Now in its fourth year, the Gold American Buffalo coin series continues to be offered only in the one-ounce size. They are investment-grade coins, as their weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the US government. The US Mint produced Proof and Uncirculated collector versions of the Gold Buffalos in 2008, in 4 different weights, but they were discontinued in 2009. The one ounce Bullion and Proof Gold Buffalos are struck at the West Point Mint, with only the Proof coins bearing a W mint mark. Silver.com currently has the 2009 1 oz Gold American Buffalo coin available for purchase.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships in a protective plastic flip!
- 4th year of the Gold American Buffalo coin series!
- Consists of One Troy ounce of .9999 pure gold.
- A Native American is featured on the obverse.
- An American Buffalo is featured on the reverse.
- Total of 200,000 coins were minted in 2009.
- Has a face value of $50 (USD), guaranteed by the US government.
The Gold American Buffalo coin production suspension that occurred in late 2008 carried over into 2009. There were rumors that the coins might not even be produced in 2009, but the US Mint denied this. The 2009 Gold Buffalo bullion coins became available for purchase on October 15, 2009. As a result of the pent-up demand for them, sales were so strong from the start that by December 4, 2009, the US Mint had sold its entire inventory of 200,000 coins. This happened in less than 2 months!
The profile of a Native American chief continued to be featured on the obverse of the Gold American Buffalo in this 4th year of the series. The composite profiles of 3 Chiefs: Chief Iron Tail, Chief John Big Tree, and Chief Two Moons are considered to be the basis for this Native American Chief profile. Originally created for the Indian Head or Buffalo Nickel by James Earle Fraser, collectors know this as Fraser’s 1913, Type I design. Considered to be one of the best US coin designs, it was chosen to appear again on the Gold Buffalo.
The profile of an American Buffalo once again is featured on the reverse of the Gold American Buffalo coins. Originally created for the Buffalo Nickel by James Earle Fraser, this design was so highly acclaimed that it was chosen to appear again on the Gold American Buffalo coin series. It is believed that the inspiration for this Buffalo profile was Black Diamond of the Central Park Zoo, considered to be the largest American buffalo in captivity.
The Gold American Buffalo coin series was created as a result of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. It mandated the production of the US government’s first one ounce .9999 pure gold bullion coin, to be struck using only gold from domestic sources. The creation of a .9999 pure gold coin was to help the US keep pace with other countries, such as Canada and China, which already had 24 karat gold coin offerings. Investors often had a preference for .9999 pure gold coins and the US had nothing to offer.
If you have questions when you buy gold, our Silver.com Customer Service team is ready and waiting to assist you. We can be reached via phone at 888-989-7223, via our online live chat, or via our email.