American Gold Eagles & American Gold Buffalos

What are American Gold Eagles?

First minted in 1986, the American Gold Eagle Coin instantly became one of the most popular gold coins ever struck anywhere, anytime, a status that it retains to this day.

When the American Gold Eagle Program started in 1986, no one anticipated that stackers would take a keen interest in obtaining the coins by date, mintmark, finish, and quality. Gold Eagles in near-perfect Mint State and Proof 69 and Perfect 70 Condition, as graded by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), are highly coveted.

The American Gold Eagle Coins are made in four denominations that contain 1 Oz., 1/2 Oz., 1/4 Oz., and 1/10 Oz. of pure gold, respectively. The coins are struck in .9167 pure gold, with a face value reminiscent of Classic U.S. Gold Coins. The $5 coin weighs 3.93 grams, the $10 weighs 8.483 grams, the $25 weighs 16.966 grams and the $50 weighs a hefty 33.931 grams.

American Gold Eagles have been struck at the Philadelphia Mint in both Proof and Mint State finish and at the West Point Mint in Mint State and Burnished finish. The West Point coins display a Prominent "W" mintmark.

The United States Government guarantees the gold content and purity of these coins. The actual gold weight and face value are stamped right into the surface of the coin.

What are American Gold Buffalos?

The American Gold Buffalo is one of the most spectacular gold coins ever struck by the United States Mint. It features a near exact rendition of the 1913 Buffalo Nickel, but minted in .9999 pure gold. The Buffalo Nickel struck between 1913 and 1938 is one of the most popular coins ever struck. It's classic Wild West design of a Native American Chief and an American bison symbolize the American frontier, which was still prevalent in the American consciousness in 1913.

For decades, many numismatists lamented the passing of the Buffalo's iconic design; however, in 2001, the U.S. Mint struck a Silver Dollar that replicated the nickel in both Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof condition. The coin was wildly popular with numismatists and sold out in a matter of days. Inspired by the success of the Buffalo Silver Dollar, the Mint reprised the design once again in 2006, making the American Gold Buffalo the first U.S. gold coin ever struck in .9999 gold.

The obverse of the coin features a noble Native American, which James Earle Fraser, the designer of the nickel said was a montage of the features of several different individuals. The bison on the reverse is modeled after "Black Diamond," a resident of the New York Central Park Zoo, and the most famous "buffalo" of the day.