2006-W 1 oz Proof Gold Buffalo

A stunning 2006-W American Buffalo One-Ounce Gold Proof Coin, the inaugural release of the United States Mint’s first-ever 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold coin. This collector’s gem is presented in its original U.S. Mint display box, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), making it a prized addition to any collection or investment portfolio. The coin is showcasing its mirror-like proof finish and intricate design.

Key Features

• Year: 2006 (First Year of Issue)
• Composition: 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine (24-karat) gold
• Face Value: $50 USD (legal tender, though intrinsic value far exceeds)
• Mint: West Point, NY (bears “W” mint mark)
• Mintage: Limited to 246,267 proof coins
• Packaging: Original U.S. Mint clamshell case with black presentation box, outer sleeve with gold foil buffalo image, and Certificate of Authenticity
• Condition: Excellent, stored carefully (please see images for details)
• Catalog Number: BA6 (U.S. Mint)

History of the 2006 American Buffalo Gold Coin

Introduced in 2006, the American Buffalo Gold Coin marked a historic milestone as the first 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold coin ever produced by the United States Mint for public purchase. Authorized under the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-145), this coin was created to compete with other high-purity gold coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and South African Krugerrand, capturing approximately 60% of the global gold bullion market. The coin’s gold is sourced exclusively from newly mined American deposits, as mandated by law, ensuring its purity and authenticity are backed by the U.S. government.
The 2006 proof version, struck at the West Point Mint with a “W” mint mark, had a mintage limit of 300,000, with 246,267 coins ultimately produced, making it the highest mintage proof issue in the series. Its release on June 22, 2006, was met with immense demand, reflecting its appeal to collectors and investors. The proof coin’s mirror-like finish, achieved through a specialized minting process involving multiple strikes on polished blanks, enhances the intricate details of its iconic design.

Origin of the Coin’s Design

The American Buffalo Gold Coin revives the beloved design of the 1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel, created by renowned American sculptor James Earle Fraser, a student of the legendary Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Fraser, born in Winona, Minnesota, drew inspiration from his experiences in the American Midwest, capturing the spirit of the American West and its indigenous heritage.

Obverse (Heads): The obverse features a composite portrait of a Native American, crafted from Fraser’s sketches of three prominent chiefs: Iron Tail (Lakota Sioux), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and Big Tree (Kiowa). This right-facing profile, with two feathers in the hair, is paired with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “2006,” and Fraser’s initial “F.” The “W” mint mark, unique to proof coins, appears behind the neck, signifying production at the West Point Mint.

Reverse (Tails): The reverse showcases an American bison, inspired by Black Diamond, a famous bison residing at New York City’s Central Park Zoo in the early 20th century. The bison stands on a grassy mound, with inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “$50,” “1 OZ.,” and “.9999 FINE GOLD.” The design evokes the rugged beauty of the American Plains and the nation’s westward expansion.

Fraser’s design, originally used on the Buffalo Nickel from 1913 to 1938, is considered one of the most iconic in U.S. coinage history. Its revival in 2001 for a silver commemorative coin, which sold out its 500,000 mintage in just 15 days, underscored its enduring popularity, paving the way for the 2006 gold coin series. The proof version’s exquisite craftsmanship highlights the timeless artistry of Fraser’s work.
 

AMERICAN PROOF - AMERICAN BUFFALO ONE OUNCE GOLD PROOF COIN (W) - 2006 UNITED STATES COINS 01 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 11- US MINT / MINT PROOF SETS and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.