American Gold Buffalo Coins at BullionMax
From 1837 until 1986, the United States Mint had not struck a gold coin with a metal content greater than .900. Beginning in 1833, the US moved away from the so-called crown gold alloy content (22-karat gold) and struck its last gold coin with such purity by 1837. It wasn’t until the introduction of the American Gold Eagle in 1986 that the US broke that mold and struck a 22-karat gold coin again.
It would be another 20 years before the United States Mint struck its first-ever 24-karat gold coin. Though many other 24-karat gold products have since been introduced by the United States Mint, the American Gold Buffalo remains the first in mint history to feature such stunning gold content. Learn more about the history of the American Gold Buffalo, one of the many gold coins for sale through BullionMax.
Background on the American Gold Buffalo Coin’s Design
The United States Mint unveiled the American Gold Buffalo bullion coin in 2006, featuring the historic Buffalo Nickel design from James Earle Fraser and a gold content of .9999 fineness. The American Gold Buffalo was the first-ever coin from the US Mint to feature 24-karat gold, and in 2016 the mint celebrated the 10th anniversary of this highly coveted bullion coin.
James Earle Fraser was commissioned by the administration of William Howard Taft in 1911 to create a design to replace the Liberty Head design from Charles E. Barber on the US nickel. A resident of the American Midwest, born and raised in Winona, Minnesota, Fraser was accustomed to life on the American Plains. He used images from his youth as inspiration for the coin design that would eventually grace the Buffalo Nickel.
Black Diamond, a resident bison of New York City’s Central Park Zoo was the inspiration behind his buffalo design, which features on the reverse of both the Buffalo Nickel and the modern American Gold Buffalo.
For the obverse, he used the right-profile of an American Indian as the primary design. It did not represent one individual, but rather a compilation of the facial features taken from three real-life Native American leaders. The identity of those men was shrouded in mystery for years, but in 1938 he stated that the inspirational figures had been Iron Tail of the Sioux, Big Tree of the Kiowa, and Two Moons of the Cheyenne.
The Reverse Proof American Gold Buffalo
The 2013 American Gold Buffalo Proof coins featured a reverse proof striking in a special release to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fraser’s original Buffalo Nickel design. Fraser grew up in Winona, Minnesota and used his life on the plains of the Upper Midwest as inspiration for the nickel’s coin design.
A reverse proof coin has the same features as a typical proof, with one notable exception. The application of those standard proof features is reversed, with the design sets bearing a deeply-mirrored, clear finish and the background field exhibiting a strong, frosted matte appearance.
Additionally, there was a unique striking of the American Gold Buffalo coins just three years into production in 2008. The American Gold Buffalo coin is typically struck each year in both bullion and proof, but for 2008 only there was a mintage of fractional-weight coins in this collection. In addition to the 2008-W ¼ oz Burnished American Gold Buffalo coin, the US Mint also prepared 1/10 oz and ½ oz coins for collectors.
Certified American Gold Buffalo Coins
BullionMax also carries a variety of American Gold Buffalo coins in certified condition from either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). If you are looking to buy gold with great value, certified gold coins are an excellent option.
Certification from the NGC or the PCGS, the world’s preeminent authorities on coin certification, adds inherent value to the American Gold Buffalo coins you are considering for purchase. For those who are new to the precious metals industry, certified coinage often comes with terms that are unfamiliar.
Purchasing American Gold Buffalo Coins from BullionMax
If you have any questions about the American Gold Buffalo Series, please feel free to reach out to BullionMax. Our customer service team can assist you on the phone at 800-729-3202, on the web using our live chat, and via our email address.
