American Gold Buffalo (2006 to Date)

Gold	$3,875.63
Silver	$49.46
Platinum	$1,434.23
Palladium	$976.61

The American Gold Buffalo, first issued in 2006, is the first United States 24-karat gold bullion coin and uses James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo nickel design.

Obverse (Front) Design

A right-facing portrait of a Native American man, based on the Buffalo nickel, with LIBERTY and the date.

Reverse (Back) Design

An American bison standing on a mound, with the denomination and gold fineness.

Coin Specifications

Date Range

2006 to date

Denomination

50 Dollars (legal tender)

Designer / Engraver

James Earle Fraser

Mints

West Point

Composition

99.99% fine gold (24 karat)

Precious Metal Content

1 troy oz of pure gold

Weight

31.108 g

Diameter

32.7 mm

Edge

Reeded

Mintage

—

History & Background

The American Gold Buffalo was authorized by Congress in 2005 and first issued in 2006. It is the first 24-karat gold bullion coin made by the United States Mint.

The coin uses James Earle Fraser’s design from the Buffalo nickel of 1913–1938, but it is made in .9999 fine gold and has a face value of 50 dollars. It has a weight of one troy ounce of pure gold.

The coin is struck at the West Point mint and has become popular with investors who prefer a coin made of pure gold.

Collecting Tips

Price follows the gold spot price plus a premium.
Pure gold is soft, so handle coins carefully and keep them in capsules.
Compare premiums with other one-ounce gold coins before buying.

Photographs by Grade

Frequently Asked Questions about the American Gold Buffalo (2006 to Date)

How much gold is in an American Gold Buffalo?

One troy ounce of .9999 fine gold.

How is it different from the American Gold Eagle?

The Buffalo is 24-karat pure gold. The Gold Eagle is 22 karat, alloyed with silver and copper.

Whose design does it use?

James Earle Fraser's Buffalo nickel design.

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