The United States Mint announced today that it will begin accepting orders for the one-ounce 2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin at noon Eastern Time (ET) on October 29, 2009. Its price will be based on the United States Mint’s pricing structure for numismatic products containing precious metals. To view current pricing information, visit http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=goldplat.

As a result of the numismatic product portfolio analysis conducted late last year, fractional denominations of the American Buffalo Gold Proof and Uncirculated Coins, as well as the American Buffalo Four-Coin Set, are no longer offered for sale.

The obverse (heads side) and reverse (tails) designs of the American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin are based on the original 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel by James Earle Fraser. The coin’s obverse bears the profile of a Native American. Inscriptions on the obverse include LIBERTY, 2009, the initial F for Fraser and the W mint mark for the United States Mint at West Point. The coin’s reverse features the revered American Buffalo, also known as the bison. Inscriptions on the reverse are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, $50, 1OZ., and .9999 FINE GOLD.

Each 2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin is presented in an elegant hardwood box with a matte finish and a faux leather inset. The coins are exhibited on a platform which can stand at an angle for display when the box is open. A custom-designed Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Director of the United States Mint is also included.

The United States Mint will accept orders for the 2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin at its secure Web site http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at the toll-free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Please add $4.95 for shipping and handling. There is no mintage or household order limit for this product.
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Agency also announces products not offered in 2009

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint announced today that it will offer for sale 2009 one-ounce American Buffalo Proof Gold Coins and one-ounce American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins.

The release dates for these products are tentatively October 29 and December 3, 2009, respectively. In addition, the agency will release the one-ounce 2009 American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coin on October 15 and the fractional 2009 American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins-in the one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce weights-on December 3.

The United States Mint will not offer the following products in 2009:

• One-ounce American Eagle Silver Proof Coin
• One-ounce American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin
• American Eagle Gold Proof Coins (all weights, as well as the four-coin set)
• One-ounce American Eagle Gold Uncirculated Coin
• The United States Mint Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin SetTM, which also includes a one-ounce American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin
  and the American Eagle Platinum Bullion Coins (all weights).

Because of unprecedented demand for American Eagle Gold and Silver Bullion Coins, the United States Mint suspended production of 2009 proof and uncirculated versions of these coins. All available 22-karat gold and silver bullion blanks are being allocated to the American Eagle Gold and American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin Programs, as mandated by Public Law 99-185 and Public Law 99-61, respectively. Both laws direct the agency to produce these coins in quantities sufficient to meet public demand. The proof and uncirculated versions of the American Eagle Gold and Silver Proof Coins are not mandated by law.
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The United States Mint will open sales of the 2009 United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal SetTM (James K. Polk – Sarah Polk) on September 17, 2009, at noon Eastern Time (ET).

The set, offered at $8.95, contains an uncirculated James K. Polk Presidential $1 Coin and a Sarah Polk First Spouse Bronze Medal bearing the same likeness featured on the First Spouse Gold Coin minted in her honor. The coin and medal are mounted on a durable plastic card enhanced with handsome portraits of the President and first spouse. Issuance information is annotated on the back of the card.

The United States Mint will accept orders for the 2009 United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal Set (James K. Polk – Sarah Polk) at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may call 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

A Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal Set honoring President Zachary Taylor and Margaret Taylor will be released in December.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins. (more…)