Is the sale of gold coins taxable?
Ava Robinson
Published Feb 27, 2026
The reason: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) categorizes gold and other precious metals as “collectibles” which are taxed at a 28% long-term capital gains rate. Gains on most other assets held for more than a year are subject to the 15% or 20% long-term capital gains rates.
Are American Eagle gold coins taxable?
American Gold Eagle coins are considered collectibles by the IRS. If you own your Eagles for less than a year and sell them, they are taxed at your personal marginal tax rate. If you hold them more than a year before selling, they are taxed at 28 percent, which is the IRS tax rate for collectibles.
Is mined gold taxable?
Mining has historically been a cash-based activity. Often the miner will have little, if any, documentation to support the activity. If there are records, they are often disorganized. In short, the IRS does not require immediate taxation when gold is produced.
Are gold purchases taxed?
The reason: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) categorizes gold and other precious metals as “collectibles” which are taxed at a 28% long-term capital gains rate. Gains on most other assets held for more than one year are subject to the 15% or 20% long-term capital gains rates.
How do you avoid taxes on gold?
Use a 1031 Exchange First, you can postpone your tax bill with a 1031 exchange. This means that you reinvest money from your gold sale by buying more gold, and if you meet the IRS requirements, then all of these transactions will not be taxed.
How are coins taxed?
Short-term gains occur when you sell a coin after holding it for less than 12 months. Short-term gains are added to your regular income and subject to your ordinary income tax bracket. Long-term gains are subject to either 0%, 15% or 20% tax brackets.
Do you have to pay taxes on selling coins?
(a) General. (1) Sales of Coins. The transfer of coins for use solely as a medium of exchange, i.e., as legal tender, is not subject to tax even though the transferee pays an amount exceeding the face amount.
How much gold can you sell without paying taxes?
The IRS demands that you file returns for the sale of 25 or more ounces of gold, including Maple Leaf Gold, Mexican Onza coins, and the gold Krugerrand. If you sell gold bars equal to a kilogram or 100 Oz, the tax authority requires you to report that as well.
Do you pay taxes on coins?