2012-W $50 American Gold Buffalo .9999 Fine, First Strike PCGS PR70DCAM

It was in the year 2006 that the United States Mint first released the American Buffalo Gold Coin, a 24-karat coin, as per the Presidential $1 Coin Act. This was the first time ever that the U.S. government had produced a pure (.9999) 24-karat gold coin for the public. Since its initial offering, the coin's value has soared. The price of this specimen in June of 2006 was $800.00. This coin, struck at the West Point Mint, contains 1.000 troy ounce of gold (31.1035 grams) and its diameter is 32.70 mm.

James Earle Fraser, the artist-medalist who crafted the Buffalo Nickel design which is replicated on this coin. Photo: Wikipedia.

The mintage for this 2012-W (West Point Mint) issue was 19,765 and PCGS has graded 919 as PF70 Deep Cameo. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $2,650.00 in PR70DCAM. The American Buffalo Gold Coin’s obverse and reverse present the famous coin designs crafted by renowned sculptor and medalist James Earle Fraser, who was once a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

The coin features a recreation of the popular “Buffalo” nickel that was produced from 1913 until 1938.  It got its nickname from the American Bison on the reverse side of the coin. Fraser’s original design was inspired by his love of the American Old West, its lore, and its people.  His initial ‘F’ is found under the date, as it was on the beloved Buffalo nickels.