American Buffalo Gold Coins

Icon for 1 oz Buffalo MS70 Gold Coin (Random, PCGS or NGC)

1 oz Buffalo MS70 Gold Coin (Random, PCGS or NGC)

$160.00/oz over spot!

In Stock

AS LOW AS

$3555.80
Icon for Random Year 1 oz America Buffalo Gold Proof Coin (Original Mint Box)

Random Year 1 oz America Buffalo Gold Proof Coin (Original Mint Box)

$155.00/oz over spot!

In Stock

AS LOW AS

$3550.80

Buy American Gold Buffalo Coin

American Gold Buffalo coins stand as highly sought-after stock bullion from the US gold Buffalo coin series, prized by both investors and collectors. These one-ounce coins, much like the historic buffalo nickel, showcase the artistry of human craftsmanship and are composed of .9999 fine 24-karat gold. The U.S. Government and the United States Mint guarantee the metal content, purity, and weight of each American Buffalo one-ounce gold coin, offering considerable assurance to buyers about the features of these coins. Whether you aim to diversify your collection or take decisive action for a long-term investment, completing your portfolio with these distinguished gold coins can create an impressive asset.

Before purchasing these precious gold bullion coins, it’s wise to respond by gathering all necessary information, reviewing the security of your digital transactions with a ray ID for further assurance, ensuring there is performance security with a stable connection before proceeding, and engaging with reputable sources. Understanding the coin’s history, features, and market value will empower you to make an informed decision.

Why are the American Gold Buffalo Coins highly sought-after?

American Buffalo coins stand as highly sought-after stock bullion items, prized by both investors and collectors. These one-ounce coins, much like the historic buffalo nickel, showcase the artistry of human craftsmanship and are composed of .9999 fine 24-karat gold. The U.S. Government and the United States Mint guarantee the metal content, purity, and weight of each Buffalo 1 oz gold coin, offering considerable assurance to buyers about the features of these coins. Whether you aim to diversify your collection or take decisive action for a long-term investment, completing your portfolio with these distinguished gold coins can create an impressive asset.

Before purchasing these precious gold bullion coins, it's wise to respond by gathering all necessary information, reviewing the security of your digital transactions with a ray ID for further assurance, ensuring there is performance security with a stable connection before proceeding, and engaging with reputable sources. Understanding the coin's history, features, and market value will empower you to make an informed decision.

History of American Gold Buffalo Coins

The United States Mint first issued the American Buffalo one-ounce gold coin in 2006, a testament to exceptional artistry and a landmark event. This launch marked the first time the U.S. Mint produced .9999 pure 24-karat gold coins for public acquisition. The authorization for these coins came under Public Law 109-145, also known as the Presidential $1 Coin Act.

The striking designs on both the obverse and reverse of the American Gold Buffalo coins were crafted by James Earle Fraser, a renowned American sculptor and a former student of the celebrated Augustus Saint-Gaudens. While the U.S. Mint produces these coins, the United States Mint does not sell bullion versions directly to the public. Instead, interested buyers can acquire them through a network of authorized dealers. This system helps ensure the authenticity and quality of the coins.

In addition to the standard bullion coins, the U.S. Mint also produces American Buffalo Gold Proof coins specifically for collectors and those interested in collectible items. These proof versions often have mintage limits, enhancing their collectibility. They are meticulously minted by manually feeding burnished coin blanks into presses fitted with special dies. Each proof coin is struck multiple times, resulting in detailed, softly frosted images against a mirror-like background.

Why Invest in American Gold Buffalo Coins?

