Buy Gold and Silver. Here to help since 1973. The nation’s oldest bullion dealer. 

Speak to a non-commission broker TODAY!

American Gold Buffalo Coins

The one-ounce American Gold Buffalo coin is a stunning testament to American craftsmanship and heritage. First minted in 2006 as the 24-karat coin minted by the U.S. government, this .9999 fine gold coin has quickly become a favorite among investors for its American nostalgia.

No pricing data available for Gold Bullion Coins : AGB1oz2025.

The coin’s design, based on James Earle Fraser’s beloved Buffalo nickel, is a visual legacy of America’s historical spirit.

Obverse: Features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs, symbolizing America’s rich indigenous history.

Reverse: Showcases a majestic American bison, capturing the spirit of the American frontier.

Gold Buffalo coins are the purest gold bullion coins made by the US Mint (.9999 fine or 24 karat). They are backed by the US government with a legal tender status ($50 face value), offering portfolio diversification and a hedge against inflation. Government backing of a coin ensures recognized authenticity and trust within the global markets. 

Investors cherish this coin for its design based on the buffalo nickel by renowned sculptor James Fraser. The imagery of the majestic buffalo and the proud Indian Chief is a reminder of the country’s indigenous heritage and the wild frontier. 

Along with the American Gold Eagle, many of these coins are popular in the numismatic coin-collecting world. They can be found slabbed and graded or simply put in a collectible casing and graded depending on the coin’s physical condition, MS70 being the most pristine condition. These coins can demand significanly higher premium over the bullion value. Investors should be informed when purchasing a slab and graded coin to reduce monetary losses. 

Understanding Slab and graded coins:

The Buffalo-Indian Head design was featured on an American coin for the first time in seventy-two years, prompting heavy promotion of these coins. Most of the 2006-dated coins were sent to grading services, where they were placed in protective plastic holders, a process known as “slabbing.” Dealers then marketed these “slabbed” American Gold Buffalos as First Strike Coins, often at significant markups.

Immediately following the release of the coins, dealers sold MS69 First Strike Gold Buffalo Coins for hundreds of dollars above the market price for standard bullion coins. Meanwhile, the MS70 First Strike Gold Buffalo Coins were marketed with premiums of $1,500. Fortunately for investors, these inflated prices did not last long, as more Gold Buffalo Coins were slabbed than the telemarketers could sell. Consequently, premiums for slabbed Gold Buffaloes plummeted as dealers drastically reduced prices to recover their investments.

In September 2006, shortly after the release of the Gold Buffalos, we published an exposé on this site titled “First Strike Coins or Strikeout Coins?” This article played a significant role in the rebranding of First Strike coins to Early Release coins, a term now used by bullion dealers.

Specifications

  • Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams)
  • Diameter: 32.7 mm (1.287 inches)
  • Thickness: 2.95 mm (0.116 inches)
  • Purity: .9999 fine gold
  • Face Value: $50 USD
  • Edge: Reeded

BUY American Gold Buffalo Coins

If you would like to discuss the American Buffalo Gold Coins or any aspect of gold investing, call us at 800-528-1380. We take calls 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST Mondays through Thursdays, Fridays 7:00  a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  More information about buying and selling gold and silver can be found on our Doing Business With CMIGS page.

Investors wanting gold bullion coins at still lower prices may find suitable coins on our Gold Specials Page.  Further, investors interested in silver may find suitable products available on our Silver Specials Page.

WHY CHOOSE CMI GOLD & SILVER

CMI Gold & Silver, with extensive experience in selling American gold coins since 1974, provides investors with a high level of expertise and confidence. We typically have American Gold Buffalo coins available at all times. Shipments are usually made within one to two days of receiving cleared funds. When you purchase from CMI Gold & Silver, you can be confident in the authenticity and delivery of your American Gold Buffalo coins, providing you with a sense of security. We are backed by over 50 years of experience providing quality products to investors nationwide.

Call one of our non-commissioned brokers today to get your questions about buying and selling precious metals answered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are American Gold Buffalo coins?

American Gold Buffalo coins are one-ounce, 24-karat gold bullion coins first minted in 2006. They are .9999 fine gold coins minted by the U.S. government and have a $50 face value.

Yes. American Gold Buffalo coins are identified as IRA eligible.

A 1 oz American Gold Buffalo weighs 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams), has a diameter of 32.7 mm, and a thickness of 2.95 mm. The coin is .9999 fine gold, has a $50 USD face value, and has a reeded edge.

The American Gold Buffalo design is based on James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo nickel. The obverse features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs, while the reverse showcases an American bison.

American Gold Buffalo coins are made of .9999 fine gold, which is also described on the page as 24-karat gold. They are identified as the purest gold bullion coins made by the U.S. Mint.

Slabbed American Gold Buffalo coins are coins placed in protective plastic holders after being submitted to grading services. The page explains that graded coins are evaluated based on physical condition, with MS70 identified as the most pristine condition, and that slabbed and graded coins can carry premiums above their bullion value.

WHAT CMI CUSTOMER’S ARE SAYING

Investment Guide

Get Our Free Investment Guide

Plus, be the first to get our articles of interest, newsletter, and specials.

Call Now Skip to content