Adding to a string of recent sellouts, the 2012-W $50 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin is no longer available.
Declared sold out late last week, the United States Mint earlier today provided what is likely its final reported sales. Released on March 15, 2012, the proof coin notched sales of 19,765 as of January 21, 2013. That is 902 higher than the series low mintage of 18,863 for the one-ounce proof Gold Buffalo from 2008. Common secondary market prices for this key 2008 coin have been at least in the $3,600 area. PF70 examples have sold for much more.
Demand has been fairly consistent for the 24-karat gold coin with more than 300 selling on average each week. The most recent weekly gains dating back to mid-November were 463; 229; 307; 174; 267; 329; 372; 321; 431; and 402. While these numbers may seem small compared to other United States Mint products, they account for nearly $6.5 million in gross revenue at the coin’s last selling price of $1,960.00.
Higher gold prices and resultantly higher price tags for the American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin have depressed sales. The following table provides initial prices and sales figures for all one-ounce American Buffalo gold proof coins. Note the inverse relationship between the coins’ price and sales.
2006 – 2012 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin Mintages / Sales
| Year | Initial Price | Mintages / Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 (released March 15) | $1960.00 | 19,765 |
| 2011 (released May 19) | $1,760.00 | 28,693 |
| 2010 (released June 3) | $1,510.00 | 49,263 |
| 2009 (released October 29) | $1,360.00 | 49,306 |
| 2008* (released July 22) | $1,199.95 | 18,863 |
| 2007 (released May 23) | $825.95 | 58,998 |
| 2006 (released June 22) | $800.00 | 246,267 |
*In year 2008, the U.S. Mint offered the coin in four sizes and a four-coin set. Breakouts are 11,060 for the one ounce; 4,366 for the half ounce; 5,322 for the quarter ounce; 11,081 for the tenth ounce; and 7,803 for the four-coin set.
This year’s 2013-W American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin launches in May 2013, according to the U.S. Mint’s 2013 product schedule.
