What is the name of the 24-karat gold bullion coin issued by the United States?

The 24-karat gold bullion coin issued by the United States is the American Buffalo. The United States Mint first offered the coin in 2006 as its first .9999-fine, 24-karat bullion coin.

The one-troy-ounce version has a $50 face value, although its market value follows the price of gold and is far higher than its legal-tender denomination. Its design adapts James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo nickel: the obverse shows a Native American profile, while the reverse depicts an American bison.

The coin is often confused with the American Eagle, another major U.S. gold bullion coin. The American Eagle is a 22-karat alloy containing gold mixed with silver and copper, while the American Buffalo is nearly pure gold. The Buffalo’s high fineness makes it especially recognizable among U.S. bullion issues.

The design also explains the coin’s nickname, “Gold Buffalo.” Fractional sizes have been issued, but the one-ounce coin is the flagship bullion version associated with the $50 denomination.