2011 Gold Buffalo Bullion Coins

On Monday, March 14, 2011, the United States Mint will begin accepting orders from authorized purchasers for the 2011 American Gold Buffalo bullion coins. This will represent an earlier start than the prior two years.

In 2009, the US Mint was not able to release the Gold Buffalo bullion coins until October 15. The situation improved last year, when the coins were first available on April 29.

Since upcoming release will be for the bullion version of the coin, sales will take place through the US Mint's authorized purchaser network. The primary distributors approved for gold bullion purchases will be able to order the coins from the Mint in bulk quantities based on the market price of gold plus a mark up. The coins will then be resold for broader distribution to the public.

The US Mint has indicated that there will be a "sufficient quantity" of the coins available, so the allocation program (rationing) will not be necessary.

Since the start of the series in 2006, mintages for the bullion versions of the American Gold Buffalo have been high enough so that there are no significant premiums attached to any of the issues.

Gold Buffalo Bullion Coin Mintages

2006	337,012
2007	136,503
2008	189,500
2009	200,000
2010	209,000

The collector version of the 2011-dated Gold Buffalo is expected to go on sale May 19, 2011. These will be sold directly to the public since they are numismatic products. The US Mint is expected to offer a one ounce proof version of the coin only. This has been the typical collector offering for the series with the exception of the 2008-W Gold Buffalo Coins, which were available in proof and uncirculated versions, across four different weights.

Coin Update News: Collecting Modern Commemorative Coins Part II