Sales of the $50 2011 Uncirculated Gold Buffalos first began on March 14, 2011. However, just as in previous years, the Uncirculated coins were only sold to the U.S. Mint Authorized Purchasers at a slight premium above the spot price of gold.
The Mint Authorized Dealers in return sell the coins to the public, also at a percentage over the spot price of gold. Coins submitted to PCGS within the first 30 days of release, qualified to receive a special First Strike designation on the holder.