Realizing the demand for a 24-karat gold coin, the US government authorized the Gold American Buffalo with the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. Gold Buffalo coins, first introduced in 2006, are the second bullion coin produced in the United States. Since 1985, the only American gold bullion coin was the American Gold Eagle, but it was soon joined by the Gold Buffalo. Gold Buffalos are available only in a $50 denomination and some are eligible for precious metals IRAs.

Gold Buffalo coins, first introduced in 2006, are the second bullion coin produced in the United States. Since 1985, the only American gold bullion coin was the American Gold Eagle, but it was soon joined by the Gold Buffalo. Gold Buffalos are available only in a $50 denomination and some are eligible for precious metals IRAs. Both collectors and investors prize American Gold Buffalo coins. Those who appreciate the coin's classic design will want to choose one minted specifically for the collectors’ market. American Gold Buffalo Proof coins. The Gold Buffalo coin is designed after James Earle Fraser's famous 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel. The obverse shows the well-known Indian Head design, created by combining images of three Native American chiefs: Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne) and John Big Tree (Seneca). The Gold American Buffalo is available in sizes ranging from 1/10 oz. And can be purchased as a single gold coin or in bulk with discount pricing. This creates various options for anyone looking to start investing.

Gold Buffalo Coin 1936

Gold Buffalo Coin Design

The design of the American Gold Buffalo is a modified version of the noted Buffalo nickel designed by James Earle Fraser which was first issued in early 1913. The obverse of the coin depicts a Native American profile. The right-facing profile blankets the whole of the obverse, leaving room only for the date at the base of the portrait and the word, “LIBERTY,” to the upper right of the profile. The reverse features a left-facing American Buffalo standing atop a mound. Inscribed along the base of the coin are the weight, purity, and denomination of the coin. Inscribed along the top rim of the coin are the words, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Just underneath the word, “America,” the national motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” can be found in smaller lettering.

The American Gold Buffalo weighs 31.108 grams, has a diameter of 32.7 millimeters, a thickness of 2.95 millimeters, and has reeded edges. The Gold American Buffalo is a .9999 pure, 24-karat, 1-ounce gold bullion coin. First offered for sale by the United States Mint on June 22, 2006, the Gold Buffalo nearly supplanted the American Gold Eagle bullion coin. From 1985 to 2006, the American Gold Eagle was the only American gold bullion coin. The Gold Eagle is still larger and heftier than the Gold Buffalo, however. The Gold Eagle is made of 22-karat gold and a copper-silver alloy which is added for durability. This makes the American Gold Eagle coin larger and heavier than a comparable American Gold Buffalo.

Buffalo Nickel Design

The Gold Buffalo design only deviates very slightly from the original nickel design. The main difference is the inscription of the denomination, weight, and purity.

The design by Fraser is supposed to be inspired by the faces of three different Native Americans. While two of the three people were identified by Fraser, the third model remains a mystery. There remains some controversy as to who this unknown model is. Many Native Americans have come forward as the enigmatic third model, but because of a lack of acceptable documentation, no one has been accepted.

Silver Buffalo Coin

Gold Buffalo Coin