Tuesday, August 15, 2006
2006 American Gold Buffalo
When you imagine the American west as it was 200 years ago, there can be no more powerful symbol than the hundreds of thousands of buffalos which blackened the prairies, kicking up dust and flattening everything in their paths. Though their presence on the plains was violently decimated during the nineteenth century, the power of that image is emblazoned on our collective American memory. To commemorate that image, the United States mint has created its first ever 24-karat gold coin, the 2006 American Gold Buffalo. A beautiful reminder of this western symbol, the gold buffalos are made of .9999 fine gold and weigh in at one ounce each. The gold buffalos are a must for every coin collector or for anyone interested in coins as an investment. Even if you are simply a fan of the American west, the gold buffalos are unique pieces of memorabilia whose value should increase with time.
The gold buffalos are reminiscent of the much-loved 1913 buffalo nickel that was designed by James Earle Fraser. Imprinted on the front is the denomination ($50), as well as its weight and quality. On the flip side of the gold buffalo is imprinted another poignant reminder of our nation’s history. The proud profile of a native American’s face, familiar from the Indian Head nickel, looks off into the distance. Gold buffalos are not in circulation, but they are available on the internet and are in stock and ready for shipping.
The development of the American west holds a unique place in our country’s history. Along with cattle drives, wagon trains, and tin sheriff stars, the Indian and the buffalo are inextricably woven into the fabric of American expansion. The gold buffalos honor these symbols. Such beautiful coins will be treasured by their owners for generations to come.
Buffalo Stampede
One of the things I remember doing with my dad when I was a child was looking through the collection of special coins that he kept in a metal tobacco tin. He would show me each one and tell me its story. Dad especially prized his silver half dollars that pictured John F. Kennedy since he had campaigned for him in college. Dad’s coins were all special to him for various reasons. I do not know whether the collection was of much value, but I still recall the pleasure he took in revisiting those coins.
Coin collecting is a hobby that never goes out of style. This year, the United States Mint has produced a very special coin, the 2006 American Gold Buffalo. The gold buffalo is reminiscent of the buffalo nickel minted in 1913 and cherished today. If you are looking to invest in a new coin, the gold buffalo is the one to acquire. Even if you are not a coin collector, the gold buffalo is an excellent investment.
The beautiful gold buffalo is special in part because it is the first 24-karat gold coin ever to be minted in the United States. The front side shows a full buffalo in profile. The reverse side of the gold buffalo pictures an Indian’s head in profile. The denomination, $50, is imprinted on the front. Also imprinted are the weight of the coin and its quality. The gold buffalo coins are not in circulation, but they are available online and are ready to be shipped.
Any collector would be delighted to own a gold buffalo. With its sentimental nod to the famous 1913 buffalo nickel and its distinction of being the only U.S.-minted gold coin in history, the gold buffalo represents a valuable addition to any collection.
