USA Buffalo

American Buffalo gold coin is a new line released by The United States Mint by Public Law 109-145, dated December 22, 2005, also known as the Presidential $1 Coin Act. The first batch was released June 22nd 2006.

DESIGN

The new American Buffalo Gold coin’s obverse and reverse designs feature images originally prepared by noted American sculptor James Earle Fraser (once a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens) for America’s 5-cent coin (nickel) which was produced 1913-1938 and showcases the native beauty of the American West, also known as “Indian Head” and “Buffalo”.

The Native American depiction on the coins obverse is believed to be based on three different American Indians. Two of the American Indians who modeled for Fraser as he sculpted the coin were named by the designer before his death. They were known as Chief Iron Tail of the Lakota Sioux and Chief Two Moons of the Cheyenne. Although many have claimed to have had a sitting with Fraser for this design, he could not recall the name of the third person and satisfactory documentation has not yet been found to identify that individual.

It is widely believed that the bison on the coins reverse was modeled after Black Diamond, a popular attraction at the New York Zoological Gardens.

American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins are the first 999,9 fine 24-karat gold coins ever struck by the United States Mint. The coins are available only in one-ounce size. These $50 gold coins will be available to members of the public seeking a simple and tangible means to own and invest in pure gold in the form of legal tender coins whose content and purity is guaranteed by the United States Government.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

United States Mint Sales Totals for American Buffalo Bullion Coins:

Last updated 14.04.2008

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