First minted in 2006 after the passage of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, the American Buffalo gold bullion coin commemorates the history of the buffalo. The coin’s minting also marked a first amongst coin production—it was the first time the U.S. Mint used .9999 24-karat gold to create a coin.
The first minting was limited to 300,000 coins, and production was suspended due to high demand during the 2008 financial crisis.
American Buffalo Gold Coin Facts
- The coin comes in two varieties:
- An investment piece (plain bullion)
- A collector’s piece (featuring a proof finish)
- Weights and Denominations:
- All minted years: 1 oz.-$50 face value
- 2008 mint only: 1/2 oz.-$25 face value
- 1/4 oz.-$10 face value
- 1/10 oz.-$5 face value
About the American Buffalo
The American buffalo stands as a symbol of Native American culture. Sadly, they also symbolize what can happen when our society becomes too greedy. While our native people utilized each part of every buffalo they hunted, early settlers almost hunted the buffalo to extinction just for sport.
Thankfully, this American symbol is making a comeback.
Coin Features
Obverse
The obverse (front) of the coin features a composite portrait of Big Tree, Iron Tail and Two Moons—three important Native American Chiefs. These Chiefs were once featured on the Indian Head nickel and were originally designed by James Earle Fraser.
Reverse
The reverse (back) has a large buffalo standing on what is believed to be a mound found within New York’s Central Park Zoo. Like the Chief on the obverse, the buffalo was the original image on the Indian Head nickel designed by James Earle Fraser.
Add the American Buffalo gold coin to your collection!