American Gold Eagle vs. Gold Buffalo: Which Should You Buy?
Both are official U.S. Mint gold bullion coins and both contain one troy ounce of gold in the 1 oz size. The main difference is the alloy.
| Gold Eagle | Gold Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 22 karat (91.67% gold, alloyed with silver and copper) | 24 karat (.9999 fine) |
| Gold content (1 oz coin) | 1 troy oz | 1 troy oz |
| Face value (1 oz) | $50 | $50 |
Sources: Wikipedia – American Gold Eagle (composition 91.67% Au; 1 oz coin = $50 face, 1 oz fine gold); Wikipedia – American Buffalo (coin) (.9999 gold, 1 troy oz, $50 face).
Which is cheaper?
Because both hold the same gold, the better buy is whichever has the lower premium on the day you buy. Check live prices: Gold Eagle vs Gold Buffalo.
Other considerations
- 22k gold is harder and more scratch-resistant; 24k is softer and marks more easily.
- Both are widely recognized by U.S. dealers. If you just want gold at the lowest premium, also compare the Krugerrand, Maple Leaf and 1 oz bars.
FAQ
Do Gold Eagles contain less gold than Buffalos?
No. The 1 oz Gold Eagle contains one troy ounce of gold; it weighs more in total because of the added alloy metals .
Which has a lower premium?
It varies by dealer and by day. Our product pages show the current premium for each.