The 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo Coin (Buy on eBay) was offered by the United States Mint late in the year, following some uncertainty about the status of the offering.
Near the end of the previous year, the U.S. Mint had announced the discontinuation of the fractional proof and the collectible uncirculated American Gold Buffalo coins. The only collectible Gold Buffalo expected for 2009 was the one ounce proof version. Early in 2009, both the bullion and proof coins were announced as delayed, since the U.S. Mint had decided to devote resources to meeting demand for 22 karat gold bullion coins. Some conflicting reports from the press raised doubts about whether any 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo coins would be produced.
Finally, in October an announcement revealed that the 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo would be available for sale starting on October 29, 2009. The initial price of the coins was $1,360 each and there were no household ordering limits imposed. The one ounce 24 karat gold coins were packaged in a hardwood box with a matte finish, along with a certificate of authenticity signed by the Director of the U.S. Mint.
In the first three days of availability, the United States Mint sold 19,468 coins, already surpassing the number of one ounce proof Gold Buffalo coins sold in the prior year. Sales would continue into the following year, with a few price adjustments along the way to account for fluctuations in the price of gold. The U.S. Mint price would range from $1,360 to $1,460.
On March 29, 2010, the 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo Coins were announced as sold out. The final audited mintage figure for the offering was 49,306. At the time, this amount ranked as the second lowest mintage for a one ounce Proof Gold Buffalo.
2009 Proof Gold Buffalo Specifications
- Mintage: 49,306
- 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)
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