Gold Buffalo Specifications
Technical details and investor-facing facts for the 1 oz American Gold Buffalo, America's purest gold bullion coin.
Technical Specifications
| Purity | .9999 fine gold (24-karat) |
| Gold Content | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Gross Weight | 1.0001 troy ounce (31.1080 grams) |
| Diameter | 32.70 mm (1.287 inches) |
| Thickness | 2.95 mm (0.116 inches) |
| Face Value | $50 USD (legal tender) |
| Mint | United States Mint |
| First Minted | 2006 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| IRA Eligible | Yes |
The .9999 Purity Advantage
At .9999 fineness (24-karat), the Gold Buffalo is the purest gold coin produced by the U.S. Mint.
- •Maximum gold content: Virtually 100% of the coin's weight is pure gold
- •IRS compliance: Exceeds the .995 minimum fineness for Precious Metals IRAs
- •Global recognition: Comparable purity to the Canadian Maple Leaf and other international 24-karat coins
- •Simple valuation: Gold content equals coin weight, making spot price calculations straightforward
Learn more about purity and composition at Monex Knowledge Base
Legal Tender Status
The American Gold Buffalo carries a $50 face value and is official United States legal tender. This government backing provides:
Authenticity Assurance
Produced by the U.S. Mint with strict quality controls and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Government Guarantee
Weight and purity backed by the full faith of the United States government.
Market Recognition
Widely recognized and accepted by dealers worldwide, supporting liquidity.
IRA Eligibility
Legal tender status is one requirement for Precious Metals IRA inclusion.
IRA Eligibility Considerations
American Gold Buffalo coins qualify for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (Self-Directed IRA). Key considerations:
- ✓Meets IRS purity requirement (.9999 exceeds .995 minimum)
- ✓Produced by an approved national mint (U.S. Mint)
- ✓Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and depository
- ✓Cannot be stored at home for IRA purposes
Note: This is general information, not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or IRA custodian for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Premium Drivers
Gold Buffalo coins trade at a premium above the spot price of gold. Factors that influence premiums include:
Minting Costs
U.S. Mint production, quality control, and distribution expenses.
Dealer Margins
Wholesale and retail markups that fund dealer operations.
Supply & Demand
Mint production capacity versus investor demand for physical gold.
Market Conditions
Economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and safe-haven demand can increase premiums.
Product Recognition
The Buffalo's government backing and global recognition support competitive spreads.
View current Gold Buffalo pricing at Monex Price Charts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of the American Gold Buffalo?
The American Gold Buffalo is .9999 fine gold, meaning it contains 99.99% pure gold (24-karat). This makes it the purest gold coin produced by the U.S. Mint and one of the purest gold bullion coins available worldwide.
How much gold is in a 1 oz Gold Buffalo?
Each 1 oz American Gold Buffalo contains exactly 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of pure gold. Because of the .9999 purity, virtually all of the coin's weight is gold content.
Is the Gold Buffalo legal tender?
Yes, the American Gold Buffalo carries a $50 face value and is official U.S. legal tender, backed by the United States government. However, its gold content is worth significantly more than the face value.
Can I hold Gold Buffalo coins in an IRA?
Yes, American Gold Buffalo coins meet IRS requirements for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (also called a Gold IRA). The .9999 purity exceeds the IRS minimum fineness requirement of .995 for gold. You'll need a qualified custodian and approved depository to hold IRA-owned coins.
Why does the Gold Buffalo have a premium over spot price?
Premiums reflect minting costs, dealer margins, and supply/demand dynamics. The Gold Buffalo's premium accounts for U.S. Mint production costs, distribution, the coin's legal tender status, and its recognition as a trusted government-minted product. Premiums vary based on market conditions.
How does the Gold Buffalo compare to the Gold Eagle in purity?
The Gold Buffalo is .9999 fine (24-karat pure gold), while the Gold Eagle is .9167 fine (22-karat). Both coins contain 1 troy ounce of gold, but the Eagle is alloyed with copper and silver for durability, making it slightly heavier overall. Investors choose based on preference for purity versus durability.
What affects Gold Buffalo premiums?
Key premium drivers include: mint production capacity, dealer inventory levels, overall demand for physical gold, the coin's recognition and liquidity, and broader precious metals market conditions. During high demand periods, premiums typically increase.
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