Background
American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins are one ounce of .9999 fine 24-karat gold. They are investment-grade coins whose weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the United States government. Although the coin is also legal tender, its face value of $50 is largely symbolic as the value of the gold it contains has historically been far greater.
The designs on both the obverse and reverse of the American Buffalo coin are steeped in American numismatic tradition. The images were originally executed by noted sculptor James Earle Fraser for the Buffalo, or Indian Head, nickel. The American Buffalo coin uses what is known to collectors as Fraser’s 1913 Buffalo nickel, Type I design.
The U.S. Mint does not sell American Buffalo Bullion Coins directly to the public. Locate an authorized dealer. Prices are based on the market price of gold, plus a small premium to cover coining and distribution costs.
Read More Read Less Characteristics
The designs are based on James Earle Fraser's 1913 Buffalo nickel, Type 1.
The obverse (heads) features the portrait of a Native American, honoring the legacy of our land’s first inhabitants.
The reverse (tails) shows an American bison, often called a buffalo. The design recalls the pioneering spirit of the nation’s westward expansion.
Obverse Inscriptions
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- $50
- 1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
- Content: Gold, 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035g)
- Weight: 1.0001 troy ounce (31.108g)
- Diameter: 1.287in. (32.70mm)
- Thickness: 0.116in. (2.95mm)
Bullion coins do not have a mint mark.
Artist Information
- Designer: James Earle Fraser
Related Information
Content last reviewed April 5, 2024
FAQs
They are investment-grade coins whose weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the United States government. Although the coin is also legal tender, its face value of $50 is largely symbolic as the value of the gold it contains has historically been far greater.
How much is the $50 gold buffalo Tribute coin worth? ›
The Greysheet Catalog (GSID) of the $50 Gold Buffalo (Proof) series of Bullion in the U.S. Coins contains 21 distinct entries with CPG® values between $3,080.00 and $6,000.00.
Is it worth it buying a gold buffalo coin? ›
Gold Buffalo coins are offered in a 1 oz gold coin size. The American Gold Buffalo coin is considered by many gold bullion industry experts, one of the best gold coins available throughout the physical gold bullion market.
What is the 2024 $50 gold buffalo tribute proof? ›
Each 2024 $50 Buffalo Tribute Proof comes complete with Certificate of Authenticity, verifying that each piece is 14 mg 24 KT gold clad, is Proof Struck, and is based on the famous design of James Earle Fraser's iconic Buffalo and Indian design of 1913 to 1938.
How to tell if a Gold Buffalo coin is real? ›
The 'ping' test, as this is commonly known, allows us to tell if a coin is made from real or fake gold by listening to the sound it makes when struck. Precious metals will make a long, high-pitched ringing sound when struck as opposed to base metals, whose respective sounds will be duller and much shorter.
How much is a $50 gold coin worth today? ›
$50 Gold Eagles (Proof)
$50 Gold Eagles (Proof) | Value Range |
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$50 Gold Eagles (Proof) | Value Range |
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2022-W $50 Gold Eagle PR DCAM | $2,520 - $3,270 $2,520 - $3,270 |
2023-W $50 Gold Eagle PR DCAM | $2,520 - $3,270 $2,520 - $3,270 |
2024-W $50 Gold Eagle PR DCAM | $2,520 - $3,270 $2,520 - $3,270 |
47 more rows
Why is the Buffalo gold coin so expensive? ›
Gold Buffalos are often more expensive than Gold Eagles due to their higher gold purity (99.99% vs. 22-karat), unique design, limited mintage, and strong collector appeal. These factors contribute to their higher market demand and prices.
How can you tell if a $50 gold coin is real? ›
Check for Authenticity Through Weight and Measurement
For instance, a 1-ounce American Eagle Gold Coin, with a designated face value of $50, should inherently weigh 1 troy ounce (31.1 grams). Beyond weight, a ruler or caliper can measure the coin's diameter—a reliable method to corroborate authenticity.
How much is 1 oz of gold buffalo? ›
American Gold Buffalo
Weight: | Spot Price: | Buy Price: |
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1.00 oz | $ 2,333.02 | $ 2,495.67 |
Which gold bullion is best to buy? ›
What are the best gold bar brands to buy as an investor? Investors should always look towards the most respected, internationally recognized manufacturers when buying gold bars. We recommend PAMP Suisse, The Perth Mint, Valcambi Suisse, The Royal Canadian Mint, and Credit Suisse gold bars.
A copy coin is a coin that uses a design from a popular coin. These coins may or may not be made of precious metals, and the intention here is to replicate bullion or rare gold coins. They will typically indicate that they are copy coins, so that they do not deceive consumers.
Why is my Buffalo nickel gold? ›
Gold Buffalo Coins are limited edition proof coins and among the most coveted and sought after products produced by the U.S. Mint. Based on the highly popular Type I Buffalo nickel, these coins were reintroduced as the first 24-karat gold proof coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint.
What denomination is a gold buffalo coin? ›
Gold American Buffalo Design
Differences that can be noted between the original 1913 nickel and the American Buffalo, are that this coin reads "$50 1 OZ . 9999 FINE GOLD" rather than the nickel's "FIVE CENTS," and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" can now be seen under the buffalo's head.
How much is a gold buffalo coin worth today? ›
The current ask purchase price for a Gold American Buffalo is: $2,477.50. The best reference for today's Gold American Buffalo coin prices is right here on our price chart page. For a comparison of Gold American Buffalo Coins prices to other gold coins, however, refer to Monex' Live Prices page.
Is a Buffalo coin worth anything? ›
The 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is another highly sought after item. It is produced in small batches, and typically costs between $2,500 and $4,000. The 1919-D Buffalo Nickel has an estimated value of approximately $1,713, but its widespread use makes the high-quality nickel difficult to obtain.