The American Gold Buffalo is one of the most popular bullion coins, which is why fakes turn up too. Below are the genuine coin's official specifications, the mint's security features and the tests you can do at home.
Genuine coin specifications
| Total weight | 31.11 g* |
|---|---|
| Fine metal content | 1 oz t |
| Fineness | 999.9 |
| Alloy | pure gold, no alloy |
| Diameter | 32.7 mm |
| Thickness | 2.95 mm* |
| Edge | reeded |
| Face value | $50 |
| Mint | United States Mint |
* The mint does not publish this value; we give it from secondary sources (listed at the bottom of the page).
How to check the coin at home
- Weigh the coin on a scale accurate to 0.01 g. The genuine coin weighs 31.11 g.
- Measure the diameter (32.7 mm) and thickness (2.95 mm) with calipers. A copper, brass or lead fake with the right weight has the wrong dimensions, because those metals have a different density. Tungsten is almost as dense as gold, so a well-made fake with a tungsten core can pass this test.
- Hold a strong neodymium magnet to it. Gold is not magnetic. Note: this test will not catch fakes made of tungsten or copper.
- Ping test (works best for silver): gently tap the coin against another coin. Genuine silver rings clearly for a second or two; a fake with a base-metal core sounds short and dull. It works best side by side with a coin you know is genuine.
- Look at the coin under a loupe and compare it with a genuine one: sharpness of the design, lettering, edge and the security features listed above.
- The most reliable non-destructive test is an electromagnetic or ultrasonic verifier (e.g. Sigma Metalytics). Many dealers have one, so ask them to test the coin when you sell.
No home test is 100% certain. The simplest protection is buying from a known dealer and, if in doubt, having the coin verified by a specialist.
Where to buy a genuine coin
The cheapest offers in our price comparison for 1 oz American Buffalo Gold Coin, by final price:
- silverbullion.com.sgS$5,671.15