In 2001, the United States Mint revived one of its most beloved designs for the first time since 1936. In honor of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, the US Mint issued Proof and BU Buffalo Silver Dollars featuring the iconic imagery from James Earle Fraser’s historic Buffalo Nickel. Right now, 2001-D Buffalo Silver Dollar Coins are available from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in an NGC plastic slab!
- 2001 commemorative strike!
- Total mintage of only 227,131 coins!
- Limited availability of certified coins!
- Contains .7734 Troy oz of actual silver content.
- Bears a face value of $1 (USD) backed by the federal government.
- Issued a Grade of Mint State 69 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
- The obverse features a stoic indigenous figure.
- On the reverse is an American bison.
- D mint mark from the Denver Mint.
Each 2001-D Buffalo Silver Dollar here comes in near-perfect condition. Mint State 69 coins exhibit full, original mint luster and come with a maximum of two minor detractions. Examples of these detracting flaws include only minuscule contact marks or hairlines and these flaws must be located outside the primary focal points of the coin. The US Mint issued a total of 500,000 coins, with the Philadelphia Mint issuing proof specimens and the Denver Mint striking Brilliant Uncirculated coins. Each coin features 90% silver content with a balance of copper.
The release of the 2001 Buffalo Silver Dollar honored the National Museum of the American Indian. The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) was established by an Act of Congress in 1989. It has three facilities: the main museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (opened in 2004), the George Gustav Heye Center in New York City (opened in 1994), and the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, Maryland (opened in 2003).
The obverse of the 2001-D Buffalo Dollar Coin comes with James Earle Fraser’s effigy of a stoic indigenous figure. Created in 1913 by Fraser for the Buffalo Nickel, this image shows the figure in right-profile relief and is said to have been created by combining the facial features of three real-world indigenous leaders in the early 20th century.
On the reverse side of 2001-D Buffalo Silver Dollars is the American bison. Also created by Fraser for the Buffalo Nickel, this visual shows the mighty bison in left-profile relief on a small mound of land as it grazes. The design was inspired by Black Diamond, a resident bison at the Central Park Zoo in New York City.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.