2006 $50 Proof Gold Buffalo NGC "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces/Cabral Auto" PF70
Year: 2006
Mint: West Point
Metal: 1 oz - .9999 Fine Gold
Designation: First-Year Proof
Grade: PF70 Ultra Cameo
Signature: Anna Cabral
A cornerstone of modern U.S. coinage, the 2006 $50 Proof Gold Buffalo, certified PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC with the prestigious "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces" Anna Cabral Autograph label, is a numismatic triumph. Struck at the West Point Mint as the inaugural issue of America’s first .9999 fine gold coin, this proof coin has a limited mintage of 246,267 and features a stunning Ultra Cameo finish—frosted devices against mirror-like fields. Authorized by the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, its flawless execution and historical significance make it essential for serious collectors seeking rarity and excellence.
A Historic First-Year Coin
Launched in 2006, the American Gold Buffalo series introduced the U.S. Mint’s first 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold coin, reviving James Earle Fraser’s iconic 1913 Buffalo Nickel design. Released on June 22, 2006, the proof version captivated collectors with its pure gold composition and meticulous proof finish. With a mintage of 246,267, it marked a bold entry into the global 24-karat market, rivaling coins like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. The proof’s Ultra Cameo finish, achieved through precise die preparation, delivers frosted devices and polished fields, showcasing Fraser’s design with exceptional clarity and setting a standard for the series’ legacy.
The Prestige of the “W” Mint Mark
Bearing the “W” mintmark of the West Point Mint, this Gold Buffalo signifies premium craftsmanship and scarcity. Proof coins from West Point are struck in limited quantities for collectors, distinguishing them from bullion issues. The “W” mintmark, paired with the coin’s first-year status and modest mintage, elevates its status as a highly desirable piece for numismatists focused on quality and historical weight.
Iconic American Design
This coin reimagines James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel design in pure gold, honoring America’s numismatic heritage.
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Obverse: A Native American profile, inspired by a composite of tribal leaders (possibly Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree), faces right with a detailed feathered headdress. Inscriptions include “LIBERTY” above, “2006” to the right, and the “W” mintmark below, with Fraser’s “F” initial near the neck. The Ultra Cameo proof finish creates a frosted portrait against mirror-like fields, accentuating every feather and contour with striking contrast.
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Reverse: An American buffalo, modeled after Black Diamond from the Central Park Zoo, stands on a mound. Inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “$50,” and “1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD.” The Ultra Cameo finish polishes the buffalo and mound against a reflective backdrop, highlighting the design’s rugged textures.
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Edge: Reeded, complementing the coin’s refined aesthetic.
The proof’s Ultra Cameo finish transforms Fraser’s design into a modern numismatic masterpiece, blending historical reverence with pristine 24-karat gold.
Certified Perfection with “Modern Numismatic Masterpieces” Label Autographed by Anna Cabral
Graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, this coin achieves flawless perfection, with no imperfections under magnification and exceptional contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields. The "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces" Anna Cabral Autograph label, signed by the former U.S. Treasurer, adds significant prestige, recognizing the coin’s superior quality and historical importance. The .9999 fine gold surface radiates clarity, making this coin a standout for discerning collectors.
