Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Take a look at the US Mint's production figures for the 2007 buffalo bullion:


United States Mint Sales Totals for American Buffalo Bullion Coins

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="50%" align=center border=1><TBODY><TR align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue noWrap align=left>Month </TD><TD class=BGmintBlue noWrap>One
<SMALL>( oz. / #coins</SMALL> )
</TD></TR><TR align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue align=left>January</TD><TD class=font-size>14,000
14,000
</TD></TR><TR class=BGltBlue align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue align=left>February</TD><TD class=font-size>37,500
37,500
</TD></TR><TR align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue align=left>March</TD><TD class=font-size>28,000
28,000
</TD></TR><TR class=BGltBlue align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue align=left>April</TD><TD class=font-size>6,500
6,500
</TD></TR><TR align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue align=left>May</TD><TD class=font-size>4,500
4,500
</TD></TR><TR class=BGltBlue align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue align=left>June</TD><TD class=font-size>0
0
</TD></TR><TR align=middle><TD class=BGmintBlue align=left>Total</TD><TD class=BGmintBlue>90,500
90,500
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Man, it is really trailing off in the last coupla months. As far as I can recollect, the mint was to produce the Buffalo for at least 1 full year, by law. Since distribution began at the end of last JUNE, I am wondering if they are going to discontinue it this month. The numbers seem to bear this out, though it is still awfully early in the year.

If you click the 2006 link, you can see that nearly 2/3rds of last years production occurred in the first two months, with a trailing off for the rest of the year. If production is already on the slide, I wonder if it is time to start herding...er, hoarding Buffaloes?!?! :tongue_ma:

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

New2This,
I would be extremely surprised if they drop the Buffalo after this year. I know that MasterHo reported that he has heard a rumor of its demise as well, but I believe the mint has had pretty good success with the coin. If they drop it they will not have a competing .9999 coin to the Maple Leaf, and I'm sure the mint was losing sales before the introduction of the Buffalo.

Still, it may not be a bad idea to get a little herd together. You never know.

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

To compete with the Maple Leaf, the Mint will now have to produce a .99999 fine coin - maybe they could do a big Lincoln-Wheat penny rip-off :emotions16: .

Thank God there were so many talented artisans back in the day who produced the likes of the Walking Liberty, the Saint-Guaden, and the Buffalo nickel, or there would be nothing for the mint to copy today. I guess the could do a 24ct gold $1 FRN.

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

There are plenty of more modern symbols of our enduring freedom today.

F-15 Eagle
USS Ronald Reagan
B-1 Bomber
The Enola Gay
etc

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Do those come in silver or gold plating? :haha:

The Great Ag

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

youre kidding right?

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Those "symbols of our enduring freedom" undoubtedly killed alot more people than they freed. Just what we need, a war-mongering coin series.

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

I think the market is waiting for 1/2oz. versions.:wavey:

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Yes and no.

I do believe that they are the current worldwide symbols of the USA imperialism.

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Sure -- I'm thinking Enola Gay-- wow, holy guacamole, I cant imagine a remembrance of a bomb that needlessly ended the lives of thousands and thousands of Japanese civilians, being a good emblem for a coin.

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Enola Gay was the Airplane........

The 1st bomb was 'Little Boy' >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enola_Gay

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Might give new meaning to the phrase "A booming market"...........(!)

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Well, low mintage numbers be damned, it looks like you can enroll in a "subscription" program at the mint so you can be the first on your block to receive the 2008 Buff Proof. Guess it is time to start buying the much cheaper Krugs.

