Beginning at noon EDT today, April 12, collectors can order the annually issued proof $50 American Buffalo 1-ounce gold coin for $1,660.
Produced in the United States Mint at West Point, the .9999 fine 24-karat gold piece is the collectible version of the investment-grade American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coin.
The bullion and companion proof coins are authorized under Public Law 109-145. Imagery found on the first releases was directed by Congress to showcase:
"Designs by James Earle Fraser, which appear on the 5-cent coin commonly referred to as the ‘Buffalo nickel’ or the ‘1913 Type 1’."
These designs continue to appear on both sets of gold coins.
The first proof Gold Buffalo launched in 2006. The 1-ounce coins opened at prices and achieved sales of:
| Year | Debut Price | Final Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 (released on May 10) | $1,710.00 | 15,754 |
| 2017 (released on May 11) | $1,590.00 | 15,810 |
| 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 |
Along with the 1-ounce proof and bullion coins, the U.S. Mint has issued other variations of the American Gold Buffalo to include fractional editions and a special reverse proof to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the James Earle Fraser designs.
American Buffalo Gold Coin Designs and Specifications
Appearing on the coin’s obverse (heads side) is a right-facing representation of a Native American. The image by James Earle Fraser is said to be taken from a composite of three different individuals. Inscriptions include "LIBERTY" and "2019." In addition, below the year is Fraser’s "F" initial and above it is the West Point’s "W’ mintmark.
On the reverse (tails side) is Fraser’s depiction of an American Buffalo (bison), which also gives the coin series its name. Inscriptions read: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "$50," "1 OZ.," and ".9999 FINE GOLD.
Coin specifications include a diameter of 1.287 inches (32.70 mm), a weight of 31.103 grams, and a reeded edge.
Ordering
The 2019-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin may be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint via its webpage dedicated to gold coins, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Its price of $1,660 will change over time, possibly weekly. The Mint’s gold coins are tied to its pricing matrix and gold market conditions.
