Overview of the 2013-W Proof Gold Buffalo PCGS PR70 First Strike

The 2013-W $50 Proof Gold Buffalo is a one-ounce, .9999 fine gold coin issued by the United States Mint at the West Point facility. It carries legal tender status with a face value of $50 and represents the proof version of America's only 24-karat gold coin series struck for circulation-grade and collector audiences alike. As a PCGS-graded PR70 with the First Strike designation, this example occupies the top of the grading scale and was certified within the earliest production window of its issue year.

We carry this coin as part of our graded gold coin inventory, and it appeals to buyers who want both the intrinsic weight of a one-ounce gold coin and the added significance of a perfect-grade certified example. The combination of maximum numeric grade and the First Strike label makes this one of the more precisely documented specimens from the 2013 proof Buffalo series.

History and Background

The Gold Buffalo series launched in 2006 as the United States Mint's response to growing demand for a domestic 24-karat gold bullion coin. Prior to the Buffalo's introduction, the American Gold Eagle held the flagship position in U.S. gold coinage but was struck in a 22-karat alloy. Congress authorized the Gold Buffalo under the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, creating a direct competitor to internationally recognized .9999 fine gold issues such as the Canadian Maple Leaf.

Proof versions of the Gold Buffalo have been produced annually at the West Point Mint, distinguished by their polished dies and specially prepared planchets. The 2013 issue continued that uninterrupted run of proof strikes, with production managed to the high standards associated with West Point's collector coin output. Each year's mintage is controlled, and the proof format commands a premium over the bullion counterpart due to production complexity and collector demand.

Design and Aesthetics

The Gold Buffalo draws directly from James Earle Fraser's iconic 1913 Buffalo nickel design, one of the most respected compositions in American numismatic history. The obverse features a strong, profile portrait of a Native American figure rendered with sharp relief and fine detail. Three feathers rise from the subject's hair, and the inscription "LIBERTY" appears along the upper rim with the date positioned below the portrait.

The reverse centers on an American bison standing on a raised mound, rendered with the same precision and authority as the original Fraser model. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," the face value of "$50," and the purity designation ".9999 FINE GOLD 1 OZ." are all inscribed on the reverse field. In proof format, the design takes on an additional dimension through the contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields, a visual effect that elevates the already dramatic coin into something distinctly refined.

The West Point "W" mint mark appears on the obverse below the date, confirming the coin's origin and differentiating it from bullion-finish versions of the series.

Authenticity and Product Integrity

PCGS grading provides the highest level of third-party authentication available in the numismatic market. Each PR70-graded coin has been individually examined, authenticated, and confirmed to exhibit no post-mint flaws under expert magnification. The coin is then sealed in a tamper-evident holder with the grade, designation, and coin details permanently recorded in the PCGS registry.

We are an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC, which means our graded inventory is handled and transacted within the framework of recognized industry standards. The "First Strike" designation reflects that this coin was submitted to PCGS within the defined early submission window for the 2013 issue, a detail that carries documented significance within the collector market and appears on the label affixed to the slab.

The underlying coin itself is struck by the United States Mint from .9999 fine gold, verified through the Mint's own production and quality control processes before release. The PCGS holder adds an independent layer of authentication on top of that foundation.

Condition and Packaging

PR70 is the highest grade PCGS assigns and indicates a coin with full, sharp strike, pristine surfaces, and no detectable blemishes, contact marks, or imperfections under standard magnification. This is not a grade that reflects a subjective opinion about attractiveness; it is a precise technical designation applied only to coins that meet strict numerical criteria. For a proof coin, PR70 means the mirrored fields and frosted devices are free from any post-mint disturbance.

This coin ships in its original PCGS plastic slab, which serves as both a protective enclosure and a permanent record of its certification. The slab is rigid, tamper-evident, and designed to protect the coin's surfaces for long-term storage without the need for additional handling. No special cleaning or maintenance is necessary, and the coin should remain sealed in the holder to preserve both its condition and its grade integrity.

