The United States Mint introduced the American Gold Buffalo in 2006 to offer a pure gold coin with a classic American look. As the first annually issued 24-karat gold bullion coin from the mint, it quickly stood out, especially with its use of James Earle Fraser’s artwork originally created for the 1913 Buffalo Nickel. In 2008, the series reached its only fractional-ounce release, giving collectors the rare chance to own smaller Gold Buffalo proofs in one complete set. Right now, 2008-W 4-Coin Proof Gold American Buffalo Sets in near-perfect condition are available from Silver.com.
Coin Highlights:
- Comes with individual plastic slabs for each coin!
- 3rd issue of Proof Gold Buffalos!
- 1st-and-only issue of fractional-ounce Gold Buffalos!
- Limited original mintage of only 7,803 sets!
- Consists of 1.85 troy ounces of .9999 fine gold in total.
- The individual face values in US Dollars (USD) are backed by the US government.
- Graded PF69 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
- UCAM designation.
- On the obverse is an indigenous portrait.
- The reverse features an American bison.
- W mint marks from the West Point Mint.
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, was released in 1913 and became a lasting symbol of early 20th-century US coin design. Sculptor James Earle Fraser used a blended portrait of three Native American chiefs for the obverse, paired with an American bison on the reverse. The bison is commonly tied to Black Diamond from the New York Central Park Zoo. With these images, the coin moved away from older decorative styles and toward strong, recognizable American themes centered on the land, its people, and the frontier spirit.
Each 2008-W 4-Coin Proof Gold American Buffalo Set includes four proof coins, and each arrives secured in its own individual slab. These examples are graded PF69, meaning they maintain a high proof finish with original mint quality and no more than a few minor marks. Any small contact marks or hairlines are limited in number and located away from the central focal areas of the design. The UCAM designation indicates a pleasing contrast, with frosted design elements standing out clearly against mirrored fields. Included in this set are the 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz Proof Gold Buffalo Coins.
The obverse of the 2008-W Proof Gold American Buffalos features Fraser’s portrait of an indigenous figure. It is believed that Fraser studied three real indigenous leaders from the early 1900s and combined their features to create one unified profile for the design.
The reverse of the 2008-W Proof Gold American Buffalo Coins shows the American bison known as Black Diamond. The bison is displayed in left-profile relief and stands on a small mound, offering a steady, natural pose that has remained a favorite since the days of the Buffalo Nickel.
Please contact Silver.com with any questions about gold for sale. You can call us at 1-888-989-7223, chat with us online, or email us directly.
