American Gold Buffalo

American Buffalo Gold Coins are legal tender, .9999 pure 24-carat, 1-ounce gold with a face value of $50. They were first minted in June 2006 under the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. Title II of the act announced the striking and issuing of $50 Gold American Buffalo bullion and proof coins. It marked the first time in history that the U.S. Mint produced a .9999 pure 24- carat gold coin. Classically crafted, it evokes a golden age of coin artistry. American Buffalo Gold Coins were designed by James Earle Fraser, a student of the legendary sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Elegantly designed, buffalo coins remained in use for 25 years then resurfaced with the release of the ‘American Buffalo Commemorative Coin’ in 2001. The coin's feature images were originally created for America's five-cent coin, introduced in 1913. Known as the "Indian Head," or "Buffalo Nickel," it showcases the native beauty of the American West. The Coin Design The obverse (front) of the coin depicts a Native American Chief. Fraser blended the profiles of three renowned chiefs from Native American Indian tribes (Big Tree, Iron Tail, and Two Moons). Each posed for him to ensure the likenesses were captured correctly. The motto “LIBERTY” rests top right, the year of mintage bottom left and below that the initial “F” depicting Fraser’s name. The reverse of the coin features a left-facing buffalo standing atop a rock or mound. His powerful presence is all-encompassing, with his head and tail pressing against the coin edges.