Silver Buffalo One Troy Ounce .999 Fine Silver Round
Coin/Bullion · Sunshine Minting, Inc. (SMI), a private world-class mint and manufacturer located in Idaho, USA, known as a primary supplier for the United States Mint.
Pattern: Buffalo / Indian Head Heritage Design
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Sunshine Minting, Inc. (SMI), a private world-class mint and manufacturer located in Idaho, USA, known as a primary supplier for the United States Mint.
Material
1 Troy Ounce of .999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver)
Dimensions
Diameter: 39mm; Thickness: 2.8mm; Weight: 31.103 grams (1 Troy Ounce).
Description
This silver round is a private mint tribute to the iconic Buffalo Nickel. It features a majestic American Bison in a high-sheen satin finish set against a radial line background that adds visual depth and serves as an anti-counterfeiting measure. It is a 'round' rather than a 'coin' as it carries no legal tender face value, but is highly sought after for its silver content.
Key Features
SMI MintMark SI security seal; .999 silver purity stamp; reeded edge; James Earle Fraser inspired design.
Material & Composition
1 Troy Ounce of .999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver)
Finish & Decoration
Bullion finish with radial sunburst background lines. Features a frosted relief of an American Buffalo (Bison) standing on a mound, inspired by James Earle Fraser's 1913 Nickel design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'ONE TROY OUNCE' at top; '.999 FINE SILVER' at bottom. Includes the 'SMI' logo (stylized eagle/mountain) above the silver purity.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck bullion round produced via industrial high-pressure coining presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edges to prevent clipping; incorporates 'MintMark SI' security feature (micro-engraving) on the reverse, viewable with a decoding lens.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld bullion item meant for storage or display.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial strike; clean lettering and crisp detail in the buffalo's fur consistent with SMI's reputation for precision bullion.
Authentication Indicators
SMI Logo stamp; consistent font for weight and purity; radial background lines (difficult to replicate); reeded edge consistency.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; minted at Sunshine Minting facilities in Idaho or Nevada.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion Era (Late 20th - Early 21st Century)
Age Estimate
Contemporary; likely produced within the last 5-10 years.
Cultural Significance
A representation of American West heritage; reflects the modern 'stacking' culture where individuals hold physical silver as a hedge against inflation.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Shows light handling marks/tarnish typical of bullion held without a capsule. No major rim dings or deep scratches visible.
Value Estimate
Spot price of silver plus a small retail premium (typically $2.00 - $5.00 over spot).
Care & Maintenance
Grip by the edges only to avoid fingerprints; store in a PVC-free plastic capsule or a coin tube to prevent oxidation and 'milk spots'.
Similar Pieces
Asahi Buffalo Rounds, Golden State Mint Buffaloes, SilverTowne Buffaloes, and the US Mint Silver Buffalo $1 Commemorative (which has a face value).
Interesting Facts
Sunshine Minting is the company that provides the blanks (planchets) for the official American Silver Eagle coins issued by the US Mint.