The US Mint’s first 24-karat gold coin, produced in both bullion and proof versions, is the American Gold Buffalo. To protect the beauty and mirror-like finish of the hand-polished Proof coins, the US Mint issues them in protective capsules that are fitted into display-ready boxes. They come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. While this second year of the Proof Gold Buffalo experienced a sharp drop in sales, the 2007 Proof Gold Buffalo still outsold the 2007 Proof Gold Eagle, largely due to the popularity of its classic design. These Proof coins are struck at the West Point Mint. JM Bullion currently has the 2007-W 1 oz Proof American Gold Buffalo coin available for purchase.
Coin Highlights:
- Received in a protective capsule in a display-ready box!
- 2nd year of the Proof American Gold Buffalo coin!
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
- An indigenous Tribal Leader is featured on the obverse.
- An American Buffalo is featured on the reverse.
- Total of 58,998 coins minted in 2007.
- Fully backed by the US government, it bears a face value of $50 (USD).
- Includes a W mint mark from the West Point Mint.
The 2007-W Proof American Gold Buffalo coin obverse features the profile of an indigenous Tribal Leader. This design was created by James Earle Fraser for the Indian Head nickel, which was issued by the US Mint from 1913-1938. The design was chosen to appear again on the Gold Buffalo. It is believed to be a composite of sketches that Fraser did of 3 chiefs – Chief Big Tree of the Kiowa, Chief Iron Tail of the Oglala Lakota, and Chief Two Moons of the Cheyenne.
The 2007-W Proof American Gold Buffalo coin reverse features the profile of an American Buffalo, standing atop a dirt mound. This James Earle Fraser design is believed to depict Black Diamond, the massive buffalo of the Central Park Zoo from the early 1900s.
The Presidential Coin Act of 2005 authorized the production of the American Gold Buffalo Coin series. The Act stipulates that the $50 gold coin weighs 1 ounce and contains .9999 pure gold. The gold used in the minting process must come from natural deposits in the US. Additionally, for at least the first year of issuance, the obverse and reverse designs of the Gold Buffalo coins must be James Earle Fraser’s designs from the Indian Head nickel. And the Gold Buffalo coins will be struck in both bullion and proof versions.
By the mid-2000s, the US Mint needed a 24-karat gold coin to help the US keep pace with the 24-karat gold coins of other countries. Canada was already offering the Gold Maple Leaf and China was offering the Gold Panda. The American Gold Buffalo coin gave the US its entry into the .9999 pure gold market.
Should you have any questions when buying gold, please contact our JM Bullion Customer Service team to get your answers. We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, via our online live chat, or via our email.