2010 Gold Buffalo
The 2010 Gold Buffalo was first available from the United States Mint on April 29, 2010. This represented the first day that orders could be placed for the bullion version of the coin by the Mint’s authorized purchaser network. These authorized purchasers buy the coins in bulk and then resell them to other bullion dealers or the public.
Similar to prior years, the 2010 American Gold Buffalo bullion coins are struck in a composition of 24 karat gold and are available in one ounce size only. The design of the coin is taken from James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel, minted for circulation from 1916 to 1937. The obverse features the portrait of a Native American and the reverse features an American Bison on mound.
The release date for this year’s bullion coins comes much earlier than the prior year, when the release was delayed until October 15, due to a limited supply of precious metals blanks. So far during 2010, the United States Mint has evidenced that they are catching up with the unusually high worldwide demand for gold bullion coins. In addition to the earlier release date for the 24 karat gold coins, the Mint removed rationing programs earlier in the year for other gold coins.
A collector version of the 2010 Gold Buffalo is also planned for release by the United States Mint later this year. One ounce coins will be minted with a proof finish and available for purchase directly from the United States Mint. The release date has been set for June 3, 2010. The pricing, ordering information, and potential mintage limits are not yet known for the collectible version of the coin.
