American Gold Buffalo Bullion Coins

From 1837 until 1986, the United States Mint had not produced a gold coin with a purity greater than .900. In 1833, the U.S. moved away from the traditional crown gold alloy content (22-karat gold) and struck its last coin of that purity by 1837. It was not until the launch of the American Gold Eagle in 1986 that the Mint once again issued a 22-karat gold coin.

Two decades later, history was made when the United States Mint released its first-ever 24-karat gold coin, the American Gold Buffalo. While several 24-karat gold coins have followed, the Gold Buffalo holds the distinction of being the first in Mint history to offer this level of purity. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we buy American Gold Buffalo coins from customers who are ready to sell their bullion for competitive market prices.

History and Design of the American Gold Buffalo Coin

The American Gold Buffalo was introduced in 2006, featuring .9999 pure gold and the iconic Buffalo Nickel design by James Earle Fraser. This was the Mint’s inaugural 24-karat gold bullion coin, and in 2016, its 10th anniversary was celebrated with strong collector interest.

Fraser, commissioned in 1911 by the administration of William Howard Taft, sought to replace Charles E. Barber’s Liberty Head nickel design. Born in Winona, Minnesota, Fraser drew inspiration from his youth in the American Plains. His reverse design was based on Black Diamond, a bison housed at New York City’s Central Park Zoo.

The obverse design is a composite portrait of three Native American leaders, Iron Tail (Sioux), Big Tree (Kiowa), and Two Moons (Cheyenne). Each played a part in shaping the image of the proud American Indian that still appears on the coin today.

On December 4, 2015, the Bullion and Collectible Coin Production Efficiency and Cost Saving Act established the American Gold Buffalo as the permanent .9999 fine gold bullion coin of the United States. For sellers, this ensures its relevance and steady demand in the gold market.

Mintage Figures for the American Gold Buffalo

Since its 2006 release, demand for American Gold Buffalo coins has stayed consistently strong. The debut year saw 337,012 coins sold, driven by the appeal of .9999 pure gold. Recent years brought renewed interest, with the COVID-19 era sparking record sales.

Highest recorded mintages in the series include:

• 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

In 2013, the Mint issued a special reverse proof American Gold Buffalo to mark the 100th anniversary of the Buffalo Nickel. In a reverse proof, the design elements appear with a mirrored finish, while the background field has a frosted appearance.

Another standout year was 2008, when the Mint produced fractional-weight Gold Buffalo coins,  including 1/10 oz, ¼ oz, and ½ oz pieces, alongside the standard 1 oz coins. Many 2008-W Burnished fractional Buffalos are graded as Specimen Proof 70, considered perfect coins with flawless surfaces and full mint luster. These unique issues often carry strong secondary market appeal for sellers.

Certified American Gold Buffalo Coins

At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we buy Certified Gold coins graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Coins in certified condition are valued for their visual brilliance and freedom from flaws, and certification by these authorities adds trust and marketability.

Selling certified coins to us ensures that you receive fair market value based on gold content, rarity, and current collector demand.

Selling American Gold Buffalo Coins to DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS

If you have any questions about the American Gold Buffalo Series or current gold prices,  we are here to help. Our customer service team is available by phone at + (702) 460-5188, through our website, or via email. 

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At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, customer satisfaction is our highest priority. We invite you to read our customer testimonials to see our commitment in action.

We appreciate your feedback and are always working to enhance your experience with us every day. If you have American Gold Buffalo coins to sell, bullion, proof, reverse proof, or certified, call us today or submit your coin details online for a free, no-obligation appraisal.