Certified Reverse Proof Gold Buffalo 2013-W PR70 PCGS Moy sig.

The Certified Reverse Proof Gold Buffalo 2013-W PR70 PCGS Moy Signature Edition stands as one of the most visually striking and numismatically important modern gold coins issued by the United States Mint. As a special-edition release in the celebrated American Gold Buffalo series, this coin not only delivers one troy ounce of pure 24-karat gold but also showcases the innovative reverse proof finish, in which the design elements appear frosted against mirror-like fields—a dramatic contrast to the traditional proof style. Graded a perfect PR70 by PCGS and bearing the signature of Edmund C. Moy, the 38th Director of the U.S. Mint, this coin is highly sought after by collectors for its rarity, aesthetics, and historical pedigree.

The American Gold Buffalo series began in 2006, following the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, which authorized the Mint to produce .9999 fine gold bullion coins. The program was introduced to provide a 24-karat alternative to the American Gold Eagle, which is minted in 22-karat alloy. The Gold Buffalo became the first U.S. coin struck in pure gold, appealing to investors who desired higher purity and collectors who appreciated its classic design. In 2013, to mark the series’ seventh anniversary and to offer something extraordinary to the numismatic community, the U.S. Mint issued a limited number of special reverse proof Gold Buffalos struck at the West Point Mint, denoted by the “W” mintmark.

The obverse of the 2013-W Reverse Proof Gold Buffalo features James Earle Fraser’s legendary 1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel design. The stoic Native American portrait is a composite of three real-life tribal chiefs and conveys dignity, strength, and timelessness. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed to the upper right, while the date “2013” and the letter “F” for Fraser appear on the shoulder of the figure. In this reverse proof format, the portrait is delicately frosted, standing in high contrast against the mirrored background—a visual effect that heightens the coin’s depth and dimensionality while accentuating the artist’s fine detailing.

The reverse side features Fraser’s equally iconic American bison, inspired by Black Diamond, a resident of New York’s Central Park Zoo in the early 1900s. The bison appears strong and massive, facing left atop a small mound, with inscriptions including “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “$50,” “1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD,” and the West Point “W” mintmark. The frosted bison design against the polished reverse proof field gives the animal an almost three-dimensional presence, making it one of the most visually dynamic U.S. gold coins ever struck.

The coin is composed of 99.99% pure gold, weighs 31.103 grams (1 troy ounce), and measures 32.7 mm in diameter with a reeded edge. Its physical specifications meet the highest international standards for bullion coins, but it is its numismatic enhancements that elevate it to the collector's sphere. The reverse proof finish requires multiple strikes with specially prepared dies and polished planchets, increasing both production time and minting complexity. The result is a coin of extraordinary brilliance and detail, far surpassing standard business strikes in visual impact.

The 2013-W Reverse Proof Gold Buffalo was issued exclusively as part of the American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Reverse Proof Set, released to commemorate the centennial of Fraser’s original 1913 design. Only 47,836 of these sets were sold, making the reverse proof Buffalo one of the lowest mintage entries in the entire series. Among those, only a fraction achieved the coveted PR70 grade from PCGS, and an even smaller number were designated with the Moy signature label. This limited availability adds a significant rarity premium, particularly for collectors building high-end registry sets or focusing on signed and special finish variants.

Edmund C. Moy served as Director of the United States Mint from 2006 to 2011, a tenure that coincided with the launch of the Gold Buffalo program and numerous other innovations. His signature on the PCGS label adds a layer of authenticity and historical association, particularly relevant to this coin’s origin and commemorative purpose. The label confirms the coin’s perfect grade, finish, and pedigree, encapsulated in PCGS’s secure, tamper-evident holder for long-term preservation and display. The Moy signature edition is especially popular among collectors who value autographed certification for its direct connection to the coin’s history and origin.

The PR70 designation by PCGS certifies that this coin is in flawless condition, with no post-production imperfections detectable even under 5x magnification. It exhibits a full, strong strike with deeply mirrored fields and uniformly frosted design elements. These characteristics make it an ideal candidate for advanced registry competition or presentation in a showcase collection. Coins of this caliber represent the pinnacle of modern U.S. Mint output and are often acquired with long-term preservation in mind, both for numismatic and bullion value.

Though the Gold Buffalo series has seen multiple proof and business strike issues, the 2013 reverse proof stands alone in its unique finish. It is the only reverse proof coin ever released in the Gold Buffalo lineup, making it a one-year type and an essential component for any complete Buffalo collection. Its artistry, low mintage, and perfect grade coalesce into a numismatic offering with significant long-term appeal, further bolstered by its inclusion in a prestigious anniversary set.

In the realm of modern American gold coinage, the Certified 2013-W Reverse Proof Gold Buffalo PR70 PCGS with Edmund C. Moy signature represents an apex of artistry, condition, and collectibility. It bridges America’s numismatic heritage with its modern minting prowess and offers a tangible link to the golden age of U.S. coin design. For collectors who value both visual impact and historical context, this coin remains one of the most desirable special issues of the 21st century.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 2013
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: W
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A