2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin

2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin, Obverse (2008 version shown) - Click to Enlarge

The American Buffalo Gold Proof Coins are based on a design by James Earle Fraser that he completed for circulating nickels back in 1913. The 5-cent coins are considered by many to be one of the most beautiful ever struck by the US Mint.

The one ounce gold coins featuring this same design were authorized by the Presidential Coin Act of 2005 and first appeared in 2006. For most of 2009 the coins were conspicuously absent from Mint offerings. They stated all available gold was being directed towards the production of American Eagle Gold Bullions, which they are required by law to mint to demand.

Then, in October it announced the 2009 Buffalos would be struck after all, with the proofs becoming available on the 29th of the month. Sales of the newly available issues have been swift with more being sold in the first week than were sold in all of 2008.

American Gold Buffalo Proof Coin Design

American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin, Reverse (2008 version shown) - Click to Enlarge

The original design for the American Gold Buffalos is based on James Earle Fraser's (1876-1953) early 20th century nickel. Obverse design: The obverse shows a profile of a Native American Indian. It is said Fraser used three different Indian Chiefs as the models, but only two have ever been positively identified. In front of the forehead of the portrait is the inscription "LIBERTY" with the date shown on the shoulder.

Reverse design: The reverse features an image of an American Bison, also known as a buffalo. On top are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Below the buffalo are the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST," "$50" and "1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD."

Coin Specifications & Information

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