How to Identify the American Gold Buffalo

What It Is

The American Gold Buffalo, first issued in 2006, was the United States Mint's first 24-karat gold bullion coin. Its designs are adapted directly from James Earle Fraser's iconic 1913 "Buffalo nickel."

Obverse Design

The obverse shows a right-facing profile of a Native American man, a composite portrait that Fraser said drew on the features of more than one real individual. "LIBERTY" and the date appear alongside the portrait.

Reverse Design

The reverse depicts an American bison (commonly called a buffalo) standing on a mound of earth. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," the weight and fineness, and the denomination appear around the design.

Size, Weight, and Metal

Gold Buffalos are struck in .9999 fine (24-karat) gold. The standard size is 1 oz with a $50 face value; fractional sizes ($5 for 1/10 oz, $10 for 1/4 oz, and $25 for 1/2 oz) were struck only in 2008 and 2009.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

Standard bullion-strike Gold Buffalos carry no mint mark. A "W" mint mark, indicating the West Point Mint, appears only on the special proof and uncirculated collector versions sold directly to collectors, not on the ordinary bullion coins.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The Gold Buffalo shares its designs with the much smaller, thinner five-cent Buffalo nickel, but the two are easily told apart by size, weight, and color. Compared with the American Gold Eagle, which shows a walking Lady Liberty design and is struck in a 22-karat gold alloy, the Gold Buffalo is pure 24-karat gold with a distinct Native American and bison design.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Gold does not tone, so condition is judged by strike sharpness and surface marks. Look at the fine hair detail on the portrait and the texture of the bison's fur and horn for wear or bag marks, keeping in mind that bullion strikes have a duller finish than proof coins. A coin fresh from its original packaging typically shows uniform, undisturbed luster across the field around the bison's mound, while a coin that has circulated through several owners often shows small rim dings and light scuffing on the highest points of the portrait.

Authenticity Red Flags

Confirm the coin's weight and diameter match the stated denomination, check that it is not magnetic, and be cautious of a "W" mint mark appearing on what is claimed to be an ordinary bullion coin, since that mark should only appear on numbered collector issues.