2011 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin

2011 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin (Obverse) 2010 Version Shown, Click to Enlarge

The 2011 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin continues a series of strikes from the US Mint that dates back to 2006. Each coin in the program is struck from one ounce of 24-karat gold.

When first issued, these .9999 fine gold coins marked the first time the US Mint created strikes from such a fine grade of the precious metal. For example, the extremely popular American Gold Eagles are struck from an alloy containing only 91.67% gold. Since the debut of these Buffalo coins, however, the Mint has also introduced another series of strikes containing 24-karat gold named the First Spouse Gold Coin Program, an example of which would be the Eliza Johnson Gold Coin.

The US Mint also creates a bullion version of the American Buffalo Gold Coin. These bullion strikes are minted for investors as a means of purchasing small amounts of gold to add to their portfolios at near market prices. In comparison, these proof coins are struck for collectors and typically carry a significant premium on them over and above the cost of the gold they contain.

American Gold Buffalo Proof Coin Design

2011 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin (Reverse), Click to Enlarge

Collectors favor these American Gold Buffalo Proof Coins not only for their composition of gold, but also because of the design the US Mint strikes on them. Both the obverse and reverse designs were taken from the 1913-1938 circulating nickel known to many as either the "Indian Head Nickel" or the "Buffalo Nickel" which was designed by James Earle Fraser. Many consider this design to be one of the most beautiful ever produced on American coinage.

Obverse design: A profile of a Native American is found on the obverse. The obverse also includes the inscription "LIBERTY" in front of the portrait's forehead and the date is shown on the shoulder.

Reverse design: An image of an American Bison (commonly called a buffalo) is featured on the reverse of the coin along with the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "$50" and "1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD."

Coin Specifications & Information

Product Availability