Have had numerous client calls but now one who is serious, has a 401(k) plan with self direction. Participant (shareholder attorney) who wants to investment in gold coins. Would presumably obtain, put is a safe deposit box. My first thought was you cannot do this but seems upon a quick reading appears you can invest 401(k) funds in gold coins. I find no guidance or private letter rulings on the subject. Does anyone have any thoughts other than run. Thanks.

see IRC 408(m)(3) rules for investing in gold coins in a 401k plan which must be held by a trustee for the plan. The participant must pay for the trustee fees to hold the gold coins.

edit: changed cite.

It's probably been 12 or 13 years since I last researched it, but it seems that the research suggested that although there is a limited exemption for IRAs to be invested in certain U.S. coins, a QRP could not if the coins had any numismatic value beyond the value of the metal used in the coin.

I had some in a trustee directed 401(k) plan several years ago. The issue that I recall was finding a fair market value that made everyone happy.

IRC 408(m)(3) was amended in 1997 to allow the purchase of gold coins and bullion by self directed accounts in qualified plans.