Is the Gold Buffalo Coin Real?
The American Buffalo coin, officially authorized by Congress under Public Law 109-145, first entered circulation in 2006.
The coin features an image depicting an elegant Native American portrait that may represent multiple real-life figures such as Iron Tail and Two Moons.
Origin
The American Buffalo Gold Coin, first issued in 2006 and designed from 99.99% pure gold, has become one of the world’s most beloved gold bullion coins since. Legal tender with a $50 face value, it has become an indispensable component of everyday life.
The American Buffalo gold coin features on its obverse the profile of a Native American, created from a composite image combining three separate Native American tribe chiefs’ profiles. Fraser used Iron Tail from Lakota Sioux tribe chief Iron Tail Two Moons from Cheyenne chief Two Moons from Cheyenne chief Two Moons from Cheyenne chief Two Moons from Cheyenne chief Big Tree from Kiowa tribe chief Big Tree as reference points.
The coin’s reverse features a full-length American bison believed to be inspired by Black Diamond, an animal which resided at New York City Central Park Zoo during its early 1900s tenure. Inscriptions on its surface include “LIBERTY”, the year of mintage and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are also inscribed upon it.
Design
The coin features the obverse with an image of a Native American male created by sculptor James Earle Fraser using three individual Indian tribe chiefs as models: Big Tree, Iron Tail and Two Moons who all posed for him to ensure accuracy. “LIBERTY” can be seen at its core; with mintage year below.
The reverse features a buffalo, inspired by Black Diamond from Central Park Zoo at the time Fraser designed the Indian Head Nickel coin. Inscribed on it near Black Diamond are its face value of $50 as well as “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
Weight
The Gold Buffalo coin combines iconic American designs with the highest purity available on the market – each one-ounce coin contains 99.99% fine gold and has a face value of $50 – making it legal tender.
James Earle Fraser incorporated features from sketches of three American Indian tribe chiefs into his design for this coin’s obverse, drawing upon his experiences living on the American frontier to shape this artwork.
On the reverse of each coin is an image of an American bison modeled after Black Diamond who lived at New York City’s Central Park Zoo during early 1900s. Additionally, denomination, weight and purity (.9999 pure gold) information can be found there as well.
Value
The American Gold Buffalo is a popular choice among bullion investors looking to diversify their precious metals portfolio. Minted from 24-karat gold, this coin boasts a face value of $50 while featuring an attractive design which pays tribute to Native American heritage and the splendor of America’s frontier landscape.
The coin features the right profile of a Native American, created from sketches by James Earle Fraser who served as an apprentice of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, whose work can also be found on this coin.
The coin’s reverse side depicts an American bison in full length and left-facing position – representing this majestic animal nearly hunted to extinction but now one of America’s iconic symbols.
Counterfeiting
Counterfeiters pose a real threat when shopping online for gold bullion coins, from crude copies to more advanced counterfeits that may be hard to distinguish from real products. Being aware of how counterfeiters operate is important – smart buyers know this all too well!
The American Buffalo gold coin features an obverse with a full-length, right-facing portrait of a Native American from three distinct American Indian tribes – Big Tree, Iron Tail and Two Moons – while its reverse depicts an American bison, representing its frontier past.
This coin is a $50 gold bullion coin with the denominational inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. First introduced into circulation by the United States Mint in 2006, this bullion coin represents one of their newest bullion offerings.
Minting
The Gold Buffalo Coin is a one-ounce, 24-karat bullion coin mandated to be produced starting in 2005 by Public Law 109-145, along with the Presidential Dollar Series that began in 2007 and the cent redesign that occurred in 2009.
The coin’s design is inspired by the legendary Buffalo Nickel, circulating from 1913-1938 and designed by James Earle Fraser as part of his studies under Augustus Saint-Gaudens. On its obverse sits a right profile depiction of a Native American, created from composite sketches featuring Iron Tail, Two Moons and John Big Tree tribe chiefs based upon composite sketches created by Fraser himself.
Coins featuring classic designs and 99.99% gold purity make for attractive investments; however, to maximize returns it is vital to only do business with trustworthy dealers and conduct ample research prior to any purchases being made.
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