The American Buffalo Gold Coin is the first 24-karat gold bullion coin ever issued by the United States Mint. First released in 2006, the coin was created to compete directly with other pure gold bullion coins on the global market, such as the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. It contains exactly one troy ounce of .9999 fine gold and is struck annually in bullion and collector versions.
Design and Specifications
The obverse and reverse designs of the American Buffalo are based on James Earle Fraser’s classic 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel.
The obverse features a Native American profile, while the reverse showcases an American bison. These coins have a legal tender face value of $50 and are minted at the West Point Mint without a mintmark on bullion strikes (collector versions bear a “W” mintmark).
Each coin measures 32.7 mm in diameter and contains 1 troy ounce of pure gold, making it a favorite for investors and collectors who prefer 24-karat gold.
Gold Bullion & Proof Coin Mintage Figures
Unlike the American Gold Eagle, the American Buffalo is minted exclusively in the 1 oz denomination. Mintage levels vary annually depending on investor demand and market conditions.
| Year | Bullion Mintage | Proof Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 323,000 | |
| 2007 | 167,500 | |
| 2008 | 172,000 | |
| 2009 | 200,000 | |
| 2010 | 209,000 | |
| 2011 | 174,500 | |
| 2012 | 132,000 | |
| 2013 | 239,000 | |
| 2014 | 177,500 | |
| 2015 | 220,500 | |
| 2016 | 219,500 | |
| 2017 | 99,500 | |
| 2018 | 121,500 | |
| 2019 | 61,500 | |
| 2020 | 242,000 | |
| 2021 | 350,500 | 16,976 |
| 2022 | 410,000 | 15,943 |
| 2023 | 387,000 | 15,911 |
| 2024 | 144,500 | 9,690 |
| 2025 | 80,500 |
Source: USMint.gov
Proof and Collector Versions
In addition to bullion versions, the U.S. Mint produces Proof American Buffalo Gold Coins for collectors. These coins are struck with specially polished dies and blanks to produce a sharp, mirror-like finish. They are issued annually and sold directly to the public through the U.S. Mint and authorized dealers.
Some years have notably lower proof mintages, making them more desirable to numismatists. Key dates include:
- 2008-W: Low total sales for the proof version
- 2012-W: Popular for its mintage relative to collector demand
Each proof coin includes the “W” mintmark from the West Point Mint and is often sold in elegant government packaging with a certificate of authenticity.
Fractional American Buffalo Gold Coins
The U.S. Mint issued fractional American Buffalo Gold Coins only in one year: 2008.
- 1/2 oz – $25 face value
- 1/4 oz – $10 face value
- 1/10 oz – $5 face value
These fractional coins were released in both uncirculated (burnished) and proof finishes. However, due to the global financial crisis and lower-than-expected demand at the time, the Mint discontinued the fractional Buffalo coins after just one year.
Why Only 2008?
- The 2008 release was an attempt to broaden the appeal of the Buffalo series to investors who preferred smaller, more affordable denominations.
- Sales were modest and didn’t justify continued production.
- Since then, the U.S. Mint has returned to producing only the 1 oz Buffalo Gold Coin in both bullion and proof formats.
Numismatic Note:
These 2008 fractional Buffalo coins are now considered scarce and collectible, particularly in high grades or original Mint packaging. Premiums can be substantial depending on condition and format.
2008 Fractional Gold Buffalo Coin Mintages
| Denomination | Face Value (USD) | Proof Mintage | Uncirculated Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | 50 | 18754 | — |
| 1/2 oz | 25 | 16956 | 16144 |
| 1/4 oz | 10 | 16163 | 16413 |
| 1/10 oz | 5 | 18148 | 18107 |
Investment and Collecting Considerations
The American Buffalo Gold Coin is especially attractive to investors seeking .9999 fine gold in a government-issued product. Its design, purity, and recognition make liquidating in domestic and international markets easy.
Unlike the 22-karat American Gold Eagle, the Buffalo coin contains no alloy metals, appealing to purists and international buyers who prefer 24k gold. It is also eligible for inclusion in precious metals IRAs.
While premiums are generally higher than for Gold Eagles, the Buffalo’s increased purity and aesthetic appeal can justify the cost for many buyers. For collectors, lower mintage years and perfect-grade examples certified by PCGS or NGC often command a premium.
Conclusion
The American Buffalo Gold Coin has carved out a solid position in the U.S. Mint’s lineup of precious metal products. With its high purity, iconic design, and strong market demand, it remains a go-to choice for investors and a key target for collectors tracking low-mintage or certified high-grade coins. Whether buying bullion or proof versions, the Buffalo is essential in any serious gold portfolio.
