Coin Specifications

Following modifications to the standard gold content, the $2.50 gold denomination was minted in considerably higher numbers and experienced more meaningful circulation. The new design which began this shift was only minted for a brief period from 1834 to 1839, but would have a significant and continuing impact.

The obverse design of the so-called Classic Head Quarter Eagle features a depiction of Liberty facing left. Her hair is bound by a ribbon, which carries the word “Liberty”. There are thirteen stars around and the date below to complete the image. On the verse is a bald eagle carried over from the previous design. It has a shield at its chest and an olive branch and bundle of arrows in its talons. The words “United States of America” are above, widely spaced. The scroll with motto that was present on the previous series was removed.

Initially production for the series took place at the Philadelphia Mint. Within one year, more than 100,000 pieces were struck, exceeding the total mintage for the denomination across all previous years. Production would also take place at southern branch mints starting in 1838. These included Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. A change in the gold purity took place in the middle of the series, switching from 89.92% purity to 90% purity. The remaining composition consisted of copper and silver.

Classic Head Quarter Eagle Coin Specifications

quarter eagles classic head

The American Gold Buffalo was introduced in 2006 as the first 24 karat gold coin produced by the United States Mint. The launch of the new series was motivated by competition from other world mints, who offered gold bullion and collector coins in finer purity than the US Mint’s existing American Gold Eagle Coins. While the US Mint dominated sales in the overall gold bullion market, the absence of a coin in 24 karat purity left the Mint out of the important market.

The design chosen for the new bullion series was based on the Buffalo Nickel designed by James Earle Fraser. The obverse of the coin contains the portrait of a Native American chief with a headdress. This was based on the composite of three real life models. The reverse of the coin depicted an American Bison, commonly referred to as a buffalo, on a mound. This was based on Black Diamond of the Central Park Zoo.

American Gold Buffalo coins were first made available to the public on June 22, 2006 when bullion coins were distributed through authorized purchasers. The US Mint also offered a collectible proof version of the coins for direct sale.

Each coin is struck in 24 karat gold, or .9999 purity. The coins have a weight of 31.108 grams or 1.0001 troy ounces, yielding 1 troy ounce of pure gold. The diameter is 31.108 mm.

During the series, the coins have always been struck at the West Point Mint. The bullion versions do not contain a mint mark. The proof and collectible uncirculated versions carry the “W” mint mark on the obverse.

American Gold Buffalo Coin Specifications

bullion Gold Buffalo