American Gold Buffalo coins offer unmatched quality for discerning investors seeking exceptional gold commodities. Here’s why an American Buffalo 1 oz gold coin is a valuable addition to any portfolio:

  • U.S. Government Guarantee: Investors and collectors can confidently purchase these 24-karat gold coins, as their authenticity, weight, and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Their status as the first .9999 pure 24-karat gold coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint adds to their unique appeal and the Mint's credibility.
  • Legal Tender: Backed by the U.S. Government, Gold Buffalo coins are legal tender, each carrying a face value of $50. However, their actual market value is significantly higher, primarily driven by their .9999 gold purity and one-ounce gold content.
  • A Piece of American History: From their iconic design, rooted in early 20th-century American coinage, to their distinction as the U.S. Mint's first .9999 pure gold coins, each American Gold Buffalo embodies a piece of American numismatic history.
  • Global Recognition and Liquidity: The U.S. Mint enjoys worldwide recognition for its quality and craftsmanship. This global standing ensures that American Gold Buffalo coins have high liquidity, making them relatively easy to sell if you need to liquidate your investment.
  • Financial Cushioning: As tangible assets, American Gold Buffalo coins can serve as an effective hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Unlike many intangible assets, the value of gold coins often tends to hold or increase during periods of economic instability, providing a potential financial cushion.
  • Collector Appeal and Variations: The unique features of the American Gold Buffalo coins, including the special fractional-weight coins produced in 2008, offer collectors a variety of options and add to the coin's distinctiveness and historical significance.

American Buffalo Gold Bullion Mintage (Sales 2006-Present)

The following table provides yearly sales data from the U.S. Mint for the one-ounce American Gold Buffalo bullion coins. Since each coin is one ounce, the number of ounces sold corresponds directly to the number of coins sold. (Data should be verified with the latest U.S. Mint releases for the most current figures, ensuring verification is successful waiting for the latest updates).

Year One Ounce (oz. sold) One Ounce (coins sold)
2025 80,500 (as of Apr 2025) 80,500 (as of Apr 2025)
2024 186,500 186,500
2023 387,000 387,000
2022 410,000 410,000
2021 350,500 350,500
2020 242,000 242,000
2019 61,500 61,500
2018 121,500 121,500
2017 99,500 99,500
2016 219,500 219,500
2015 220,500 220,500
2014 177,500 177,500
2013 239,000 239,000
2012 132,000 132,000
2011 174,500 174,500
2010 209,000 209,000
2009 200,000 200,000
2008 172,000 172,000
2007 167,500 167,500
2006 323,000 323,000

American Gold Buffalo Coin Design

The design of the American Gold Buffalo coin is a modified rendition of James Earle Fraser's acclaimed 1913 Type 1 Indian Head Nickel, which was meticulously crafted to verify the authenticity of the original design elements.

Obverse: Features a poignant right-facing profile of a Native American. Fraser reportedly created this composite portrait using the features of three prominent chiefs from different tribes: Iron Tail (Lakota Sioux), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and Big Tree (Kiowa), who modeled for him. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed along the upper right rim, and the year of mintage appears on the Native American's shoulder.

Reverse: Depicts a powerful American bison, often referred to as a buffalo, standing on a mound of earth. This imagery, symbolizing the pioneering spirit of American westward expansion, gives the coin its popular name. Inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "IN GOD WE TRUST," the face value "$50," and the coin's weight and purity: "1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD."

Specifications and Mintmark

  • Bullion Coins: Standard American Gold Buffalo bullion coins do not typically carry a mintmark. They may, however, feature the initial 'F' to honor the designer, James Earle Fraser.
  • Proof Coins: Proof versions of the Gold Buffalo coin bear the "W" mintmark, indicating their production at the West Point Mint. This distinction makes them particularly sought-after by collectors.

Key specifications for the 1 oz Gold Buffalo:

  • Gold Content: 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine (24-karat) gold
  • Weight: 31.108 grams (1.0001 troy ounces)
  • Diameter: 32.70 mm (1.287 inches)
  • Thickness: 2.95 mm (0.116 inches)
  • Edge: Reeded

Certified American Gold Buffalo Coins

For added assurance of quality and condition, many collectors and investors opt for certified American Gold Buffalo coins. These coins have been graded by independent, third-party grading services.The Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are the two most widely trusted agencies for grading these coins.

These services meticulously examine each coin, assigning it a grade based on the Sheldon Grading Scale, which ranges from 1 (poorest condition) to 70 (perfect condition). Certified coins are typically encapsulated in a protective slab that displays the grade and other pertinent information.

