Images A Gold IRA is a type of individual retirement account that allows investors to hold physical gold or other precious metals, unlike standard IRAs. To hold gold in an IRA, you need to create a self-directed account, administered by a specialist custodian who handles and stores the metal. While convenient, keeping gold in an IRA carries high fees and doesn’t take full advantage of IRA tax benefits. Visit Insider’s Investing Reference library for more stories. Ah, the glittering appeal of gold: a