Mint: United States Mint
Country: United States
Purity: 24-karat (99.99% pure gold)
Obverse: Native American profile based on the original Buffalo Nickel
Reverse: American bison (buffalo) standing on a mound
The American Buffalo Gold Coin, also known as the Gold Buffalo, is the first-ever 24-karat gold coin issued by the United States Mint. Introduced in 2006, it quickly became one of the most recognized and trusted gold bullion coins on the global market. Each coin is struck from 99.99% pure gold and is legal tender in the United States with a face value of $50 USD.
Inspired by the iconic Buffalo Nickel designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser in 1913, the coin’s obverse features a powerful composite portrait of a Native American chieftain. The reverse shows a majestic American bison standing on a grassy mound, believed to be modeled after “Black Diamond,” a buffalo that lived in New York’s Central Park Zoo.
Unlike most U.S. gold coins, which are typically 22-karat, the American Buffalo is struck in .9999 fine gold, meeting the demand for investors seeking the highest purity in sovereign gold coins. Each coin is produced at the U.S. Mint’s West Point facility and carries a brilliant uncirculated or proof finish.
Key Features:
- First 24-karat gold coin issued by the U.S. Mint
- Struck from 99.99% pure gold
- Iconic design based on the 1913 Buffalo Nickel
- Legal tender with a $50 USD face value
- Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government
- Available in 1 oz size (with limited fractional releases in select years)
With its high gold content, historic design, and U.S. government guarantee, the American Buffalo Gold Coin remains a premier choice for both investors and collectors worldwide.

