2011 American Buffalo 1 oz 9999 Gold Coin (with coin capsule)

The 2011 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin is the first .9999 gold bullion coin offered by the United States Mint. The series debuted in 2006 in both proof and bullion versions and is struck from one ounce of .9999 fine 24-karat gold. The design is a modification of James Earle Fraser’s Indian Head nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, making it a true U.S. national treasure.

The obverse depicts a Native American man in profile, his hair tied into a braid with feathers near the crown of his head. The face is a blend of three Indian chiefs: Big Tree, Iron Tail and Two Moons. The word LIBERTY is engraved on the right, and 2011 is on his shoulder.

The coin’s name is derived from the reverse, which features an image of an American Bison — also known as a buffalo. It is believed to be an image of Black Diamond, who lived in the New York City Central Park Zoo when Fraser was designing the coin. The bison is depicted in profile with curved horn and lowered head.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is written on the top rim and 1OZ .9999 FINE GOLD on the bottom rim. The reverse also includes the words E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST and $50.

These coins are produced to meet collector demand with no mintage, household or production limits in place.