American Gold Buffalo Coins
The American Gold Buffalo Coin stands as a modern classic in U.S. coinage. Introduced in 2006, it became the nation’s first 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold coin, struck entirely from American-sourced gold.
Its timeless design, inspired by the 1913 Buffalo Nickel, makes it one of the most recognizable and respected gold coins in the world.
Highlights
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First 24k gold coin ever issued by the U.S. Mint;
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Contains 1 troy oz of .9999 fine gold;
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Legal tender with a $50 face value;
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Design adapted from the historic Buffalo Nickel by James Earle Fraser;
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Struck at the West Point Mint in New York;
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Available in bullion and proof versions;
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Eligible for Precious Metals IRAs.
The United States Mint
The US Mint has produced America’s coinage for more than two centuries, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Founded in 1792, the United States Mint is the official producer of the nation’s coinage and one of the world’s most trusted refineries. It is known for its advanced security, precise craftsmanship, and use of American-sourced metals to strike circulating and bullion coins.
Its facilities, including the West Point Mint where the Gold Buffalo is made, ensure every piece meets the highest standards of purity, authenticity, and enduring value.
History of the American Gold Buffalo Coin
Authorized by the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, the American Gold Buffalo debuted in 2006 as the first 24-karat American bullion coin ever issued by the United States.
Struck exclusively with gold sourced from within the country, each coin reflects both purity and American origin. Its launch answered the global demand for .9999 fine gold, placing it alongside international favorites like the Canadian Maple Leaf and South African Krugerrand.
The inaugural mintage of 300,000 coins sold out quickly, establishing the Gold Buffalo as a standout in modern coinage. Today, it is typically struck at the West Point Branch in New York, where it shares production with other prestigious American coin programs, including the American Eagle series.
The Design: From the Buffalo Nickel
The coin’s artwork comes directly from James Earle Fraser’s 1913 Buffalo Nickel, considered one of America’s most beautiful coin designs. Fraser, a former student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, wanted to create imagery that captured both Native American culture and the spirit of the western frontier.
The result is a design that blends artistry with national heritage, still admired more than a century later.
Obverse: Native American Profile
The obverse features a detailed right-facing portrait of a Native American. Fraser combined the features of three real-life leaders, Big Tree, Iron Tail, and Two Moons, into a single composite image.
The outer rim bears the inscription "LIBERTY" near the Native American’s forehead, the mintage year, and an "F" representing the artist’s initials in the lower left corner.
Bullion versions carry no mint mark, while proof and reverse proof coins display the “W” for West Point.
Reverse: The American Bison
The reverse showcases the American Bison, modeled after “Black Diamond,” a bison once kept at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. The design resembles a buffalo, hence its moniker.
The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" arch above the bison, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" placed near its muzzle.
Beneath the bison are details about the coin’s weight, metal content, fineness, and face value, reading: "$50," "1 OZ .9999 FINE GOLD."
Technical Specifications
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Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams);
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Fineness: .9999 fine (24-karat) gold;
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Monetary Denomination: $50 (USD, legal tender);
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Diameter: 32.7 mm (1.287 inches);
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Bullion Version: Frosted matte appearance;
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Proof Version: deeply mirrored surfaces contrasting with matte design elements.
Mintages over the years
The American Gold Buffalo’s mintage history tells an exciting story of demand and rarity. The debut release in 2006 featured 300,000 coins, establishing the program’s popularity from the start.
The annual production has fluctuated since then, peaking in 2022 with an impressive 410,000 coins, while the lowest year was 2019 with just 61,500 produced.
A unique highlight came in 2008, when the US Mint issued fractional Buffalos in 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz sizes, a one-time experiment that makes those editions especially sought after today.
Another exception occurred in 2013, when a unique, striking reverse-proof coin was issued with a limited mintage of just 47,836 units.
|
Year of Issuance |
Mintage limit |
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2006 |
337,012 |
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2007 |
136,503 |
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2008 |
189,500 |
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2009 |
200,000 |
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2010 |
209,000 |
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2011 |
250,000 |
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2012 |
100,000 |
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2013 |
198,500 |
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2014 |
180,500 |
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2015 |
220,500 |
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2016 |
219,500 |
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2017 |
99,500 |
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2018 |
121,500 |
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2019 |
61,500 |
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2020 |
242,000 |
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2021 |
350,500 |
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2022 |
410,000 |
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2023 |
387,000 |
Why Choose the American Gold Buffalo?
