Overview
About the American Gold Buffalo
The Gold Buffalo was introduced in 2006 as the US Mint's first .9999 fine gold bullion coin. Pure gold is softer than the 22-karat alloy used in the Gold Eagle, so Buffaloes scratch and dent more easily.
It trades at most US dealers alongside the Gold Eagle and is a common choice for buyers who want a US coin in pure 24-karat gold.
For background on the metal itself, see our gold guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | US Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| First year | 2006 |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Gold |
| Purity | .9999 (24 karat) |
| Gross weight | 31.108 g (1.0001 troy oz) |
| Pure gold content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 32.7 mm |
| Thickness | 2.95 mm |
| Face value | $50 (US) |
| Available sizes | 1 oz (fractional sizes were issued in 2008 only) |
Try it
Melt value calculator
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Melt value
$4,141.99
1 troy oz of pure gold
Melt value is the metal content at spot. Dealers sell above it (the premium) and usually buy below it. Rare coins can be worth far more than melt.
Pre-set to one American Gold Buffalo. Change the weight to value several coins, or a different size.
Look closer
Design
Design
The design comes from James Earle Fraser's 1913 Buffalo nickel: a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison standing on a mound on the reverse.
Watch out for
What to check when buying
- Plated copies. Gold-plated base-metal copies are sold online, sometimes openly as "replicas". Check weight, diameter and thickness.
- Handling damage. 24-karat gold marks easily. Scratches don't change melt value, but can lower what a buyer will pay above it.
- Proofs sold as bullion (or the reverse). Proof Buffaloes carry a W mint mark and a mirror finish and sell at higher premiums. Know which one you're paying for.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes. At .9999 fine it meets the usual IRA purity standard for gold bullion. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
IRA metal has to be held by a custodian in an approved depository, not at home.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much gold is in an American Gold Buffalo?
An American Gold Buffalo (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure gold at .9999 fineness, in a coin weighing 31.108 g in total.
What is an American Gold Buffalo worth?
At the latest gold spot price of $4,141.80 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $4,141.80. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can an American Gold Buffalo go in an IRA?
Generally yes. At .9999 fine it meets the usual IRA purity standard for gold bullion. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
How can I tell if an American Gold Buffalo is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 31.108 g and is 32.7 mm across. Plated copies. Gold-plated base-metal copies are sold online, sometimes openly as "replicas". Check weight, diameter and thickness. If you're unsure, ask an established dealer to test it.
This page is for general education only and isn’t financial, tax or legal advice. Melt value is an estimate of metal content, not a dealer quote, and prices may be delayed. Check current details with a dealer or a licensed adviser before making decisions.