Appearing as the second release of May from the United States Mint, the 2025-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coin becomes available today at Noon ET. Struck from one ounce of .9999 fine 24-karat gold, the American Buffalo series debuted in 2006 as the Mint’s first offering in that purity, available in both bullion and proof versions. Both feature the same design elements but differ in finish.
Sales of the investment-focused bullion coins reach into the tens of thousands annually, with the first four months of this year totaling 80,500 ounces. Collectors, however, tend to favor the proof editions, like the one released today, which feature frosted design elements set against mirror-like backgrounds. This year’s proof Gold Buffalo has a limited mintage of 14,000.
Coin Designs and Specifications
American Buffalo gold coins take their designs from a century-old U.S. coin, the 1913 Buffalo nickel Type 1, originally created by sculptor James Earle Fraser. Showcased on the obverse (heads side) is a portrait of a Native American, with a buffalo (American bison) on the reverse (tails side).
Fraser is said to have used features from several individuals to inspire the right-facing Native American portrait. Obverse inscriptions include “LIBERTY” and “2025,” along with the artist’s mark “F” and the mintmark “W,” indicating production at the U.S. Mint’s West Point facility.
Surrounding the buffalo are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “$50,” “1 OZ.,” and “.9999 FINE GOLD.”
American Buffalo Gold 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 |
Sales of Proof American Buffalo Gold Coins
The table below shows the opening price points and final (unaudited) sales for the 1-ounce Proof Gold Buffalos since their introduction in 2006.
| Year of Issue | Opening Price | Sales |
| 2024 (released on June 13) | $3,240.00 | 9,709 (still available) |
| 2023 (released on April 13) | $2,940.00 | 15,911 |
| 2022 (released on May 12) | $2,790.00 | 15,943 |
| 2021 (released on May 14) | $2,740.00 | 16,976 |
| 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 |
The U.S. Mint has also issued different versions of the Gold Buffalo coins in past years, including fractional sizes and reverse proofs.
Ordering
2025-W $50 Proof American Buffalo Gold Coins can be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint through its webpage dedicated to gold coins.
Initial pricing is set at $4,240, based on gold’s average ranging between $3,300.00 and $3,349.99 per ounce. As with other U.S. Mint gold coins, the price is subject to change weekly based on market conditions.