Today, March 15, 2012, the 2012 American Gold Buffalo Proof Coins went on sale at the United States Mint. This series remains popular with many collectors due to the classic design and the .9999 fine 24 karat gold composition.
The American Gold Buffalo design is based on the original 1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser. (See: The Design of the Buffalo Nickel.) The obverse includes the portrait of a Native American with the inscriptions “Liberty” and the date “2012”. The reverse features the image of an American Bison or buffalo with inscriptions “United States of America”, “E Pluribus Unum”, and “In God We Trust”. The legal tender value of “$50” and weight and purity of the coin “1 oz. .9999 Fine Gold” appear on the mound beneath the buffalo.
The 2012 Proof Gold Buffalo is struck at the West Point Mint and carries the “W” mint mark. Each coin has a diameter of 1.287 inches, thickness of 0.116 inches, and weight of 1.0001 troy ounce.
No maximum mintage has been established and no household ordering limits are imposed. Packaging consists of an elegant hardwood box with matte finish and faux leather inset, along with a certificate of authenticity.
Initial pricing for the coin is $1,960.00. The price could vary weekly based on the average market price of gold.
The US Mint has continued to sell the prior year 2011 Proof Gold Buffalo. This coin originally went on sale May 19, 2011 and has sold 25,802 units as of the latest available sales report.
Michael,
Was just wondering if you would be commenting on the sellout of the 2012 buffalo at the mint,(Friday)
before Tuesday?
Dying to read your blog.
Matthew
Yes, I will have something on Monday.