American Gold Buffalo Coin Premiums

The "premium" on a gold coin refers to the amount charged above the current gold spot price (the fluctuating market price of gold). This premium covers minting, distribution, and dealer costs. Different gold coins, even of the same weight and purity, can have varying premiums based on factors like mintage, demand, and condition.

American Gold Buffalo coins generally carry a premium over the gold spot price, which can fluctuate with market conditions. It's advisable to compare prices from reputable dealers.

Buy American Gold Buffalo Coins from BOLD Precious Metals

If you are considering purchasing American Gold Buffalo coins, BOLD Precious Metals offers these items, often with competitive pricing. With over a decade of experience in the precious metals market, we strive to enhance your buying experience by providing these valuable coins securely and efficiently. For further details, our FAQ page offers quick answers to common questions about gold coin purchases.

Our family-operated business is committed to assisting investors and coin collectors in acquiring the finest bullion coins that meet their individual needs. We proudly continue a 30+ year family legacy rooted in avid coin collecting. True to these principles, BOLD Precious Metals aims to provide the most competitive prices on exceptional American Buffalo coins for sale through a transparent purchasing process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the American Gold Buffalo coin?

The American Gold Buffalo is the very first 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold coin produced by the United States Mint, initially released in 2006. It takes its inspiration from James Earle Fraser's famous 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel, with an obverse Native American head and a reverse American bison. It is $50 and weighs one troy ounce of pure gold.

Q: Are American Gold Buffalo coins pure gold?

Yes, American Gold Buffalo coins are minted out of .9999 fine 24-karat gold, so they are some of the purest gold coins in the world.

Q: In what ways is a bullion different from a proof Gold Buffalo?

Bullion Gold Buffalos are produced for the most part for investors and their value varies near the spot gold price. Proof Gold Buffalos are produced specifically for collectors with a high-gloss, mirror-like appearance, feature lower mintages, and feature a "W" mint mark of the West Point Mint. They generally carry premiums based on their numismatic appeal and collector interest.

Q: How much are American Gold Buffalo coin mintage levels?

Mintage (sales) levels differ by year. For example, 2023 was 387,000 coins, and 2022 was 410,000 coins. Sales were quite a bit lower in some years, such as 2019 (61,500). (See reference link to BOLD's mintage table/section for complete details).

Q: How much is an American Gold Buffalo coin worth?

Its intrinsic worth is its one troy ounce of.9999 pure gold, its value varying with the gold spot price. Premiums are paid for minting, distribution, and dealer markups. Proof and graded coins by entities such as PCGS or NGC may have extra numismatic value depending upon the degree of rarity, condition, and collector demand.

Q: Is American Gold Buffalo a good investment?

Yes, American Gold Buffalos are attractive to investors based on their gold content purity, U.S. government guarantee regarding content and weight, and uses as an inflation hedge. American Gold Buffalos are also attractive because of their classic coinage design.

Q: Where are American Gold Buffalo coins minted?

American Gold Buffalo coins, specifically the proof coins, are minted in the U.S. Mint complex in West Point, New York, and feature the "W" mint mark. Bullion coins don't usually come with a mint mark.

Q: How do I confirm an American Gold Buffalo coin's authenticity?

Purchasing from licensed and authorized precious metal dealers such as BOLD Precious Metals is the surest way to guarantee authenticity. For additional security, inspect professionally graded and encapsulated coins from well-known third-party services such as PCGS or NGC.

Q: What are the typical sizes of Gold Buffalo coins?

The American Gold Buffalo is manufactured almost exclusively in a one-ounce capacity. Fractional-sized releases (1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz) were manufactured by the U.S. Mint in 2008 but only for bullion and proof mintage releases.

Q: How do I select the proper American Gold Buffalo coins to purchase?

Most important factors are the coin grade (BU, proof, or graded), year of minting (for possible scarcity), dealer reputation, current day spot price of gold, and premium above the spot. Make sure you know the numismatic (proof/graded) vs. bullion value/desirability distinction.

Connect

Affiliations

Germani mintPress BurgGolden State MintscottsdalemintPerth mint Auscoin-dealers
cybersourcejvclegalngccoinpcgspaypal

Copyright BOLD Precious Metals 2025