Fractional Gold American Buffalo’s Return

The U.S. Mint will release a 2026-W reverse proof gold American Buffalo on December 10. The first fractional American Buffalo issued since 2008, the coin will feature a special privy mark to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series.

The gold American Buffalo was introduced as the U.S. Mint’s first 24-karat gold coin series in 2006. The mint has offered 1-ounce bullion and proof versions annually, including a version released earlier this year for the United States semiquincentennial, but fractional versions were offered only in 2008.

James Earle Fraser’s original Buffalo nickel design graces the reverse of the 20th anniversary issue, with the denomination ($5) and fineness at the bottom. Fraser’s portrait of a Native American appears on the obverse, framed by LIBERTY and 2026. The “W” mintmark and the 20th anniversary privy mark are at left. 

At the time of this writing, the U.S. Mint has not yet announced the mintage or price.