1 oz Silver American Buffalo (Reverse Proof)
- Legendary Design: coin design from 1913
- Noble Contrast: mirror shine on matte
- Highest Purity: fineness 999/1,000
- Legendary DesignBased on the famous design by James Earle Fraser
- Noble ContrastGleaming relief against a finely lined, matte background
- Highest PurityPure fine silver, kept flawless in the coin capsule
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American Buffalo
1 ounce of fine silver, reverse proof
American Buffalo in silver, bison side with the American bison
An American bison and the portrait of a Native American, after the designs James Earle Fraser created for the US five-cent piece of 1913. Struck as a round, without a face value.
Fraser’s choice
Two images for one country.
James Earle Fraser was born in 1876 in Winona, Minnesota, and grew up on the prairie near Mitchell, South Dakota. He studied in Paris and under Augustus Saint-Gaudens, then opened his own studio in New York.
In 1913 his five-cent piece went into circulation, the “Buffalo Nickel”. On one side he placed the portrait of a Native American, on the other an American bison. According to the Smithsonian, Fraser chose both as “indisputable representatives of the nation”.
According to the United States Mint, the nickel was thus one of the first to depart from the customary eagle or wreath. It was struck until 1938.
Several Native Americans sat for the portrait.
“My purpose was not to make a portrait but a type.”
This silver piece bears both images after Fraser’s design.
The bison
From a few dozen animals, herds grew again.
Before the mid-19th century, perhaps 30 to 60 million bison roamed North America, most of them on the Great Plains. By the 1890s there were fewer than 1,000.
Yellowstone is the only place in the US where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. In 1902 the herd there still numbered about two dozen animals. In the same year, 21 bison from two private herds were added. From both groups grew the two large herds that live in the national park today.
Since 9 May 2016, the bison has been the national mammal of the USA by law.
In silver
Fraser’s images in silver.
According to the United States Mint, Fraser’s buffalo designs are “not protected by copyright”. Private mints may therefore strike them.
On the bison side are “ONE TROY OUNCE” and “.999 FINE SILVER”, on the portrait side “LIBERTY”.
PortraitThe portrait, beside it “LIBERTY”
BisonThe bison
Inscription“.999 FINE SILVER”
Details from the photos in our gallery.
The editions
Fraser’s bison in three metals.
Gold, silver and copper to the scale of their diameters. Your edition is marked.
Editions we can deliver are linked.
Gold32.7 mm
Silver39.04 mm
Copper39 mm
At a glance
- Type
- Round
- Metal
- Silver
- Design
- after James Earle Fraser
- Weight
- 1 ounce of fine silver
- Fineness
- 999/1,000
- Diameter
- 39.04 mm
- Quality
- Reverse Proof
When James Earle Fraser died in 1953, three of his important works remained unfinished.
1 oz Silver American Buffalo (Reverse Proof) – American Icon in Pure Fine Silver
There are designs in the world of precious metals that instantly give you goosebumps. The American Buffalo is undoubtedly one of them. This breathtaking silver medal in Reverse Proof finish combines one of the most famous coin designs in US history with the finest minting craftsmanship – and all in a full ounce of silver with a fineness of 999/1,000. A piece that makes collectors' hearts beat faster while also convincing as a solid investment product.
A Legendary Design with History
The design of this silver medal dates back to the legendary Buffalo Nickel of 1913, created by American sculptor James Earle Fraser. His design is still considered one of the most beautiful and expressive designs ever to appear on a US coin. For the buffalo side, Fraser drew inspiration from "Black Diamond" – a famous American bison that lived at the New York Central Park Zoo and was one of the city's best-known animals in the early 20th century.
The obverse features the striking profile portrait of a Native American wearing traditional feather headdress with braided hair. To the right, the inscription "Liberty" stands out – a word deeply rooted in American numismatics. The reverse presents the majestic bison standing on a mound of earth, flanked by the inscriptions "ONE TROY OUNCE" and ".999 FINE SILVER".
The Reverse Proof finish reverses the classic proof minting technique: the raised design details shine with a mirror-like gloss, while the background displays a fine, lined matte texture. The result is a fascinating interplay of contrasts that gives this medal a very special visual depth.
Technical Details at a Glance
- Precious metal: Silver, fineness 999/1,000
- Weight: 1 ounce (31.1 g fine weight)
- Diameter: 39.04 mm
- Condition: Reverse Proof
- Packaging: Coin capsule
- Manufacturer: Valcambi
- Country of origin: USA
- Investment type: Medal (no official face value)
What Distinguishes a Medal from a Coin?
Unlike classic bullion coins such as the American Silver Eagle or the Maple Leaf, the American Buffalo (Reverse Proof) carries no official face value. Formally, it is therefore a medal – which, however, does nothing to diminish the value of the pure silver it contains. Quite the opposite: the silver content of a full troy ounce at 999/1,000 fineness makes this piece a fully-fledged investment product. And the exceptional Reverse Proof finish sets it visually well apart from many standard mintings.
Silver as a Timeless Investment
For thousands of years, silver has been far more than just a shiny metal. It is currency, raw material, and store of value all in one. While paper money comes and goes, silver has preserved its intrinsic value over the centuries. Industrial demand – from electronics to solar technology to medicine – continues to grow steadily, creating limited supply alongside rising demand.
For private investors, silver offers a decisive advantage: it is significantly more affordable than gold, allowing entry into the world of precious metals even with smaller amounts. In addition, profits from the sale of silver are generally tax-free, provided a holding period of at least one year is observed.
Why the American Buffalo Belongs in Your Portfolio
- Iconic design: The Buffalo design is among the most well-known and popular mintings in American coin history.
- Highest purity: 999/1,000 fine silver guarantees maximum material value.
- Inflation hedge: Silver has historically proven that it can gain value during periods of rising inflation.
- Collector's value: The rare Reverse Proof finish makes this edition particularly sought-after.
- High liquidity: Silver can be traded quickly and easily worldwide.
Crisis-Proof and Future-Ready
In a world where economic uncertainty has become the norm, more and more people are looking for tangible assets. Silver serves as a proven crisis protection – it retains its value when other assets falter. As a physical precious metal, you can hold it in your hands, keep it in your safe, and pass it on from generation to generation. No password, no server, no counterparty risk.
The American Buffalo in Reverse Proof is more than just an investment product. It is a piece of American history, captured in the purest silver. The richly detailed depiction of the bison with its shaggy fur, the expressive facial features of the Native American – every detail tells a story. And this story is delivered in a protective coin capsule that preserves the flawless finish for the future.
For Collectors and Investors Alike
Whether you want to expand your silver collection with a visually outstanding piece or invest specifically in physical precious metal – the 1 oz Silver American Buffalo (Reverse Proof) elegantly combines both worlds. Secure this exceptional piece now at Kettner Edelmetalle and invest in a value that stands the test of time.
Product depiction may differ from the final product.
