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How do I liquidate precious metals?

To liquidate precious metals held within your STRATA IRA, you must work directly with your precious metals dealer. STRATA does not buy, sell, or exchange metals directly.

Liquidation process

Liquidating precious metals is generally a two- or three-step process:

  1. Contact your precious metals dealer to initiate the liquidation
  2. Direct STRATA to liquidate the metals
  3. Request a cash distribution from STRATA (if applicable)

Once you and your dealer have agreed on the metals to be sold and the buyback amount, the dealer will prepare documentation for the transaction.

Required documentation

Your precious metals dealer will provide:

  • Client agreement
  • Purchase order or liquidation invoice
The accountholder must then submit these documents along with STRATA’s Investment Direction and Disclosures - Precious Metals Liquidation form.

 

When completing the liquidation form, the liquidation amount should match the amount reflected on the dealer invoice. 

Processing timelines

Processing timelines vary depending on whether you are:

  1. Transferring the metals to a dealer for liquidation, or
  2. Requesting cash proceeds from the IRA

(1) Receiving precious metals / dealer transfer: The typical processing timeline is approximately 5–13 business days. This timeframe may include:

  • Up to 3 business days for STRATA to review and process the request
  • Up to 5 business days for internal depository transfers
  • Up to 5 business days for shipment from the depository to the dealer

Timing may vary depending on the depository, shipping method, and dealer processing requirements.

(2) Receiving cash proceeds: If you would like the liquidation proceeds distributed from your IRA, you must also complete STRATA’s IRA Distribution Request form.

Once liquidation proceeds are received by STRATA and all required distribution paperwork is in good order, cash distributions are generally processed within 24–48 hours.

Please note:

  • Sufficient cash must be available before a distribution can be processed
  • Distributions taken before age 59½ may be subject to IRS taxes and penalties unless an exception applies

For more information, please refer to How do I take a cash distribution from my STRATA IRA?

Help avoid processing delays

Keeping your contact information current helps STRATA validate requests and process transactions securely and efficiently. If the contact information on file does not match the information provided with your request, additional verification steps may be required and could delay processing.

If your address, email, or phone number has changed, please submit STRATA's Information Change Request - IRA Account form.