Proof Gold Buffalos
Introduced in 2006, the Gold Buffalo is the first 1 oz .9999 fine gold coin issued by the United States Mint, quickly becoming a notable competitor to other international coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. Proof Gold coins are struck multiple times on specially prepared planchets, giving them a distinctive mirrorlike finish that enhances their appeal to collectors. The technique used during the striking process creates a unique effect where the coin's design appears to float over the background.
The Gold Buffalo's design is based on the iconic 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel by James Earle Fraser. The obverse features the Indian Head design, combining portraits of three Native American chiefs: Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca). The reverse depicts a buffalo, modeled after Black Diamond, a bison from the early 1900s that lived in New York City's Central Park Zoo, with inscriptions detailing the coin's weight, denomination, and gold content.
The Proof Gold Buffalo is offered in several denominations: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. These coins are guaranteed by the U.S. government for their weight, purity, and gold content. While they hold intrinsic gold value, the limited mintage and artistic design of the Gold Buffalo coin elevate its numismatic appeal, making it a sought-after piece among collectors. Available from authorized dealers such as Bullion Shark, the Proof Gold Buffalo is a prized addition to any collection.