Issued in 2013 as a special Reverse Proof release — a finish where the design elements are mirror-like against a frosted background — this coin commemorates the 100-year anniversary of James Earle Fraser’s iconic Buffalo Nickel imagery used on modern American Gold Buffalo coins. It’s one of the few Reverse Proof Buffalo coins ever produced, making it significant for collectors.
🪙 Coin Attributes & Features
Gold Content & Purity: Contains 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine (24-karat) gold, consistent with U.S. Gold Buffalo specifications.
Finish: Reverse Proof — the fields are frosted and the raised design elements are polished, creating a unique and dramatic contrast compared to standard proof coins.
Grade: PF-70 by NGC — the top proof grade, indicating a flawless coin with no visible imperfections.
Mint Mark: “W” for the West Point Mint, where this collector edition was struck.
Design:
Obverse: Shows the Native American portrait based on Fraser’s 1913 Buffalo Nickel.
Reverse: Displays the American bison (“buffalo”), rendered in striking detail with the Reverse Proof finish.
Legal Tender: $50 U.S. face value, backed by the U.S. government.
Display Packaging: Typically housed in NGC’s protective slab; many examples are offered with the original U.S. Mint box and Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
📈 Collector & Investment Appeal
Special Finish: Reverse Proof versions are rarer in the Buffalo series than standard proofs, making them particularly desirable for collectors.
Centennial Significance: Issued for the 100th anniversary of the iconic Buffalo design, the 2013 issue holds additional historical interest.
Top Grade: A PF-70 grade confirms perfection, which is especially prized in the numismatic marketplace.
Secondary Market Pricing: These coins regularly trade in the several-thousand-dollar range depending on packaging and label type.
