The United States Mint started accepting orders for the 2021-W $50 Proof American Gold Buffalo, extending their collector series which dates back to 2006.
Each is composed of 1 ounce of .9999 fine, 24-karat gold and bears recreations of sculptor James Earle Fraser’s 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel designs which are favored by many collectors.
Produced at the U.S. Mint’s facility in West Point, the proof Gold Buffalo has an initial price of $2,740.00.
Sales from 2006 to 2020
Despite their high price tag, thousands of these 1-ounce coins are sold annually, as illustrated in the table below.
| Year | Debut Price | Final Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 (released on April 9) | $2,315.00 | 11,887 |
| 2019 (released on April 12) | $1,660.00 | 14,844 |
| 2018 (released on May 10) | $1,710.00 | 15,756 |
| 2017 (released on May 11) | $1,590.00 | 15,810 |
| 2016 (released on March 31) | $1,590.00 | 21,878 |
| 2015 (released on April 9) | $1,590.00 | 16,591 |
| 2014 (released on May 8) | $1,640.00 | 20,557 |
| 2013 (released on May 23) | $1,790.00 | 18,594 |
| 2012 (released March 15) | $1,960.00 | 19,715 |
| 2011 (released May 19) | $1,760.00 | 28,683 |
| 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 |
Along with the 1-ounce proof and companion bullion editions, the U.S. Mint has issued other variations of the coin to include fractional as well as a special reverse proof to celebrate the anniversary of the designs.
American Buffalo Gold Coin Designs and Specifications
A right-facing portrait of a Native American is featured on the obverse (heads side) of each Gold Buffalo just as it did on the original 1913 nickels. The image is said to be created from a composite of three different individuals. Obverse inscriptions include LIBERTY, a W mint mark for the West Point Mint, 2021, and an F for the artist’s initial.
The reverse was also featured on the 1913 nickel and depicts an American Buffalo, or bison. The bison is surrounded by inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, the coin’s legal tender face value of $50 and its weight and fineness of 1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD.
Specifications, as provided by the U.S. Mint, are as follows:
Coin Specifications
| Denomination: | $50 |
| Finish: | Proof |
| Composition: | 99.99% Gold |
| Diameter: | 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) |
| Weight: | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.103 grams) |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Mint and Mint Mark: | West Point – W |
| Privy Mark: | None |
Ordering
The 2021-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin may be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint via its webpage dedicated to gold coins.
Coin pricing can change weekly depending on market conditions of gold and the Mint’s numismatic precious metal pricing matrix.
