American Gold Buffalo · 1 oz

Different purity, the same one-ounce gold target

A one-ounce Gold Buffalo and a one-ounce Gold Eagle each contain one fine troy ounce of gold. Their purity and gross weights differ; their stated fine-gold content does not.

This profile is for the $50 one-ounce Buffalo only. Exclude the 2008 fractional sizes, and match the finish when comparing bullion and collector sales.

Dates and details worth a second look

This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.

• Issue distinction

  2008-W burnished $50

  The one-ounce burnished uncirculated issue is different from no-mintmark bullion and the fractional 2008 products.

  Check the attribution reference ↗
• Proof issue

  2013-W reverse proof

  A specific anniversary finish with frosted fields and mirrored devices, not a conventional proof.

  Check the attribution reference ↗

Two questions, not one price

What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 1 fine troy ounces of gold per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce gold quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.

What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.

The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.

Build a useful comparison

1. Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
2. Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
3. Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
4. Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.

Compare sold prices with the step-by-step tool →

References and further checking

Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.

• U.S. Mint bullion specifications ↗
• 2008-W burnished $50 — reference ↗
• 2013-W reverse proof — reference ↗
• NGC gold melt-value reference ↗

Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.