This release is the numismatic version of a companion bullion coin made for investors. Both are authorized under Public Law 109-145.
“The American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Proof Coin is the first 24-karat gold proof coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint and is the coin collector version of the official United States Mint American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coin,” the U.S. Mint describes.
Sales of Proof American Buffalo Gold Coins from 2006 to 2019
The first proof American Gold Buffalo launched in 2006. The 1-ounce coins opened at prices and achieved sales of:
| Year | Debut Price | Final Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 (released on April 12) | $1,660.00 | 14,279* |
| 2018 (released on May 10) | $1,710.00 | 15,756 |
| 2017 (released on May 11) | $1,590.00 | 15,810 |
| 2016 (released on March 31) | $1,590.00 | 21,878 |
| 2015 (released on April 9) | $1,590.00 | 16,591 |
| 2014 (released on May 8) | $1,640.00 | 20,557 |
| 2013 (released on May 23) | $1,790.00 | 18,594 |
| 2012 (released March 15) | $1,960.00 | 19,715 |
| 2011 (released May 19) | $1,760.00 | 28,683 |
| 2010 (released June 3) | $1,510.00 | 49,263 |
| 2009 (released October 29) | $1,360.00 | 49,306 |
| 2008 (released July 22) | $1,199.95 | 18,863 |
| 2007 (released May 23) | $825.95 | 58,998 |
| 2006 (released June 22) | $800.00 | 246,267 |
*The 2019-dated coin is currently unavailable. The U.S. Mint last published it sales through the week ending Jan. 12, 2020, so its final figure is likely higher.
Along with the 1-ounce proof and bullion coins, the U.S. Mint has issued other variations of the American Gold Buffalo to include fractional editions and a special reverse proof to celebrate the anniversary of the designs.
Coin Designs
The gold coin’s obverse showcases a right-facing portrait of a Native American. The image by James Earle Fraser is said to be created from a composite of three different individuals. Inscriptions around the design include ‘LIBERTY’, a ‘W’ mint mark to denote its production at the West Point Mint, ‘2020’, and an ‘F’ for the artist’s initial.
This image shows the gold coin’s obverse or heads side
On the reverse, also designed by Fraser, is a single American Buffalo, or bison, surrounded by inscriptions of ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,’ ‘E PLURIBUS UNUM,’ ‘IN GOD WE TRUST,’ the coin’s legal tender face value of ‘$50’ and its weight and fineness of ‘1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD’.
This image shows the coin’s reverse or tails side
Coin specifications include a diameter of 1.287 inches (32.70 mm), a weight of 31.103 grams, and a reeded edge.
Ordering
The 2020-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin may be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint via its webpage dedicated to gold coins, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Its price of $2,315 will change over time, possibly weekly. The Mint’s numismatic gold coins are tied to its pricing matrix and gold market conditions.