http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wcs...category=10201

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD width=320>American Buffalo Gold Proof One Ounce Coin
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left width=426>The American Buffalo Gold Proof One Ounce Coin is the first pure, .9999 fine gold coin ever issued by the United States Government. Last year marked the inaugural year of the American Buffalo Gold Coin Program. The United States Mint issues these coins yearly, and with your enrollment today, you will receive the 2008 American Buffalo Gold Proof One Ounce Coin as your first coin.
The American Buffalo Gold Proof One Ounce Coin Online Subscription Program is a simple and convenient way to make sure you receive your favorite product. When you select this subscription, you will receive this coin and all future coins annually. To ensure uninterrupted delivery of your subscription, please keep your credit card information up-to-date. You can choose to cancel at any time.
If you would like to order quantities not included on the list below, you can do so by selecting a combination of multiple subscriptions. For example: to receive a total of six units, select ME1 (one unit) plus ME5 (five units); or to receive twelve units, select ME2 (two units) plus ME6 (ten units).
Special note regarding pricing: Unlike gold bullion coins where prices fluctuate daily with the spot price of gold, American Buffalo Gold Proof Coins are collectible coins. However, their inherent gold value may drive a price up or down. Accordingly, prices for these coins are subject to change from year to year. Approximately 30 days prior to your subscription fulfillment each year, you will receive an e-mail notification from the United States Mint stating the new prices for the coming year. Customers have the option of cancelling their subscriptions at that time if the new prices are not acceptable to them.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

The F-15 would sell great in Iraq; of course - out of the GREEN ZONE. :haha:

The USS Ronald Reagan would sell great in Russia now that they are adding to their gold hoard; put a picture of the BERLIN WALL on the obverse. :applause_ :haha:

The Enola Gay would do great in Japan as they want to add to theirs. A sister coin would be the second US A-bomber.:aetsch:

We just need a coin for China, I wonder what fits? :9536:

I got it. North Korea testing their first H-Bomb with Iran, right? :thumpdown

As far as the original question for starting the thread. Maybe yes, and maybe NO. 24 kt. scratches easy and Maples lost their PUNCH because of it. I've got many all scrathed-up myself - I do. They will go when the market gets hotter.

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

I think he was, YOU WHERE KIDDING ABOUT THAT RIGHT (aikitrader).

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

maybe it's just that interest in gold coins is at a low point...

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

RIP! It had the wrong name too for a coin with a picture of an American Bison. Buffalo are from Africa. :bear_happy:

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Now that's funny too. :D

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

SG, thats a cute pic of the chimp and all but perhaps you would consdier getting it out of your sigline. ?

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

Happy Birthday Buffalos!! :birthday:

Its been one year today.




<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=940 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD align=left><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>New U.S. gold coin recalls 1913 buffalo nickel, but costs $800</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--startclickprintexclude--><TABLE height=25 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><!--endclickprintexclude-->Updated 6/20/2006 3:52 PM ET<!--startclickprintexclude--></TD><TD align=right><!-- EdSysObj ID="SSI-B" FRAGMENTID="13417811" rberthol -->E-mail | Save | Print |<SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--var tempshowReprintSSI = "";if(window.showReprintSSI){tempshowReprintSS I = showReprintSSI;} if ((navigator.os.indexOf("Mac")==1) && (navigator.type==2)) { // macIE if((document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintVal ue.value == "0") || (document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue. value=="2")) { if(document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValu e.value == "2"){ document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.v alue = "0"; } else{ document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.v alue = "1"; } if(tempshowReprintSSI == 'showReprintSSI'){ writeReprintLink(); } writeSubscribeToLink(); } else { document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.v alue = "2"; } } else {// non macIE - write top and bottom if(tempshowReprintSSI == 'showReprintSSI'){ writeReprintLink(); } writeSubscribeToLink(); } function writeReprintLink(){ document.write('Reprints & Permissions | '); } function writeSubscribeToLink(){ var url = document.location.toString(); var urlArray = url.split("/") var nurl = ""; for (i = 3; i < urlArray.length - 1; i++) { if(i<urlArray.length-2){ nurl += urlArray[i] + "|"; } else { nurl += urlArray[i]; } } document.write('http://images.usatoday.com/marketing/_images/rssbox.gif'); }//--> </SCRIPT> http://images.usatoday.com/marketing/_images/rssbox.gif<!-- /EdSysObj --> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left><TABLE style="FLOAT: left" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=245 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>http://images.usatoday.com/money/_ph...lo-reverse.jpg</TD><TD vAlign=top width=20 rowSpan=3>http://images.usatoday.com/_common/_images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink width=80 height=18>http://images.usatoday.com/_common/_...de/enlarge.gif Enlarge</TD><TD class=photoCredit align=right width=165>U.S. Mint</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2 height=1>http://images.usatoday.com/_common/_images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD class=photoCredit colSpan=2>The reverse of the new American Buffalo gold coin looks like the old buffalo nickel.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- EdSysObj ID="SandboxLede" FRAGMENTID="13600834" rgoldbac -->
<SCRIPT language=javascript>swapContent('firstHeader','app lyHeader');</SCRIPT><!--endclickprintexclude-->From wire reports

