CoinWeek Giveaway # 630 Sponsored by…2001-D American Buffalo Silver Commemorative Dollar (PCGS MS69 – Jay Johnson Signed Label)

The 2001-D American Buffalo Silver Commemorative Dollar is one of the most celebrated modern U.S. commemorative coins. Struck by the United States Mint, this issue revived James Earle Fraser’s legendary 1913 Buffalo Nickel design on a large-format silver dollar planchet for the first time ever. Graded PCGS MS69 and featuring the Jay Johnson signature label, this example connects collectors directly to the Mint Director who oversaw its historic release. For modern commemorative collectors and Buffalo design enthusiasts, it represents a true “one-and-done” opportunity.

The Backstory: A Legend Revived

Authorized by Congress to commemorate the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian, the program carried a strict maximum mintage of 500,000 coins across all formats. The coin officially went on sale June 7, 2001, and completely sold out by June 21. This rapid 15-day sellout ranks among the fastest in modern U.S. Mint history, immediately cementing its status as a modern key commemorative. Notably, after the sellout, the museum requested that mintage be increased. The Treasury Secretary denied the request, ensuring the 2001 issue would remain the only commemorative American Buffalo silver dollar ever struck.

The Design Legacy

The 2001-D silver dollar faithfully adapts Fraser’s iconic Buffalo Nickel artwork:

• Obverse: A composite portrait of Native American leaders Iron Tail, Big Tree, and Two Moons.
• Reverse: “Black Diamond,” the famed bison from New York City’s Central Park Zoo.

This marked the first time the beloved Buffalo Nickel design appeared on a silver dollar, expanding one of America’s most admired coin motifs onto a larger 38.1 mm canvas. For type collectors, this issue represents the only commemorative silver dollar rendition of the classic Buffalo design.

The Jay Johnson Connection

Jay Johnson served as the 36th Director of the United States Mint from 2000 to 2001. His tenure coincided with one of the highest production periods in Mint history. Coins encapsulated by PCGS with the Jay Johnson signature label carry an added layer of historical connection and provenance. His signature directly ties this coin to the official who managed its launch and national distribution. For registry collectors, signature labels can enhance desirability and long-term collectibility.

A “One-and-Done” Modern Classic

Unlike recurring commemorative programs, the 2001-D American Buffalo Silver Dollar was never repeated. No additional commemorative silver dollars bearing this design were authorized. With a final uncirculated mintage of 227,131 pieces, the Denver Mint issue remains one of the most successful and tightly distributed modern commemoratives. Technical Specifications Denomination: $1.00 (Silver Dollar) Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper Weight: 26.73 grams Diameter: 38.1 mm Actual Silver Weight: 0.7735 oz Mint Mark: “D” (Denver Mint) Finish: Uncirculated (Mint State) Grade: PCGS MS69 Uncirculated Mintage: 227,131 Designer: James Earle Fraser .

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Entries into our Contest are accepted from  February 2th  until 8 PM on Sunday March 8th, 2026

Links to Entry Forms,  Extra Entry Options and Terms are Below

The CoinWeek Giveaway is open to all US Citizens 18 yrs and older. Just submit your Email Address into the Entry Form – CLICK HERE, and you will recieve One entry into the Giveaway. Good luck and enjoy the contest! Get up to 6 Extra Entries into this week’s Giveaway……. Follow the Links below. NOTE: ALL Entry pages and Options links  OPEN in new windows, so once you have finished your entry, just close the tab and you will return to this Main Giveaway Page to continue selecting additional Entry opportunities !

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To see a list of the Names and states of most of the Past Winners of the CoinWeek Givaway , along with the coins and paper money that has have given away. For over 11 years CoinWeek has held the free coin giveaway weekly, bring new classic and interesting Ancient, World and US Coins and currency to our readers. Click Here to view the list

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