The 2010 Proof Gold Buffalo (Buy on eBay) 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, 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.
Fractional Denominations Discontinued
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 three days of availability, the U.S. 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. Sales would continue for the remainder of the year and into the following year. The pricing for the coin would vary, in line with the market price of gold. During the course of the offering, the U.S. Mint sales price ranged from $1,510 to $1,810.
A sell out occurred on May 10, 2011. The final audited mintage for the issue was 49,263, which was just slightly below the mintage for the 2009-dated proof coin.
2010 Proof Gold Buffalo Specifications
- Mintage: 49,263
- 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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