The United States Mint unveiled its 24-karat American Buffalo gold coins Tuesday, the first time the government has made 99.99% pure coins for investors and collectors.

The U.S. Mint in West Point, N.Y., will produce the one-ounce coins in both a bullion version for investors and a proof version for collectors. The coins are to go on sale on Thursday.
They feature images on one side of an American bison, as on the classic Buffalo Nickel of 1913, and on the other an American Indian. Although the face value is $50, the price will depend on the price of gold, plus markups.

According to the Mint, it will sell the coins to authorized purchasers based on the current price of gold, plus a premium to cover minting, distribution and marketing. Those purchasers will be able to sell the pieces to the secondary market.

The price of the proof coin, which bears the "W" mint mark of the West Point mint, is $800.
Spot gold was worth about $570 an ounce Tuesday.
The Mint will sell two versions of the coin:

�The bullion coin, designed for investors. Authorized buyers will distribute the coins to a network of several thousand dealers � coin shops, banks and other financial institutions.
The Mint will base its price for this coin on the market price of gold and a premium of about 3%; other markups in the distribution chain are expected to push the final sales price to about 5% to 7.5% above the market gold price.

�A proof coin, aimed at collectors. This coin has a finer finish and a higher quality strike. The Mint is setting the initial price at $800 per proof coin and will only produce 300,000 of them.

Collectors can buy the proof coins from dealers or directly from the Mint starting Thursday by going to the Mint's website �http://www.usmint.gov� or by calling 1-800-USA-Mint.

The Mint is the world's largest maker of 22-karat (91.67 fineness) gold bullion coins, called the American Eagles, and also silver and platinum American Eagles.

Officials believe with the new coin they have found a winning combination that will appeal to nostalgia buffs and investors.
The coin will be slightly larger and thicker than a Kennedy half dollar.

The design is a replica of the popular buffalo nickel minted from 1913 to 1938. The golden buffalo has a buffalo standing on a grassy mound on one side and a stern-looking Indian chief on the other side, duplicating the images created by artist James Earle Fraser for the nickel.
"Many people will recall getting a nickel with the Indian head and the buffalo. It is really a beautiful design and evokes wonderful images," the deputy director of the Mint, David Lebryk, said in an interview.

The buffalo without the Indian chief made a brief comeback on the nickel last year as one of the designs used to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Mint officials are hoping the new American Buffalo gold coin will be a hit not only in this country but with investors around the world.
The government already produces a 22-karat American Eagle gold coin. This is the first time the Mint has produced a 24-karat coin, a designation that means the coin contains 99.99% gold as opposed to 91.67% gold content in the 22-karat coins.

Global investors the past few years have turned increasingly to purer gold coins. Those sales now make up about 60% of the gold coin market, led by Canada's Maple Leaf.
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Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

I know a lot of you guys like the buffalo design......but I've never liked it.:thumpdown

Someone posted that they should make a .99999 fine with the Mercury dime design. Now that would be a coin.

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

I think they should do the $20 Saints from 1907 - SUPER HIGH RELIEF really DEEP ONES - all over again in 90% gold at about a full ounce again.

That way I could afford ONE!

:applause_ :applause_ :applause_ :applause_ :applause_

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

I Understand I gess it's the chimp in me...................:bear_thumb:
consdiering Letting go of my (chimpy) nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo,

Re: Is the American Buffalo Headed for Extinction?
 

You may get deported to the Republic of Chimpistan, formerly known as Rhodesia, if you keep this up. Be warned.