The United States Mint unveiled the American Gold Buffalo bullion coin in 2006, featuring the historic Buffalo Nickel design from James Earle Fraser and a gold content of .9999 fineness. The American Gold Buffalo was the first ever coin from the US Mint to feature 24-karat gold, and in 2016 the mint celebrated the 10^th anniversary of this highly coveted bullion coin.

James Earle Fraser was commissioned by the administration of William Howard Taft in 1911 to create a design to replace the Liberty Head design from Charles E. Barber on the US nickel. A resident of the American Midwest, born and raised in Winona, Minnesota, Fraser was accustomed to life on the American Plains. He used images from his youth as inspiration for the coin design that would eventually grace the Buffalo Nickel.

Black Diamond, a resident bison of New York City’s Central Park Zoo was the inspiration behind his buffalo design, which features on the reverse of both the Buffalo Nickel and the modern American Gold Buffalo.

For the obverse, he used the right-profile of an American Indian as the primary design. It did not represent one individual, but rather a compilation of the facial features taken from three real-life Native American leaders. The identity of those men was shrouded in mystery for years, but in 1938 he stated that the inspirational figures had been Iron Tail of the Sioux, Big Tree of the Kiowa, and Two Moons of the Cheyenne.

The Bullion and Collectible Coin Production Efficiency and Cost Saving Act became law in the US on December 4, 2015. In addition to provisions impacting the American Gold and American Silver Eagle coins, the law set forth provisions to establish the American Gold Buffalo as the permanent .9999 fine gold bullion coin of the United States, meaning its annual production is all-but guaranteed following its 10^th anniversary.

Mintage Figures for the American Gold Buffalo

Demand for American Gold Buffalo coins has remained relatively stable since its 2006 introduction. The long-awaited debut of an American bullion coin with .9999 pure gold led to a rush for the coins in 2006, with 337,012 coins sold. Since then, demand has ebbed and flowed, with the COVID-19 pandemic driving the most recent surge in demand. Below are the highest mintages recorded in the series (descending order):

• 2022 – 410,000 coins
• 2023 – 387,000 coins
• 2021 – 355,500 coins
• 2006 – 337,012 coins
• 2011 – 250,000 coins

Unique American Gold Buffalo Reverse Proof

The 2013 American Gold Buffalo Proof coins featured a reverse proof striking in a special release to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Fraser’s original Buffalo Nickel design. Fraser grew up in Winona, Minnesota and used his life on the plains of the Upper Midwest as inspiration for the nickel’s coin design.

A reverse proof coin has the same features as a typical proof, with one notable exception. The application of those standard proof features is reversed, with the design sets bearing a deeply-mirrored, clear finish and the background field exhibiting a strong, frosted matte appearance.

Additionally, there was a unique striking of the American Gold Buffalo coins just three years into production in 2008. The American Gold Buffalo coin is typically struck each year in both bullion and proof, but for 2008 only there was a mintage of fractional-weight coins in this collection. In addition to the 2008-W ¼ oz Burnished American Gold Buffalo coin, the US Mint also prepared 1/10 oz and ½ oz coins for collectors.

Many of the 2008-W Burnished American Gold Buffalo Coins in the fractional release are considered unique Specimen Proof 70 coins. Considered perfect coins with full, original mint luster and no detracting flaws, specimen is a rarely issued grade referring to coins that are specially struck and uniquely handled, with a distinctive finish similar to proof coins but still unique compared to their collectible proof counterparts.

Certified American Gold Buffalo Coins

We also carry a variety of Certified Gold Coins, including American Gold Buffalos. Coins in certified condition from either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are prized for their visual brilliance and general lack of production flaws or wear and tear. Certification from the NGC or the PCGS, the world’s preeminent authorities on coin certification, adds inherent value to the American Gold Buffalo coins you are considering for purchase.