American Gold Eagle vs American Gold Buffalo
The same ounce of gold in two very different U.S. coins: durable 22k alloy versus .9999 fine gold, with live premiums side by side.
The one-ounce Gold Eagle and Gold Buffalo each contain one full troy ounce of gold. The decisive product difference is composition: the Eagle is a durable 22k alloy, while the Buffalo is 24k, .9999 fine gold. If you do not strongly prefer alloyed or four-nines gold, compare the live premiums and buy the lower landed cost.
Gold Eagle vs Gold Buffalo at a glance
| Gold Eagle | Gold Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Pure gold | 1 troy oz | 1 troy oz |
| Fineness | 91.67% (22k) | 99.99% (24k) |
| Gross weight | 33.931 g | 31.103 g |
| Diameter | 32.70 mm | 32.70 mm |
| Face value | $50 | $50 |
| Program began | 1986 | 2006 |
Same gold content, different construction
The Eagle contains one ounce of pure gold plus copper and silver, which explains its greater gross weight. The Buffalo is almost entirely gold, so its total weight is essentially the gold weight. Karat and fineness do not change the amount of pure gold in these one-ounce coins.
How to choose
- Choose the Eagle for durability. Its alloy is better suited to ordinary handling.
- Choose the Buffalo for four-nines purity. It is the U.S. Mint's 24k bullion option.
- Choose by price when composition is secondary. Compare current premium and landed cost.
What to verify before buying
- The listing is bullion, not proof, burnished, graded, or collectible packaging.
- The displayed price applies to your quantity and payment method.
- Shipping, insurance, and applicable tax are included in the final comparison.
- The dealer's checkout price still matches the latest StackerSpot snapshot.
Compare both U.S. gold coins
Live cash/wire premiums, normalized against the same gold spot price.
Common questions
Does a 22k Gold Eagle contain less gold than a Buffalo?
No. Both one-ounce coins contain exactly one troy ounce of pure gold. The Eagle weighs more overall because its copper-and-silver alloy is added to that ounce.
Is the Gold Buffalo more valuable because it is .9999 fine?
Not automatically. Fineness describes composition, while market price also includes dealer inventory and demand. Compare the live premium rather than assuming four-nines gold should always cost more.
Which coin is more durable?
The Eagle's 22k alloy is harder than the Buffalo's 24k gold. The Buffalo should be handled carefully because high-purity gold is softer.
Are both coins U.S. legal tender?
Yes. Both one-ounce bullion coins carry a $50 face value, although their bullion value is driven by their gold content and the market premium.
Methodology & sources
Specifications come from the United States Mint bullion program. Premiums use StackerSpot's current cash/wire dealer data against gold spot; see the methodology. Related: Gold Eagle vs Gold Maple Leaf.
Informational purposes only — not investment, financial, or tax advice, and not a licensed dealer or advisor. Prices are each dealer's cash/wire figure, change constantly, and may differ from the dealer's own site; always confirm before buying. See our methodology & disclaimer.