Pricing and Market Factors

Pricing for this coin reflects the current spot price of gold as its baseline, with premiums added for the proof format, the one-ounce weight, the .9999 purity designation, and the certified PR70 grade. Proof Gold Buffalos carry higher premiums than their bullion counterparts under normal market conditions because of the elevated production cost and the comparatively lower mintage numbers associated with collector-focused issues.

The PCGS PR70 First Strike designation adds a further premium layer above a raw or lower-graded example. Collector demand for perfect-grade, registry-quality coins influences pricing independently of spot, and that premium component can move based on population reports, relative scarcity, and shifts in the numismatic collector market. Our pricing reflects real-time spot conditions alongside the graded market premium, giving buyers a transparent view of what they are paying and why.

Selling and Liquidity

The 2013-W Proof Gold Buffalo in PR70 First Strike trades in both the bullion and numismatic resale markets. On the bullion side, the one ounce of .9999 fine gold content provides a recognized floor tied to spot pricing. On the numismatic side, the PCGS label, grade, and First Strike designation allow this coin to trade within graded coin markets where collectors and registry set builders actively seek top-pop and near-top-pop examples.

We operate a two-way market, meaning we both buy and sell products of this type within the same platform. For buyers evaluating a purchase at this price point, understanding the resale environment before committing matters. The PCGS certification makes the coin liquid within authenticated channels, and the underlying gold weight provides a baseline that persists regardless of shifts in numismatic premiums.

Why Buy the 2013-W Proof Gold Buffalo PCGS PR70 First Strike?

This coin appeals to buyers who want the full one-ounce gold content of the Buffalo series combined with the documented quality assurance of a perfect PCGS grade. For collectors focused on the proof Gold Buffalo series, a PR70 First Strike represents the most precisely authenticated version of this annual issue. It is not simply a bullion coin in a plastic holder; it is a specific example with a verifiable production history and a grade that reflects an independently confirmed standard.

The 2013 issue is a complete year in the Buffalo proof series and, as annual mintages are not unlimited, certified examples in top grade represent a finite number of confirmed survivors. Buyers who focus on date-run collecting or registry participation will find this coin relevant for both purposes. For those who value both the metal weight and the collector documentation, the PR70 First Strike format delivers both in a single, authenticated package.

Why Buy from Bullion Standard?

As an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC, we transact graded coins within the framework of recognized industry standards, which matters when buying certified numismatic material at this level. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau and membership in both the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association reflect a track record built on consistent, professional service across both the bullion and graded coin markets.

Our pricing model is built around transparency, not pressure. We display bid and ask pricing on product pages so buyers can evaluate the complete cost of ownership, not just the ask price. That same transparency extends to our buyback process, where we operate as a genuine two-way market rather than a one-directional retail operation. Whether you are purchasing a single graded coin or evaluating a broader position in proof gold, our goal is to give you the information needed to make a confident and informed decision.

Get Near-Spot Pricing with Bullion Standard Pro

Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, which is especially useful when evaluating a graded coin where both the bullion and numismatic premium components influence value. Rather than relying on estimated or static price displays, Pro members see real-time pricing that reflects current wholesale market conditions and can use that data to make better-informed purchasing decisions on products like the 2013-W Proof Gold Buffalo PR70.

Pro also provides real-time portfolio valuation based on current wholesale bid prices, along with proprietary research tools that allow members to compare premiums, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity across products. For buyers who hold multiple graded or proof coins, being able to evaluate the portfolio at current executable prices rather than estimated retail values provides a more realistic picture of where positions actually stand in today's market.

Flexible and Secure Payment Options

We support a wide range of payment methods to make the purchasing process straightforward and secure. Accepted payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency through BitPay. Each method is processed with the same emphasis on transaction security and reliability.

Whether you prefer a traditional credit card transaction or a direct bank transfer, the checkout experience is designed to be clear and efficient. Our fulfillment process and post-purchase support follow the same standards regardless of payment method, so you can choose the option that works best for your situation without any difference in service quality.