The 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin: A Detailed Exploration

Origin and History

The 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin holds a revered place in the annals of American numismatics. Launched by the United States Mint in 2006, this collectible coin was crafted to compete with other premier gold bullion coins on the global market. Its creation was inspired by the iconic Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, a coin of great historical significance minted from 1913 to 1938.

Since 2007, the U.S. Mint has included in production other fractional-sized denomination coins in this series such as the half-ounce $25 USD face value coin, the quarter-ounce $10 USD face value coin, and the tenth-ounce $5 USD face value coin. These smaller Buffalo coin options offer a great way to get started building your gold portfolio at a lower cost of entry.

Specifications

Crafted from .9999 fine gold (99.99% pure), the U.S. Mint 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin is renowned for its purity and quality. Each gold bullion coin has a weight of precisely 1 troy ounce (1 troy oz is about 31.103 grams) and boasts a diameter of 32.70 millimeters and a thickness of 2.95 mm. The coin carries a legal tender currency face value of $50 USD, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Although these gold bullion coins have a face value, they are not intended for circulation. These coins qualify for storage in a self-directed precious metals IRA.

Design Details

Obverse Design

The obverse of the American Buffalo Gold Coin features a captivating portrayal of a Native American chief. This striking design is a homage to the original Buffalo Nickel, created by the acclaimed sculptor James Earle Fraser in 1913.

Fraser drew inspiration from three Native American chiefs: Chief Two Moons of the Cheyenne, Chief Big Tree of the Kiowa, and Chief Iron Tail of the Lakota Sioux.

The noble profile image of the chief, adorned with feathers and a braided lock of hair, exudes strength and dignity, capturing the spirit of the American West and Native American culture. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the obverse, along with the year of mintage and the West Point Mint mark W.

Reverse Design

On the reverse side of the US Mint American Buffalo Gold Coin, an American buffalo, or bison, takes center stage. This majestic creature, standing atop a mound, symbolizes the resilience and natural beauty of the American landscape.

Fraser's intricate rendering of the buffalo pays homage to the wildlife of the American frontier, capturing its power and grace with remarkable precision. The reverse also features inscriptions of "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "$50," and "1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD."

There is popular hearsay that the bison depicted on the American Buffalo Gold Coin was modeled after a specific bison named Black Diamond from the Bronx Zoo or New York City Central Park Zoo. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.

While it's true that Fraser may have drawn inspiration from bison at various sources, including zoos, there is no definitive proof that Black Diamond specifically served as the model for the design.

Instead, the buffalo on the coin is a representation of the American bison species as a whole, rather than any individual animal.

The near extinction of the American buffalo is a prime example of tragedy of the commons, while the successful recovery of the American bison species is a testament to the invaluable importance of private property.

What Makes This Coin Special

The 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin is distinguished by its exceptional craftsmanship, historical significance, and enduring appeal. Here's what sets this coin apart:

  • Iconic Design: The coin's design, inspired by James Earle Fraser's masterpiece, the Buffalo Nickel, pays homage to the rich heritage of American coinage.

  • Pure Gold Content: Crafted from .9999 fine gold, this coin boasts one of the highest levels of purity among gold bullion coins, making it a coveted asset for investors and collectors alike.

  • Historical Legacy: The American Buffalo Gold Coin carries on the legacy of the iconic Buffalo Nickel, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era while embodying the timeless spirit of the American West.

  • Legal Tender Status: Despite its intrinsic value as a gold bullion coin, the American Buffalo holds a face value of $50 USD, providing additional reassurance and recognition by the United States government.

  • Artistic Excellence: Fraser's meticulous attention to detail and artistic skill shine through in the intricate designs of the obverse and reverse, making the American Buffalo Gold Coin a true work of numismatic art.

Why Purchase from Money Metals Exchange

When acquiring the 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin, choosing a reputable dealer is paramount. Here's why Money Metals Exchange is the preferred choice:

  • Authenticity Guarantee: Money Metals Exchange guarantees the authenticity and quality of every American Buffalo Gold Coin we offer, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

  • Competitive Pricing: With transparent pricing and competitive rates, Money Metals Exchange offers exceptional value for precious metal investors and collectors alike.

  • Exceptional Customer Service: The dedicated team at Money Metals Exchange is committed to providing prompt and knowledgeable assistance to address any inquiries or concerns.

  • Wide Selection: In addition to the American Buffalo Gold Coin, Money Metals Exchange offers a diverse range of precious metals products, catering to the needs of investors and collectors at every level.

  • Educational Resources: Money Metals Exchange provides valuable educational resources, content, and market insights to empower customers to make informed decisions about their precious metals investments.

The 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin stands as a timeless symbol of American heritage and ingenuity. With its exquisite design, unparalleled purity, and historical significance, this coin continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. When purchasing these coins, choosing a trusted dealer like Money Metals Exchange ensures a seamless and rewarding investment experience, backed by a commitment to integrity and customer satisfaction.

Customers currently have the option to purchase either the standard US Mint 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin or the trusted MintID 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin. The MintID version is the same coin except in a special protective assay card that verifies the coin’s contents and provides a scannable chip and serial number.

Purchase 1 oz. American Buffalo Gold Coins Today

The 1 oz American Buffalo Gold coins are among the most recognized and prized gold bullion coins around the world.

These coins make for excellent alternatives to such coins as the US Mint American Gold Eagle, the US Mint Gold Augustus Saint-Gaudens gold pieces, the Royal Canadian Mint Gold Maple Leafs, the Australian Perth Mint Gold Kangaroo, the Chinese Mint Gold Panda, the British Royal Mint Gold Queen's Beasts, Austrian Mint Gold Philharmonic, the Mexican Mint Gold Libertad, and versions of silver coins.

Should you have any inquiries (FAQ) or wish to proceed with purchasing these 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coins, as well as other gold bullion coins crafted by esteemed mints globally, silver coinage, or any facet of gold investment, feel free to contact our dedicated, commission-free customer service team at our phone number:

1-800-800-1865

With a history of trust since 2010, Money Metals Exchange maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has garnered thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers across the United States and various parts of the globe.

We take pride in being recognized as the Best Overall Precious Metals Dealer by Investopedia.

Stay updated by subscribing to the Money Metals Newsletter, where you'll receive the latest updates on precious metals news, content information, product details, market insights, geopolitical analysis, economic perspectives, spot prices, and access to our weekly podcasts.

Connect with us across different social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn, to stay informed of the latest developments in the realm of gold investment.