Between 1837 and 1986, the United States Mint refrained from producing gold coins with a metal content surpassing .900. In 1833, the U.S. shifted away from the crown gold alloy (22-karat gold), and by 1837, the last gold coin with such purity was minted. The hiatus from striking 22-karat gold coins ended in 1986 with the introduction of the American Gold Eagle. It took another two decades for the U.S. Mint to mint its first-ever 24-karat gold coin. While subsequent 24-karat gold products have been introduced, the American Gold Buffalo stands as the initial coin in mint history to showcase this remarkable gold content. Explore the history of the American Gold Buffalo, among the various gold coins available through GMSU. In 2006, the United States Mint revealed the American Gold Buffalo bullion coin, featuring James Earle Fraser's iconic Buffalo Nickel design and a gold content of .9999 fineness. This marked the first time the U.S. Mint produced a coin with 24-karat gold. In 2016, the mint celebrated the 10th anniversary of this highly sought-after bullion coin. Commissioned in 1911 by President William Howard Taft's administration, Fraser drew inspiration from his Midwest upbringing for the design, using images from his youth on the American Plains. The buffalo design on the reverse, inspired by Black Diamond, a bison in New York City's Central Park Zoo, appears on both the Buffalo Nickel and the modern American Gold Buffalo. For the obverse, Fraser crafted the right-profile of an American Indian, not representing a specific individual but a combination of facial features from three real-life Native American leaders: Iron Tail of the Sioux, Big Tree of the Kiowa, and Two Moons of the Cheyenne, as revealed by Fraser in 1938. The Bullion and Collectible Coin Production Efficiency and Cost Saving Act, enacted on December 4, 2015, solidified the American Gold Buffalo as the permanent .9999 fine gold bullion coin of the United States, ensuring its annual production beyond its 10th anniversary. Since its 2006 debut, demand for American Gold Buffalo coins has remained relatively stable. The initial release in 2006 saw 337,012 coins sold, with subsequent years averaging around 200,000 coins. The lowest point was in 2012, with only 100,000 coins sold. The year 2015 concluded with approximately 220,000 coins sold, and an additional 30,000 coins were sold in January 2016 in celebration of the 10th anniversary. Unique American Gold Buffalo Reverse Proof To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fraser's Buffalo Nickel design, the 2013 American Gold Buffalo Proof coins featured a reverse proof striking. This special release reversed the standard proof features, presenting a deeply-mirrored, clear finish on the design sets and a frosted matte appearance on the background field. In 2008, a unique striking occurred with the production of fractional-weight American Gold Buffalo coins, including the 2008-W ¼ oz Burnished American Gold Buffalo coin, as well as 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, featuring full mint luster and no detracting flaws. GoldSilverMarket Updates offers various American Gold Buffalo coins in certified condition from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Certified coins add inherent value, and the NGC and PCGS use the 1 to 70 Sheldon Scale to grade coin conditions, including Mint State, Proof, and Specimen designations. For those new to the precious metals industry, certified coins provide assurance of quality, with designations such as Mint State/Proof (PF/PR) 70 and 69, DCAM/UCAM for proof coins, and FS/ER for coins arriving within the first 30 days of release. If you have inquiries or need assistance, GoldSilverMarket's customer service team is available via phone((888) 322-7727), live chat, or email(support@goldsilvermarketupdate.com).American Gold Buffalo Bullion Coins
History and Design of the American Gold Buffalo Coin
Mintage Figures for the American Gold Buffalo
Certified American Gold Buffalo Coins