American Gold Buffalo vs. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf – What Should You Buy?

In the Red Corner: The American Gold Buffalo

The American Gold Buffalo Coin is a relatively new coin, introduced in 2006. It was modeled after the oft sought-after American Buffalo Nickel which had a limited run from 1913 to 1938. The coin is of an iconic design that is very specific to the United States of America.

The face value of the American Gold Buffalo is $50, but the value you’re interested in is that the American Gold Buffalo bearing this face value is one troy ounce of gold. The American Buffalo Gold Proof coin is also available and is a bit more popular with collectors because the proof coin features more detail and coloring than the bullion coin as well as a lower mintage. 

In the Blue Corner: The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin

The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin was first minted by the Canadian Government in 1979. The Gold Maple Leaf Coin is the result of a political/economic boycott of the South African apartheid government where, at that time, the only gold bullion coins in the world were made available. The Canadians were eager to fill that void and did so with both style and substance. 

If you’re looking to buy a coin minted outside of the United States, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is likely the best choice for purchase. It easily stands as one of the most popular gold coins on the international market. Like the aforementioned American Buffalo Gold coin, its face value is $50. 

Now that we’ve given a brief history on two stellar gold coin choices, let’s take a look at the American Gold Buffalo vs. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf.

Which Coin is the Better Buy?

With inflation peaking hard and hints of a coming recession, investors are seeking cover, looking for ways to protect and further diversify their portfolios. Gold always proves well in trying times so gold coins are naturally getting some very real attention these days. 

Which is the better investment choice in our look at the American Gold Buffalo vs. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf? Well, it’s more of an apples and oranges kind of thing. Both coins are of the same purity, being 99.99%  and 24 karat gold. They are both brilliant in design and each makes for a solid investment choice. 

As for the Canadian side of things, the newest Maple Leaf coins have built in security features such as the Bullion DNA Anti-Counterfeiting Technology which allows the coin’s sellers to verify authenticity at the point of sale. Other security measures, such as micro-detailing, are also employed. 

Since these coins are bought and traded frequently, the market value is often higher than the face value. However, the same can be said of its American cousin. 

The American Buffalo Gold coin is a solid choice as well. It is backed by the U.S. mint, and they are highly sought after. These beautiful American coins require care when handling, compared to the American Gold Eagle which is a harder alloy, which suggests that they are clear collectibles and designed accordingly. The American Gold Buffalo has a larger radius than the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf for comparable weight. 

Importantly, if you want fractional gold, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is the victor of this comparison of the American Gold Buffalo vs. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. This is due to the buffalo only being available in one full troy ounce outside of 2008 while the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf offers variety. 

If you’re in the United States, it’s easy to argue the American Gold Buffalo is the victor, but the same can be argued for the Gold Maple Leaf in Canada. If you’re choosing on cost alone, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf often has the cheaper premium. 

So, what are you picking in the comparison of the American Gold Buffalo vs. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf? 

Either choice is a winner, though, our team tends to gravitate toward the Buffalo. Though gold does have its ups and downs, the precious metal has proven itself for centuries to be a reliable investment. As well, the overall market value of gold continues upward. It’s as good a time as ever to get to know gold in its many forms and possibilities. 

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