WASHINGTON — The United States Mint will begin sales at noon today for the 2013 American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Reverse Proof Coin (product code BV1). The coin is being minted in honor of the 100th anniversary of the original design appearing on the Type I Buffalo nickel. Orders will be accepted for a four–week period that ends September 5 at 5 p.m. (ET). There is no household order limit, and the bureau will determine the number of coins produced based on customer demand.
In accordance with the bureau’s pricing structure for products containing gold and platinum, the coin is currently priced at $1,640.00. However, as with all United States Mint products containing precious metals, this price is subject to change. The 2013 pricing structure is available at http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/PMPricingGrid.pdf.
Please note: The United States Mint is offering free standard shipping and reducing the cost of “expedited” shipping by $4.95 on all domestic Web site orders placed during the period of July 26 at 9 a.m. ET through September 30, 2013, at 5 p.m. ET. Free standard shipping during this period applies only to orders placed on the Web site catalog that would normally carry the standard $4.95 or expedited $12.95 (+ $4.95) shipping fee. (Customers will still be charged $12.95 for expedited shipping.)
The American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Reverse Proof Coin is struck in .9999 fine, 24–karat gold at the United States Mint at West Point. The coin is produced in the same manner as a traditional proof coin. However, unlike the traditional proof coin, which has a mirror–like background and frosted design elements, the reverse proof coin has a frosted background and mirror–like design elements.
The coin’s obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) designs are based on James Earle Fraser’s original designs, first appearing in 1913. The obverse depicts the profile of a Native American, while the reverse depicts an American Buffalo (also known as a bison). Each coin is presented in an elegant matte finish hardwood box with a faux leather inset. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
The United States Mint accepts orders at its online catalog, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, and at 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). Hearing– and speech–impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1–888–321–MINT (6468).
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.