2019 Buffalo at the Castle, Smithsonian Collection 2pc Set NGC GEM Proof

Coins Honoring Our National Zoo

When the National Zoo first opened in Washington, D.C., in 1889, there were only two types of animals: a small heard of Buffalo and a lone Golden Eagle. Of course, this was a real thrill, for most people from the East Coast had never seen a “Western” animal such as the great American Buffalo. However, when a small herd of bison was brought to live in a pen behind the Smithsonian® Castle, families from throughout the area made routine trips to see the magnificent creatures. That attraction was so popular that a bill was eventually drafted by Congress and signed by then-President Grover Cleveland, and the National Zoo was born!

Plains bison (American Buffalo). Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

To honor this grand institution, in 2019 the Smithsonian authorized the release of a series of coins commemorating the founding of the National Zoo. Designed by six-time Coin of the Year-winner Natanya van Niekerk, known for her Gold Natura Africa Wildlife series from the South African Mint, the first release of the series presents an American Buffalo. It’s displayed striding to the left on the coin above the words, “FOUNDING OF THE NATIONAL ZOO.” The mighty beast is beneath a sky lit by the Smithsonian’s sun emblem. The reverse features President Grover Cleveland with the sun emblem and date 2019.

The 2019 Smithsonian Buffalo at the Castle has a theme that is reminiscent of James Earle Fraser’s famed Buffalo Nickel design issued from 1913-1938. It also represents Niekerk’s first-ever American wildlife design. It was quite a coup for the Smithsonian to recruit such a talented designer.

This 2-piece set includes two beautiful one-ounce coins: one in 99.9% pure gold and the other in 99.9% pure silver. Each has been graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as being in stunning Gem Proof condition. These commemorative pieces were expertly crafted from hand-selected planchets, polished dies and multiple strikes, resulting in beautifully frosted devices rising over deep mirror-like fields.