The American Gold Buffalo is one of the most spectacular gold coins ever struck by the United States Mint. Introduced in 2006, the coin features a near-exact rendition of the iconic 1913 Buffalo Nickel design by James Earle Fraser, reimagined in .9999 fine (24-karat) gold. The original Buffalo Nickel, struck from 1913 to 1938, remains one of the most beloved designs in U.S. coinage, with its Native American portrait and powerful American bison symbolizing the spirit of the American frontier.
In 2001, the U.S. Mint revived Fraser’s classic design on a commemorative silver dollar issued in both Proof and Uncirculated formats, renewing collector enthusiasm for the series. Five years later, the Mint introduced the American Gold Buffalo, which became the first U.S. gold coin struck in .9999 fine gold.
The Gold Buffalo is issued annually in a 1 oz $50 denomination, while fractional sizes (1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz) were produced only in 2008. The series includes bullion and Proof versions, with special burnished/uncirculated collector strikes issued from 2006–2008.
American Gold Buffalo Coin Sizes & Formats
The American Gold Buffalo is issued by the U.S. Mint as a 1 oz coin containing .9999 fine gold with a $50 face value. The series is produced annually in bullion and proof formats, with proof versions offered in presentation packaging and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Fractional Gold Buffalos (1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz) were produced only in 2008 and are no longer part of the current annual program.
For a complete year-by-year breakdown of production numbers, see our Gold Buffalo mintage charts. Whether you are stacking for investment or building a date set for your collection, MCM carries a wide selection at competitive prices.
Gold Buffalo vs. American Gold Eagle: Which Is Right for You?
The two flagship U.S. gold bullion coins each offer distinct advantages. The American Gold Buffalo is struck in .9999 fine (24-karat) gold, making it the U.S. Mint’s only modern bullion coin of this purity and featuring James Earle Fraser’s iconic Buffalo Nickel design. The American Gold Eagle, introduced in 1986, is struck in .9167 fine (22-karat) gold and remains one of the most widely recognized and traded U.S. bullion coins worldwide.
Both coins are legal tender, backed by the U.S. government, and eligible for precious metals IRAs. Buyers often choose between them based on purity preference, liquidity, and design appeal. Browse our full range of U.S. gold coins to compare current prices and availability across both series.
