The United States Mint will open sales of the 2021 American Buffalo one ounce gold Proof coin later today. Sales will begin at Noon Eastern, 9:00 AM Pacific on the Mintās site. The one-ounce coin is priced at $2740.00 and is available exclusively from the Mint’s site. There is no production, mintage, or household limit on the coin.
The West Point minted 24-karat gold coin features designs based on the original 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel designed by James Earle Fraser. It has a $50 face value and is made of 99.999% pure gold. The coin was introduced in 2006 and has become one of the more popular bullion coins from the Mint, in large part to the popular Buffalo nickel design. You can read about the history of the American Buffalo coin in this Coin History article.
The coin will come in a maroon case with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Mint.
Unlike the American Eagle gold and silver coins, the American Buffalo will maintain its original Obverse and Reverse designs for 2021.
The American Buffalo gold coin made its debut in 2006. The uncirculated version of the coin was made available to dealers on June 20, 2006 while the proof version was made available to the public directly from the United States Mint on July 22, 2006. The 2006 Proof had a strict strike mintage limit of 300,000 coins and a limit of 10 coins per household was put into place on the coin. The coin was priced at $800. The 2006 American Buffalo today in MS-70 sells on average for $1700.
Interesting, the value of the 2006 coin doubled in 15 years roughly in step with the price of gold. Now the Mint is selling the 2021 issue for roughly 60% over what the first issue sells for, so that doesn’t sound like a good investment. It is about 50% over spot too. A Maple Leaf 1 oz is about $2000. I cannot imagine any but the most fanatical and rich collector buying one. Personally I think one would do much better buying a nice slabbed original St.G double eagle.
Oh they will sell. They always do. I know many, many people who buy them regardless of cost. But hey, Iām the same way when it comes to the silver proof set.