Payment Method Options
Standard pricing
Lower pricing available
1 oz American Gold Buffalo Random Year BU
1 oz American Gold Buffalo Random Year BU
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
What is a 1 oz American Gold Buffalo?
The 1 oz American Gold Buffalo is the United States Mint's first and only 24-karat gold bullion coin, containing exactly one troy ounce of 99.99% pure gold. Introduced in 2006, this legal tender coin carries a $50 face value and features James Earle Fraser's iconic Native American chief and American bison designs from the 1913 Buffalo Nickel. Random year Gold Buffaloes offer investors the same pure gold content and government guarantee as current year issues, typically at lower premiums over spot price. Each coin is minted at the West Point facility and meets the highest purity standards in American coinage, making it eligible for precious metals IRAs and recognized in global gold markets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Buffaloes
An American Gold Buffalo contains exactly one troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of 99.99% pure gold, making it the purest gold coin ever produced by the United States Mint. The total weight of the coin is 31.108 grams, with the minimal difference accounting for trace elements. This 24-karat purity matches international standards set by coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, ensuring the Buffalo contains the maximum possible gold content in a government-issued bullion coin.
Random year Gold Buffaloes contain identical gold content and carry the same government guarantee as current year issues, but are selected from various production years between 2006 and recent years. The primary advantage is cost efficiency—random year coins typically trade at lower premiums over spot price while maintaining brilliant uncirculated condition. Current year coins appeal to collectors seeking specific dates, while random year options serve investors focused on acquiring pure gold at the most competitive prices.
Gold Buffaloes typically command slightly higher premiums than Gold Eagles due to their superior 99.99% purity compared to the Eagle's 91.67% gold content. The Buffalo's 24-karat composition requires more careful handling and storage, adding to production and distribution costs. Additionally, as a newer program introduced in 2006 versus the Eagle's 1986 start, Buffaloes have lower overall mintages and stronger collector interest in certain years, contributing to marginally higher market premiums.
Gold Buffaloes offer several investment advantages including maximum gold purity, U.S. government backing, global recognition, and IRA eligibility. Their 24-karat composition appeals to investors seeking the purest form of gold ownership, while the iconic American design ensures strong liquidity. Random year Buffaloes provide particularly good value by offering all these benefits at lower premiums than current year issues. However, like all precious metals investments, gold prices fluctuate and investors should consider their overall portfolio strategy and risk tolerance.
Authentic Gold Buffaloes display several security features including precise weight (31.108 grams total), exact diameter (32.70mm), and crisp design details with proper inscriptions. Professional verification methods include electronic testers that measure conductivity, ultrasonic thickness gauges, and XRF analyzers. Visual inspection should reveal sharp strikes on design elements, correct font styles, and proper edge reeding. When purchasing, buy only from reputable dealers who guarantee authenticity and can provide documentation of their sourcing from authorized distributors.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Range | 2006 to Previous Years |
| Face Value | $50 USD Legal Tender |
| Gold Content | 1 troy oz (31.1035 grams) |
| Purity | 99.99% gold (24 karat) |
| Total Weight | 31.108 grams |
| Diameter | 32.70 mm |
| Thickness | 2.95 mm |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Mint Facility | West Point (No Mint Mark) |
| Designer | James Earle Fraser |
| IRA Eligible | Yes |
| Condition | Brilliant Uncirculated |
Gold Buffalo vs Other Gold Bullion Coins
American Gold Eagle Comparison
While both are U.S. Mint products containing one ounce of pure gold, the Buffalo offers 99.99% purity versus the Eagle's 91.67% gold content alloyed with silver and copper. Eagles are more durable due to their alloy composition, but Buffaloes provide maximum purity for investors prioritizing elemental gold ownership. The Buffalo's pure gold composition makes it softer and more susceptible to handling marks, requiring careful storage. Both carry identical government guarantees and IRA eligibility.
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Comparison
The Gold Buffalo matches the Maple Leaf's 99.99% purity standard, making them equivalent in gold content. The Buffalo features distinctly American imagery celebrating frontier heritage, while the Maple Leaf displays Canadian national symbols. Both coins are recognized globally, though the Maple Leaf has a longer market history since 1979. The Buffalo's introduction in 2006 gave American investors a domestic pure gold option comparable to this international standard.
South African Krugerrand Comparison
The Krugerrand contains one ounce of pure gold in a 91.67% composition similar to the American Eagle, making it more durable than the pure gold Buffalo. As the world's first modern bullion coin from 1967, the Krugerrand enjoys exceptional global recognition. However, the Buffalo's higher purity and American origin make it preferred for U.S.-based investors seeking maximum gold content with domestic government backing.
Understanding 24-Karat Gold Purity in Bullion Coins
The American Gold Buffalo's 99.99% purity represents the pinnacle of refined gold, containing 999.9 parts gold per thousand with only trace impurities. This 24-karat standard matches the highest purity levels achievable in modern minting, differentiating it from traditional U.S. gold coins that used 90% or 91.67% compositions for durability. Pure gold's malleability creates both advantages and considerations—while offering maximum precious metal content per coin, it requires more careful handling than alloyed alternatives. The softness of 24-karat gold means Buffaloes can show hairline scratches or contact marks more readily than harder coins, making protective storage essential. This purity level has become the international standard for bullion products, with major mints worldwide producing 99.99% pure options to meet investor demand for elemental gold ownership.
Investment Strategies for Random Year Gold Buffaloes
Random year Gold Buffaloes serve multiple investment strategies, from portfolio diversification to wealth preservation. Dollar-cost averaging becomes particularly effective with random year coins, as their lower premiums allow investors to accumulate more ounces over time compared to current year purchases. These coins excel as a hedge against currency devaluation and inflation, providing tangible asset ownership outside the traditional financial system. For retirement planning, their IRA eligibility enables tax-advantaged gold accumulation within qualified accounts. Bulk purchasers often prefer random year options to maximize ounce accumulation within fixed budgets. The strategy works especially well for investors viewing gold as catastrophe insurance or generational wealth transfer vehicles, where specific dates matter less than total gold content. Market timing becomes less critical when focusing on long-term accumulation at competitive premiums.
Gold Buffalo Production Milestones
Authenticity Guaranteed
Every Gold Buffalo verified through multiple authentication methods
Secure Shipping
Fully insured delivery with discreet packaging and tracking
Industry Expertise
Decades of experience in precious metals markets
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not, and should not be construed as, investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Anchor Bullion LLC is a precious metals dealer and is not a licensed or registered financial advisor, broker-dealer, or financial planner. All investments, including precious metals, involve risk, and the past performance of an asset is not a guarantee of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Anchor bullion is not responsible for pricing and/or typographical errors.