Buy 1 oz Gold Buffalo Coins
The American Gold Buffalo is one of the most highly regarded bullion coins in the world. Minted by the United States Mint, it is the first-ever 24-karat gold coin produced by the US government, featuring a design inspired by the historic Buffalo Nickel design.
Since its introduction in 2006, this bullion coin has become a popular choice among both investors and collectors, thanks to its stunning design, purity, and overall value.
On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about the American 1 oz Gold Buffalo, including its history, specifications, and design.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started in the world of precious metals, we invite you to explore this page and discover the beauty and value of American Gold Buffalo coins.
Just as the Buffalo Motif is admired in gold, the American Silver Eagle remains the most widely traded silver investment coin in the world. Many often pair Gold Buffaloes with the American Silver Eagle to balance portfolios with both gold and silver.
American Gold Buffalo History
The American Gold Buffalo coin was introduced in 2006 by the United States Mint as the first 24-karat gold coin ever produced by the US government.
This gold coin was created as a response to the growing demand for gold bullion coins in the early 2000s. Following the astounding success of the 22-Karat American Gold Eagle Coin, the US Mint sought to produce an ingot with a higher gold purity, aiming to attract more investors and collectors to the American Gold Buffalo.
The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 authorized the manufacture of the first 24k gold coin in a limited mintage of 300,000 units, in bullion and proof coins.
The document also designated the Buffalo Nickel Design of James E. Fraser as the official motif for both the obverse and reverse sides.
Since its introduction, the American Gold Buffalo has become one of the most popular bullion coins globally. The coin is recognized for its beautiful design, high level of purity, and overall value. American Gold Buffalo coins are minted in limited quantities each year, making them a highly sought-after addition to any collection or investment portfolio.
The US Mint produces the American Gold Buffalo series at the West Point facility in New York, using gold mined on American soil, weighing 1 oz of fine gold, and bearing a $50 monetary denomination.
Production of Bullion Coins in the West Point Mint
See the video below for more details on the manufacturing process of the bullion coins in the West Point mint, including the American Gold Buffalo.
The West Point Mint is well known for its precision coin production, striking not only Gold Buffaloes but also American Silver Eagles and other government-issued coins.
The Design of the American Gold Buffalo Coin
The Buffalo design is directly connected to the original Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, of early 20th-century U.S. coinage.
Around that time, global programs such as the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and the South African Gold Krugerrand were shaping the modern bullion market.
Besides being an official 24k gold coin, the coin's popularity is attributed to the beloved design of US history: the iconic American Bison. It is the same motif as the Buffalo Nickel, created by Sculptor James Earle Fraser in 1913.
Fraser was Augustus Saint-Gaudens' student. Saint-Gaudens created the design of the 1906 $20 Double Eagle gold coin, which now stamps the face of the American Gold Eagle coin.
The Obverse Design
The obverse side has the right profile of a Native American. But not a particular individual. The image combines the characteristic features of three real-life chiefs from different American indian tribes: the Big Tree, the Iron Tail, and the Two Moons.
The profile image features feathers and braids in the hair, along with expressive facial lines. According to the US Mint, the idea is to honor the native inhabitants and their heritage.
The inscriptions engraved are “Liberty,” placed just above the chief’s forehead, the year of issuance, and Fraser’s initials on his neck.
The Reverse Design
The Buffalo coin received its name due to its reverse side, which features the American Bison in high relief, left-profile view, resembling a buffalo, standing on a mound of dirt. The inspiration for the image was the Black Diamond, a bison that used to live at New York City’s Central Park Zoo at that time.
The animal is an enduring symbol of the West's expansion. The reverse also includes the two traditional mottos: “In God We Trust” on the left and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” near the animal’s back. Other inscriptions on this side include the coin’s face value, weight, millesimal fineness, and metal content.
Bullion versions of the coin do not have a mint mark, but the reverse proof coin exhibits it near the year of issuance imprint.
The Value of the American 1 oz Gold Buffalo
The 1 oz Gold American Buffalo coin bears a USD $ 50 denomination and is fully guaranteed as legal tender by the United States Government, making it one of the most reliable coins on the market.
Alongside the Gold Buffalo, the Canadian Maple Leaf has become a global standard for investors seeking pure fine gold.
However, as precious metals, the real value of Gold Buffalo Coins is not the number stamped on their faces but their gold bullion content, or their intrinsic value.
Bullion coins are traded based on their metal content and premiums. Thus, the American Buffalo is worth its weight in gold, which is more valuable than its monetary denomination, considering the current price of gold, plus a premium charged by dealers.
We offer a live spot price chart for platinum, gold, and silver here.
Besides, many investors diversify into other metals, adding palladium coins or silver programs, such as America the Beautiful quarters.
U.S. coinage history also includes pieces like half dollars, which, while not bullion, remain popular among collectors.
Why Buy Official US Mint Gold Buffalo Coins
Gold is the most traditional of the precious metals and is extremely valuable. History registers its use since ancient times for ornaments and, later, as a type of currency.
As a commodity, bullion tends to remain valuable over time and is less prone to devaluation in case of market instability. That makes bullion coins, such as American Buffaloes, a sensible option for collectors and investors looking for diversity in their investment portfolios.
The American Buffalo makes a stunning collectible. Actually, one of the most sought-after 24-karat gold coin programs. They display an iconic design that praises the national Native heritage and the Western US.
And lastly, when purchasing gold, be aware of regional rules, as coin premiums can vary due to tax by state.
SD offers a range of payment methods, including credit cards and bank transfers.
FAQs
Are American Gold Buffalo Coins IRAs eligible?
According to the IRS - Internal Revenue Service, gold coins must be at least 99.5% pure to be eligible for an IRA - Individual Retirement Account. As the American Gold Buffalo contains 1 Troy ounce of 99.9% pure gold, they are indeed eligible for IRAs.
Are Gold Buffalo coins more valuable than American Gold Eagle coins?
The value of Gold Buffalo coins and Gold Eagle coins can fluctuate based on various factors, such as rarity, condition, and market demand for gold. While both coins are highly valued by investors and collectors, there are differences that may impact their value. Their most popular versions, the 1 oz Gold Buffalo coins, have a higher level of purity (99.99%) than the 1 oz Gold Eagle coins (91.67%) and may be more attractive to some collectors, but ultimately their relative value depends on the specific circumstances of the market.
Is the American Buffalo real money?
American Buffalos are real dollars. They hold a face value of 50 dollars, like the other 1 Troy ounce gold coins the United States Mint produces. The Government of the United States of America fully guarantees the coin’s legal tender. Thus, American Buffalo coins can be used for trade. However, considering they are 24-k gold coins, they tend to have a higher price than their face value. That makes the use of Gold Buffalo for widespread circulation a miscalculated practice.
What are 24k gold coins?
Gold labeled as 24-karat represents the highest purity level of gold. On a scale of 24 parts, all 24 shares are pure gold, utterly free of alloys with other metals. Because of their malleability, these coins tend to be vulnerable, demanding more care when being handled. Lower caratage gold, 22k or 18k, is typically alloyed with silver and/or copper, making these coins stronger and more resistant.