24-Karat · .9999 Fine Gold · U.S. Legal Tender
American
Gold Buffalo
America's first and purest 24-karat gold bullion coin. Minted by the U.S. Mint with .9999 fine purity.
Live Gold Buffalo Pricing
Current market data for the 1 oz American Gold Buffalo.
American Gold Buffalo Price
Product pricing (AB)
Current Ask Price
$4,795.10
per 1 oz Gold Buffalo
Bid
$4,607.10
Ask
$4,795.10
Market Stats
Open
$4,812.50
High
$4,820.60
Low
$4,760.40
Prev Close
$4,788.00
As of: Jan 15, 2026, 12:30 PM
American Gold Buffalo (AB) pricing from Monex • Updated on page load
Why American Gold Buffalo?
The first 24-karat gold bullion coin from the U.S. Mint, with .9999 fine purity and full government backing.
.9999 Fine Purity
Minted from 24-karat gold at .9999 fineness. Unlike the Gold Eagle (.9167 fine), the Buffalo contains one full troy ounce of pure gold with no alloys.
U.S. Legal Tender
Produced by the U.S. Mint with a $50 face value. Weight and purity are guaranteed by the federal government, ensuring worldwide dealer recognition.
IRA Eligible
Qualifies for Precious Metals IRAs under IRS rules. The .9999 purity exceeds the .995 fineness minimum required for tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Who Buys Gold Buffalo Coins?
The American Gold Buffalo appeals to investors who prioritize purity, government backing, and strong liquidity.
Purity-Focused Investors
Investors who want maximum gold content choose the Buffalo's .9999 fine purity over alloyed coins. Each coin contains exactly one troy ounce of pure 24-karat gold.
IRA Investors
Those building Precious Metals IRAs value the Buffalo's IRS-approved status, government guarantee, and strong secondary market for eventual distributions.
Collectors & Investors
The James Earle Fraser design, with its Native American profile and American bison, appeals to collectors and bullion investors alike.
Capital Requirement
Based on current Gold Buffalo (AB) ask price:
per 1 oz Gold Buffalo
AB pricing varies with gold spot and dealer premiums
Comparing Gold Bullion Coins
Understanding how the American Gold Buffalo compares to other leading gold bullion coins helps you make informed decisions.
| Feature | Gold Buffalo | Gold Eagle | Maple Leaf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Purity | .9999 (24K) | .9167 (22K) | .9999 (24K) |
| Issuing Mint | U.S. Mint | U.S. Mint | Royal Canadian |
| Face Value | $50 USD | $50 USD | $50 CAD |
| IRA Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Premium | 3-5% | 3-5% | 2-4% |
| Best For | Purity + U.S. Legal Tender | Durability | Purity + Low Premium |
Iconic Design & Heritage
The American Gold Buffalo features one of the most celebrated coin designs in U.S. history.
Obverse: Native American Portrait
The obverse features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs, Iron Tail (Lakota), Big Tree (Kiowa), and Two Moons (Cheyenne), designed by James Earle Fraser for the original 1913 Buffalo Nickel.
Historical Note: Fraser wanted to create a “truly American” coin design, distinct from European influences.
Reverse: American Bison
The reverse depicts “Black Diamond,” an American bison who lived in New York's Central Park Zoo in the early 1900s. This powerful image symbolizes the American frontier and natural heritage.
First Minted: The Gold Buffalo debuted in 2006 as the U.S. Mint's first .9999 fine gold bullion coin.
Questions & Answers
Common questions about American Gold Buffalo coins answered by our editorial team.
What is the American Gold Buffalo coin?
The American Gold Buffalo is a 24-karat gold bullion coin minted by the U.S. Mint since 2006. It contains exactly 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine (pure) gold, making it the first U.S. Mint coin to achieve this purity level. The coin carries a $50 face value and is legal tender in the United States.
Why is the Gold Buffalo .9999 pure instead of alloyed like the Gold Eagle?
The Gold Buffalo was created to compete with other 24-karat bullion coins like the Canadian Maple Leaf. While the Gold Eagle uses a .9167 fine alloy (22-karat) with copper and silver for durability, the Buffalo's .9999 purity appeals to investors who want maximum gold content and those whose IRA custodians require pure gold products.
How much does an American Gold Buffalo cost?
At current gold prices, an American Gold Buffalo costs approximately ~$4,560–$5,030 depending on spot price and dealer premiums. The price consists of the gold spot value plus a premium typically ranging from 3-5% for standard bullion coins.
Are Gold Buffalo coins easy to sell?
Yes, American Gold Buffalo coins are highly liquid. As U.S. Mint products with legal tender status, they're recognized and readily purchased by dealers worldwide. Most established dealers will buy Gold Buffalo coins at competitive prices, typically within 2-3% of spot.
Can I hold Gold Buffalo coins in my IRA?
Yes, American Gold Buffalo coins are IRS-approved for Precious Metals IRAs. Their .9999 fine purity exceeds the IRS minimum of .995 for gold, and their government-minted status meets eligibility requirements. Coins must be held by an approved custodian in an approved depository while in your IRA.
Further Reading
View current pricing or browse the resource library for detailed guides on premiums, storage, and IRA eligibility.