Program Expanded to Include Uncirculated Coins, Fractional Weights

Washington - The United States Mint announced today that it will begin accepting orders for fractional weights of the American Buffalo Gold Coin, now available in proof and uncirculated versions, on July 22, at 12 noon Eastern Time.

Both versions of the coin will be offered in four sizes-one ounce ($50 denomination), one-half ounce ($25 denomination), one-quarter ounce ($10 denomination) and one-tenth ounce ($5 denomination)-as well as in four-coin sets that contain one coin in each size.

In 2006, the United States Mint introduced a proof version of the American Buffalo Gold Coin containing one ounce of 24-karat (.9999) gold. Based on market research, the Secretary of the Treasury authorized the United States Mint to strike and issue fractional denominations of the coin in proof and uncirculated versions.

Both the proof and uncirculated American Buffalo Coins feature designs based on the classic 1913, Type I Buffalo nickel, by James Earle Fraser. Depicted on the obverse is the striking image of a Native American in profile. An American Buffalo-also known as the bison-graces the coins’ reverse. Inscriptions on the coins’ obverse include the “W” mintmark of the United States Mint at West Point, the year and the word “Liberty.” Inscriptions on the reverse include the face value and weight.

Each coin is encapsulated in protective plastic and mounted in an elegant, custom-designed hardwood presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Mintage and product limits for both the American Buffalo Gold Proof and Uncirculated Coins will be determined by customer demand. Pricing for all options is listed below.

Customers may place orders for the proof and uncirculated 2008 American Buffalo Coins at the United States Mint’s secure Web site, www.usmint.gov. Orders also will be accepted at the toll-free number, 1-800- USA-MINT (872-6468).

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, any order placed prior to the official on-sale date and time shown above shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.

Contact: Press inquiries: Michael White (202) 354-7222
Customer Service information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)