Buffalo Commemorative Silver Dollar

The signing of Public Law 106-375 on October 27, 2000 authorized the United States Mint to produce coins commemorating the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institute.

Design of the Buffalo Commemorative Silver Dollar

The American Buffalo Silver Dollar portrays a profile representation of an American Indian on its obverse (front). The word "LIBERTY" arcs in front of the American Indian's face. The date appears across his lower neck.

The reverse (back) of the coin features a bison above whom rests the words 'UNITED 'STATES ' OF ' AMERICA' and the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST.' The phrase 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' appears underneath the bison's head. 'ONE DOLLAR' sits at the bison's feet.

Both sides are modified versions of the Buffalo nickel, as designed by James Earle Fraser. Fraser, considered one of America's finest sculptors and metallic artists, was a student of another famous sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Saint-Gaudens designed the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin, widely considered to be the most beautiful American coin ever minted. Fraser's last initial, 'F', was retained for this design and can be found located underneath the date.

Buffalo Commemorative Silver Dollar Minting Information

The United States Mint struck only 500,000 of these silver coins and they sold out of the issue in just two short weeks. Supplies are limited.