2010 Proof Gold Buffalo
2010 Proof American Gold Buffalo
The 2010 Proof Gold Buffalo was released by the United States Mint on June 3, 2010. The coins featured the same classic image of a Native American and American Bison that was originally designed by James Earle Fraser for the Buffalo Nickel.
The coins were released several months earlier than last year’s collectible offering for the popular 24 karat gold coins. The heavy demand for gold had slightly abated, allowing the United States Mint to meet demand for bullion coins and release the collectible proof version of the coin earlier. The initial pricing for the coins was $1,510 each, based on the average price of gold during the week leading up to the release. There were no household ordering limits or maximum production amounts established.
Only one ounce proof coins were available. The United States Mint had previously discontinued the fractional weight coins and uncirculated finishes that had been available in 2008.
In the first five days of availability, the US Mint recorded sales of 12,778 of the 2010 Proof Gold Buffalo coins. This put the offering on a slower pace than the previous year, which had initial sales of nearly 20,000 coins. The pace of sales continued to moderate in the following weeks. As of August 8, 2010, total sales for the offering had reached 24,891.
The 2010 Proof Gold Buffalo coins are expected to remain available from the United States Mint for the remainder of the year. This situation will remain contingent on the public’s demand for gold bullion coins.
2010 Proof Gold Buffalo Specifications:
Mintage: 24,891 (through August 8, 2010)
Mint Mark: W
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Composition: 24 karat (.9999 ) fine gold
Weight: 1.0001 troy ounce (31.1035 g)
Diameter: 1.287 inches (32.70 mm)
Thickness: 0.116 inches (2.95 mm)
