2013-W $50 American Gold Buffalo .9999 Fine NGC PR70UCAM Early Releases

It was in 2006 that the United States Mint first released the American Buffalo Gold Coin, a 24-karat coin, per the Presidential $1 Coin Act. This was the first time ever (2006) that the U.S. government has produced a pure (.9999) 24-karat gold coin for the public. Since its initial offering the coin's value has skyrocketed. The price of this piece 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.

The mintage for this 2013-W (West Point Mint) issue was 18,594 and NGC has graded 3,411 as PF70 Ultra Cameo. 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.

Sculptor and medalist James Earle Fraser, who crafted the design on the original Buffalo nickel (1913-1938).