Eagles vs. Buffalos - My 2 cents from 20+ years in gold

Donald Nelson

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Eagles vs. Buffalos - My 2 cents from 20+ years in gold

donald_nelson💎Premium (500k-1m)

about 5 hours ago

Key Takeaways

•I’ve been seeing a lot of new folks asking about American Eagles vs.
•American Buffalos lately, and honestly, the debate feels like déjà vu.
•I've been stacking gold for over two decades now, since before some of you even knew what a recession was.

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I’ve been seeing a lot of new folks asking about American Eagles vs. American Buffalos lately, and honestly, the debate feels like déjà vu. I've been stacking gold for over two decades now, since before some of you even knew what a recession was. Started back when I was still working on the line at Ford out here in Detroit, putting aside a little extra each month into physical. It’s been a crazy ride watching my nest egg grow from a few thousand to well over half a million now, all thanks to smart choices and a healthy dose of patience.

For me, it’s always boiled down to Eagles. Yeah, I know the purity argument – Buffalos are .9999 pure gold, and Eagles are .9167 (22K) with a little copper and silver alloy. But that small difference in purity has always been outweighed by the recognition factor for me. Eagles are arguably the most recognizable gold coin in the world. If I ever needed to quickly liquidate a portion of my holdings, I have no doubt an individual Eagle would move faster and with less hassle than a Buffalo, even if the Buffalo has that extra smidge of purity.

Plus, there's always been that practical aspect for me. The alloy in Eagles makes them a bit more durable. Not that I'm knocking them around, but after 20+ years of handling, moving them to different safes, and showing them off (to my kids, not randos!), that extra bit of resilience is a quiet comfort. With a portfolio that substantial, I'm not looking for any unnecessary risks, even if small. Has anyone else who’s been in this game for a long time found a similar comfort in the durability of Eagles?

Ultimately, both are fantastic choices for an IRA, no doubt. They're both US-minted, beautiful designs, and hold value incredibly well. My decision has always been based on my personal preference for established recognition and durability. What truly drives your choice between the two, especially for those of you who hold significant amounts? Is it purely the purity, or are there other factors weighing heavier?

4 comments

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Best Answer▲ 9 upvotes

timothy_reed💎Premium (500k-1m)

Totally get what you're saying! This debate definitely feels like it pops up every few years. I remember when I first started looking into gold, probably around 15 years ago, I was stuck on the exact same question. Ended up going with a mix of both for a while, just to see what felt right. Funny how some things just never change in this world, huh?

Comments (4)

timothy_reed💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investor•less than a minute ago

michelle_collins🏆Advanced (250-500k)Real Investor•less than a minute ago

Hey, interesting post! When you say "stacks gold," are you referring to the 1oz coins, or do you dabble in fractional Eagles/Buffalos too?

donald_nelson💎Premium (500k-1m)Real Investor✓ Verified•less than a minute ago

Interesting take. While I totally get the "been there, done that" vibe with the Eagles vs. Buffalos debate, I think it's still a super valid question for new people. It's not just about the gold content, but about understanding the premiums and liquidity in different market conditions. What might have been a minor distinction 20 years ago could be more pronounced now given the wider variety of options and how the market's evolved.

christopher_young🌟Ultra (5m+)Real Investor✓ Verified•less than a minute ago

Great post! Super helpful for new stackers. One thing I'd add for anyone looking to go deeper on the differences (especially premiums and what influences them) is to check out some of the detailed coin comparison charts out there. Sites like JM Bullion or SD Bullion often have good breakdowns that illustrate the slight variations in cost and why they exist, which can really help when you're trying to decide between the two for your IRA.

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