🪙 1 oz American Gold Buffalo Coin — Detailed Description
Overview
The American Gold Buffalo is a 24-karat (99.99% pure) gold bullion coin produced by the United States Mint. First introduced in 2006, it was the first-ever 1 oz .9999 fine gold coin issued by the U.S. government. It’s highly sought after by investors and collectors alike for its purity, iconic design, and guaranteed weight and content by the U.S. Mint.
Key Specifications
Feature
Description
Denomination (Face Value)
$50 USD
Weight
1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams)
Purity
.9999 fine gold (24 karat)
Diameter
32.70 mm
Thickness
2.95 mm
Manufacturer
United States Mint
Country of Issue
United States of America
Legal Tender
Yes, backed by the U.S. government
Design Type
Bullion Coin (also available as Proof version)
Design Details
Obverse (Front)
Features a portrait of a Native American chief, designed by James Earle Fraser in 1913 for the original Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel).
The design is a composite portrait based on three Native American leaders: Chief Iron Tail (Sioux), Chief Two Moons (Cheyenne), and Chief Big Tree (Seneca).
Inscriptions include:
“LIBERTY” (upper right)
The year of issue
“F” (for Fraser, the designer’s initial)
Reverse (Back)
Features the majestic American Buffalo (Bison) standing on a grassy mound — also based on Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel design.
The buffalo was modeled after “Black Diamond,” a bison from the Central Park Zoo in New York.
Inscriptions include:
“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
“E PLURIBUS UNUM”
“IN GOD WE TRUST”
“$50” (face value)
“1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD”
Gold Content and Purity
Each coin contains exactly 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, making it investment-grade under both U.S. and Canadian tax definitions.
It is IRA-eligible in the U.S. and GST/HST exempt in Canada (since purity exceeds 99.5%).
Finish and Versions
Bullion Version: Brilliant Uncirculated (standard investment coin)
Proof Version: Specially struck with a mirror-like finish for collectors (minted at the West Point Mint, marked with a “W” mint mark)
Investment Value
The Gold Buffalo is prized for:
Its high liquidity
Government guarantee of weight and purity
Its iconic American design
.9999 fine purity, which qualifies for tax-exempt status in Canada
Because of its purity and recognition, it often trades at a slightly higher premium than the 22K American Gold Eagle.
Tax Implications in Canada
Since the Gold Buffalo is 99.99% pure, it meets the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) standard for investment-grade gold.➡️ No GST/HST/PST applies when purchased in Canada.