The United States Mint is taking orders for the 2015-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin. Initial pricing has been set at $1,590, the lowest starting point since 2010.
Annually issued since 2006, the collector coin is composed of one ounce of 24-karat, 99.99% pure gold and showcases James Earle Fraser’s classic 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel design.
Coin Designs and Specifications
This coin series has retained the same obverse and reverse imagery since its program debut. Shown on the obverse or heads side is a right-facing profile portrait of a Native American. Inscriptions around the portrait are LIBERTY, 2015, F for the artist initial, and W to note the coin’s production at the United States Mint facility in West Point.
The reverse depicts an American Buffalo, or bison, standing on a mound. Encircling inscriptions read: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, the face value of $50, and the composition of 1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD.
American Gold Buffalo coins have a diameter of 1.287 inches, a thickness of 0.116 inches and a weight of 1.000 troy ounce.
Historical Buffalo Gold Coin Sales
The chart below lists initial pricing and final sales for each of the annually issued coins.
2006- 2014 50 Proof Gold Buffalo Debut Prices & Final Sales
| Year | Debut Price | Final Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 (released on May 8) | $1,640.00 | 20,557 |
| 2013 (released on May 23) | $1,790.00 | 18,594 |
| 2012 (released March 15) | $1,960.00 | 19,715 |
| 2011 (released May 19) | $1,760.00 | 28,683 |
| 2010 (released June 3) | $1,510.00 | 49,263 |
| 2009 (released October 29) | $1,360.00 | 49,306 |
| 2008 (released July 22) | $1,199.95 | 18,863 |
| 2007 (released May 23) | $825.95 | 58,998 |
| 2006 (released June 22) | $800.00 | 246,26 |
Pricing is subject to change. The U.S. Mint evaluates gold coin prices weekly based on recent market conditions. Significant positive or negative swings in the precious metal can result in modifications to coin prices. Current gold coin pricing is based on a weekly average of London gold that resides within the $1,200.00 to $1,249.99 range.
The United States Mint each year also issues an investment-grade American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coin. Other numismatic versions have also been released in previous years, like the special reverse proof Gold Buffalo issued in 2013 to celebrate 100 years of the design.
Ordering Details, Mintages and Limits
2015-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coins may be ordered directly from the United States Mint via its website and the coin’s product page, located here. Customers wishing to order by telephone may call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Each coin ships in a hardwood presentation box with a matte finish and a leather–like inset. A certificate of authenticity is included with each purchase. No mintage, product or household order limits apply.