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Pure 24k gold: The first .9999 pure gold sample from the US Mint;
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Trusted guarantee: Backed by the U.S. government for weight and purity;
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Recognized worldwide: Easily bought, sold, and traded;
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Timeless design: A direct link to one of the most admired coins in U.S. history;
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Portfolio strength: A reliable way to hold wealth in physical gold.
Bring home a piece of American history and the purity of 24k gold
The American Buffalo remains one of the most respected gold coins on the market. Browse SD Bullion’s selection of them today and secure yours with confidence.
FAQs
What is the American Gold Buffalo Coin?
The American Gold Buffalo is the first 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold coin ever produced by the US Mint. Introduced in 2006, it contains 1 oz of pure gold, backed by the U.S. government for weight and authenticity. Its design is adapted from James Earle Fraser’s historic 1913 Buffalo Nickel, featuring a Native American profile on the obverse and an American Bison on the reverse.
Why is the American Gold Buffalo valuable?
The American Gold Buffalo combines high gold purity with government backing and an iconic design, making it one of the most trusted coins available today. It bears legal tender status in the United States, but its value comes from its .9999 fine gold content and global recognition. Beyond precious metal weight, the Buffalo carries historic significance, enhancing its desirability.
What makes its design unique?
The American Gold Buffalo’s design is based on the original 1913 Buffalo Nickel, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser. It portrays a Native American profile inspired by three tribal chiefs, while the reverse depicts the bison “Black Diamond.” It celebrates Native American culture and America’s frontier spirit, and it is not shared by any other modern coin, setting the Gold Buffalo apart with historic resonance and visual impact.
Are Gold Buffalo Coins IRA-eligible?
American Gold Buffalo Coins qualify for Precious Metals IRAs. The IRS requires gold coins to have a minimum purity of 99.5% to be eligible. Each Gold Buffalo meets this requirement with its .9999 fine gold content. As a result, they can be held in retirement accounts, combining long-term investment benefits with tax advantages. It is advisable to consult with a financial advisor to understand requirements, storage rules, and eligibility for a personal investment strategy.
How does it compare to the American Gold Eagle?
Both coins contain a full troy ounce of gold. However, the American Gold Eagle 1 a 22k sample (91.67% pure), alloyed for durability, while the American Buffalo is 24-karat (99.99% pure). Both coins are also official bullion from the US Mint, fully backed by the government. The Eagle has been crafted since 1986, while the Buffalo was introduced in 2006.
Is the American Gold Buffalo legal tender?
Each US Gold Buffalo carries a legal tender face value of $50, issued by the United States government. However, its true worth is tied to the market price of gold, which far exceeds the stamped denomination. While technically spendable, these coins are not intended for circulation. Instead, they combine pure gold content, historic design, and government guarantee to provide stability, recognition, and lasting monetary value.
Where are American Gold Buffalo coins minted?
The Gold Buffalo Collection is produced at the West Point Branch in New York, a US Mint facility recognized for striking many of the nation’s most prestigious coin programs. West Point is known for its advanced technology and precision, ensuring consistently high-quality strikes. The “W” mint mark appears on proof Buffalo, but not on bullion versions. This branch reinforces the Gold Buffalo’s trusted reputation globally.
Do Gold Buffalo Coins hold collectible value?
Beyond gold content, American Gold Buffalos carry collectible appeal. Proof editions, struck in limited quantities, often command premiums. First-year issues, low-mintage releases, and coins in flawless condition also attract collector interest. The historic Buffalo Nickel design adds to its desirability. While bullion versions trade at or near the spot price, collectible editions can appreciate due to their rarity, condition, and demand. This dual appeal makes Buffalo a valuable asset and cultural treasure.
How is the price of a Gold Buffalo determined?
The price of a Gold Buffalo is primarily tied to the spot price of gold, representing the current market rate for one troy ounce. Dealers then add a premium to cover production, distribution, and demand factors. Proof and limited editions may carry higher premiums due to collectibility. Prices fluctuate daily based on global gold markets, making Buffalo coins a dynamic yet stable way to hold value in physical precious metals.
Can I buy fractional Gold Buffalos?
Currently, the U.S. Mint strikes only the 1 oz Gold Buffalo. However, in 2008, it briefly issued fractional sizes in 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz denominations. These fractional Buffalos are rare and sought-after today, often carrying higher premiums due to limited mintages. Currently, the production focuses on the standard 1 oz version, but buyers can purchase fractional-weight coins from the special 2008 edition through secondary markets.