American Buffalo Gold Coin Value
2006–present · $50 · 99.99% gold
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $2,050 |
| Good (G-4) | $2,100 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2,150 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2,350 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $7,050 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $35,250 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | First year of issue — strong collector demand | $2,200–$2,800 |
| 2008-W | Burnished finish — lower mintage | $2,300–$3,000 |
| 2013 Reverse Proof | Special finish for 100th anniversary of Buffalo Nickel | $2,500–$4,000 |
| 2010 | Lower overall mintage year | $2,200–$2,600 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James Earle Fraser
- Years
- 2006–present
- Denomination
- $50
- Composition
- 99.99% gold
- Diameter
- 32.7 mm
- Weight
- 31.1 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
American Buffalo Gold Coin: History & Background
The American Buffalo is the first 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold coin produced by the United States Mint. Its design pays homage to James Earle Fraser's iconic 1913 Buffalo Nickel, featuring a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. The coin was created in part to compete with other 24-karat sovereign gold coins like the Canadian Maple Leaf. In its first year of 2006, the US Mint sold over 337,000 one-ounce coins. The .9999 purity means the coin contains exactly one troy ounce of pure gold with no alloy metals.
How to Grade a American Buffalo Gold Coin
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →