American Gold Buffalo
The American Gold Buffalo is an investment coin issued by the US Mint in .9999 fine gold. The design is derived from James Earle Fraser's original work for the 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel.
American Gold Buffalo Quick Facts
The American Gold Buffalo is an investment-grade coin specifically designed for investors who prefer .9999 fine gold for their portfolio.
The introduction was in response to the growing popularity of 24-karat gold coins in the global market. This coin allows the U.S. Mint to compete more effectively with a product that matches the purity levels of other international gold coins.
Gold Buffalo Design
The design of the Gold Buffalo coin is modeled after James Earle Fraser's famous 1913 Buffalo Nickel, commonly referred to as the Indian Head Nickel because of the profile depiction of a Native American Indian on the obverse of the coin.
The obverse features a well-known composite portrait created from images of three notable Native American Indian chiefs. First, Fraser drew portraits of each chief, then combined prominent features from all three men into a composite sketch.
The reverse of the 1 oz gold coin features the classic buffalo design, which was was modeled after Black Diamond, a 1,550 pound bison living in New York City's Central Park Zoo in the early 1900s. The reverse also includes inscriptions detailing the weight, denomination and gold content.
Each Buffalo 1 oz gold coin has a $50 nominal face value. The face value is symbolic, as the intrinsic value is derived from the spot price of gold per ounce.
Gold Buffalo Prices and Premiums
Gold Buffalo prices fluctuate with the changes in the spot price.
Premiums over the spot price of gold are often higher compared to other bullion coins due to the coin’s purity and collectible status.
Premiums may also vary depending on market conditions, availability, and investor demand.
The US Mint adds a wholesale premium to all gold coins to cover the cost of manufacturing and distribution.
Combined with dealer markup, premiums can be as low as 4% per coin when buying in single quantity. Bulk purchases which include Tubes of 20 coins, can offer discounts on Gold Buffalo premiums.
While current year issues are popular, the cheapest Gold Buffalo Prices will typically be Random Year coins. These secondary market coins usually arrive in "Brilliant Uncirculated" condition, though some may show signs of handling or other blemishes that do not affect the intrinsic value.
As a tangible asset, the Gold Buffalo one of the most highly liquid and widely accepted coins that retain their value well over time.
Major dealers, both online and brick-and-mortar, regularly trade these coins. The ease of liquidation, especially in the U.S. market, makes the Gold Buffalo a trusted investment.
This coin is also eligible for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA, making it a preferred choice for long-term investors.
Gold Buffalo IRA
Gold Buffalo Coins are approved for IRAs because they meet the IRS’s purity requirement of at least .9999 fine gold.
Precious metals provide diversification from traditional assets like stocks and bonds, potentially reducing portfolio risk.
Gold Buffalo Proof
In various mintage years, the U.S. Mint has released limited numbers Gold Buffalo Proof coins with a special mirror-like finish primarily aimed at collectors and numismatists.
These coins are struck with a proof finish that uses specially prepared dies and polished planchets to create a sharp, detailed design with a mirror-like background and frosted foreground.
Proof coins are made in extremely limited quantities and are highly prized by collectors due to their superior quality and aesthetic appeal.
Unlike bullion coins, Proof Gold Buffalos come in protective capsules and are packaged in a display box with a certificate of authenticity.
In general, these coins command a higher premium than bullion coins. These coins are minted on demand and sold directly by the US Mint. Once sold out, collector demand can increase over time adding to their numismatic value.
Gold Buffalo Reverse Proof
Issued in only a single year, the 2013 Reverse Proof Gold Buffalo is a special edition that is distinguished by its unique finish.
Rather than the usual mirrored background and frosted design, the reverse proof coin has frosted fields and mirrored design elements.
This striking effect highlights the iconic designs of the Gold Buffalo and enhances its visual appeal for collectors.
This coin was issued to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the design mintage was capped at 47,836 coins, making it a key collectible.
Making coins like the Certified Gold Buffalo PF70 coin even more desirable to collectors and worthy of the high numismatic premiums.
Fractional Gold Buffalo Coins
The Gold Buffalo Coin is known for being available only in the 1 oz denomination.
However, the series also saw the issuance of fractional sizes in 2008 that were issued in the following denominations:
- 2008 1/2 oz Gold Buffalo: Proof Coin Mintage: 12,169 coins. Burnished Mintage: 16,908
- 2008 1/4 oz Gold Buffalo: Proof Coin Mintage: 13,125 Burnished Mintage: 9,949
- 2008 1/10 oz Gold Buffalo: Proof Coin Mintage: 18,884 Burnished Mintage: 17,429
These coins are significantly rarer than other Gold Buffalos and carry high premiums due to collector demand and limited availability.
History of the Gold Buffalo
Many investors prefer 24-karat gold coins, and until the Gold Buffalo's release, there were no offerings from the U.S. Mint.
Canada introduced the first 24-karat coins, followed by China, Australia and Great Britain, making the Gold Buffalo a necessary response to remain competitive in the global bullion market.
With its highly recognizable and iconic design, the Gold Buffalo instantly appeals to both investors and collectors. The Native American and bison motifs represent a strong connection to American history.
Where to find the cheapest American Gold Buffalo
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