The United States Mint’s latest annual product for collectors, the 2017-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin, launched today at noon ET.
Struck in an ounce of 24-karat, 99.99% pure gold, this coin debuts at $1,590 — a price that can change weekly depending on the trending value of gold.
"The American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Proof Coin is the first 24-karat gold proof coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint and is the coin collector version of the official United States Mint American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coin," the U.S. Mint describes.
Unlike the aforementioned bullion version, each is produced to a collector-grade proof quality finish which enhances designs that were featured first on the 1913 nickel as created by James Earle Fraser.
The gold coin’s obverse shows a right-facing portrait of a Native American. Fraser is believed to have created the image based on a combination of three different individuals. Inscriptions of ‘2017’ and ‘LIBERTY’ join the portrait along with an ‘F’ for the artist’s initial and a ‘W’ mintmark to denote its production at the West Point Mint.
On the reverse, we find a single American Buffalo, or bison, surrounded by inscriptions of ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,’ ‘E PLURIBUS UNUM,’ ‘IN GOD WE TRUST,’ the coin’s legal tender face value of ‘$50’ and its weight and fineness of ‘1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD’.
Specifications for the Buffalo coin include a diameter of 1.287 inches, a thickness of 0.116 inches and a weight of 1.000 troy ounces.
Sales of 2006-2016 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coins
The proof Gold Buffalo was introduction in 2006. The chart below lists initial pricing and final sales for the previous 1 oz. gold pieces.
| Year | Debut Price | Final Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 (released on March 31) | $1,590.00 | 21,878 |
| 2015 (released on April 9) | $1,590.00 | 16,591 |
| 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 | 246,267 |
In addition to the 1 ounce proof and bullion coins, the U.S. Mint over the years has issued other variations of the American Gold Buffalo. This includes fractional editions and a special reverse proof to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the James Earle Fraser designs.
Ordering
The 2017-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin is available at the U.S. Mint’s online page for gold coins, located here. Customers can also place orders by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). No mintage, product or household order limits apply.
The coin is displayed on an adjustable platform inside a matte-finish hardwood presentation case with a leather-like inset and ships with a certificate of authenticity.
the price is $365 over spot. that is just too much. just wait 18 months and purchase one at a coin show for about $100 over spot. that is what i have done the past 4 years.
Agreed on the $$$ of the coin, but damn, that is a beautiful coin. Should I pay extra for the beauty….probably not. And your advice on a purchase on the secondary market is spot on.
stewart, i agree with you it is a beautiful coin. i think it america’s present day most beautiful coin.
How many one oz coins of buffalo and eagle will be produced this year?
Tuesday November 28, 2017, at the U.S. Mint the 2017-W Buffalo Gold Proof Coin is no longer available for sale after 6 months & 17 days. Its sales figure as of Sunday November 26, 2017 was 14,770 which makes this the lowest mintage ever of this coin.
The proof gold buffalo is my favorite gold coin the U.S. Mint has ever done.
Right now ( so far ) sales are close to 15,184 or so. ( some returns as well probably ). I purchased (2) of them.. F.D.O.I. NGC-70’s. Hoping it will be the lowest mintage gold proof buffalo. ( As of right now anyway ). See what happens..