-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 51796
Checkout
| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 08/12/25 01:53:01 | ||
Gold
 3.99
|
$3,345.97 | $3,359.64 |
The Certified Uncirculated Gold Buffalo 2017 MS70 NGC First Day of Issue Black Core is a highly esteemed modern U.S. gold coin that merges exceptional purity with iconic American design. Struck by the United States Mint from one troy ounce of .9999 fine (24-karat) gold, this coin reflects the Mint’s highest bullion standard while honoring a beloved piece of American numismatic history. With its flawless MS70 grade from Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), a prestigious First Day of Issue designation, and dramatic presentation in a black core holder, this coin represents a premier offering for serious collectors and investors alike.
The American Gold Buffalo series was introduced in 2006, becoming the first 24-karat gold coin ever issued by the United States Mint for public investment. Authorized by the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, the Gold Buffalo was conceived as a counterpart to the American Gold Eagle, which is struck in 22-karat gold. The new .9999 fine gold content of the Buffalo coin was meant to appeal to international investors and collectors who preferred the purer gold standard already embraced by other major world mints. Since its debut, the Gold Buffalo has become a staple of the U.S. Mint’s bullion program, renowned for its artistry, historical resonance, and exceptional gold purity.
The obverse design of the 2017 Gold Buffalo is taken directly from James Earle Fraser’s original 1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel. It features the powerful profile of a Native American warrior, said to be a composite of several Plains tribal chiefs. The portrait is rugged and noble, with sharply chiseled features and a feathered braid that flows across the coin’s field. Above the portrait appears the word “LIBERTY,” and below it is the date “2017” along with a small “F” initial for Fraser. The detail on this MS70 specimen is razor-sharp, with fully struck features and no weakness in the fields or devices, hallmarks of the finest strikes from the West Point Mint.
The reverse showcases an equally iconic image of an American bison, based on the animal named “Black Diamond,” a resident of the Central Park Zoo in the early 20th century. The powerful figure of the buffalo stands atop a mound of earth, a nod to Fraser’s original vision before the design was flattened in later nickel issues. The inscriptions on the reverse include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the weight and purity “1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD,” and the face value “$50.” The design captures the bison's strength and dignity in extraordinary detail, made even more dynamic by the high relief and burnished texture of the Mint State strike.
The 2017 Gold Buffalo was struck at the West Point Mint, though the mintmark is not shown on the coin. Each piece was produced using meticulously polished dies and state-of-the-art minting technology to ensure a high-quality finish. The MS70 grade confirms that this coin is a perfect specimen, exhibiting no visible imperfections under 5x magnification. The coin’s bright luster, full strike, and blemish-free surfaces place it at the very top tier of uncirculated Gold Buffalo examples. Such flawless condition is especially important for collectors aiming to preserve not only the gold content but also the coin’s artistic and numismatic value.
The First Day of Issue (FDOI) designation signifies that this coin was submitted for certification within 24 hours of the Mint’s official release date. This limited designation, available only to a small percentage of coins, enhances the coin’s provenance and appeal. The black core holder provided by NGC offers a striking contrast to the gold surfaces, enhancing the visual presentation and adding a premium aesthetic. Collectors prize this style of encapsulation for its elegant look and added security, as each holder is tamper-evident and fully labeled with serial number, strike type, grade, and designation.
Mintage figures for bullion-strike Gold Buffalo coins in 2017 totaled 99,500 units, a relatively modest output compared to other years in the series. This mintage number reflects sustained investor demand while also offering some degree of scarcity, particularly when narrowing the focus to MS70 First Day of Issue examples. Since bullion coins are often handled more roughly before submission, only a fraction of the total population achieves perfect MS70 status, making such coins rarer and more desirable. The FDOI status adds an additional layer of exclusivity, further narrowing the field of available top-tier specimens.
In terms of condition, this coin offers the ultimate assurance of quality. As an MS70 certified piece, the coin is completely free of marks, spots, or abrasions. The luster is uninterrupted, the strike is deep and complete, and the visual appeal is undeniable. Encapsulation in NGC’s black core provides long-term preservation against environmental damage while showcasing the coin’s detail in a visually impressive format. This combination of perfection, presentation, and pedigree makes it an elite entry into any modern gold coin collection or investment portfolio.
The Gold Buffalo has gained a reputation as one of the purest and most classically inspired gold coins on the market. Collectors are drawn to its 24-karat composition and its roots in early 20th-century American coinage. Investors appreciate the coin’s strong gold content, liquidity, and U.S. government backing. The 2017 issue, with its relatively lower mintage and premium certification, offers an especially attractive option for those looking to combine collectible beauty with precious metal security. For many, this coin represents the best of both worlds: historical homage and modern excellence.
Altogether, the Certified Uncirculated Gold Buffalo 2017 MS70 NGC First Day of Issue Black Core is a standout among contemporary U.S. gold coins. With its combination of historic artistry, ultra-pure gold content, perfect strike, and elite designation, it reflects the pinnacle of minting achievement. Whether displayed as a showcase coin, held for long-term appreciation, or added to a Gold Buffalo date set, this MS70 FDOI piece delivers unparalleled quality and presence. It is a tangible tribute to America’s heritage and craftsmanship, ideal for collectors who demand nothing short of perfection.