The United States Mint released the American Gold Buffalo in 2006, offering collectors a modern gold coin with classic American artwork. This series was the first time the mint issued an annually produced bullion coin struck in 24-karat gold, and it revived James Earle Frasers famous designs first seen on the 1913 Buffalo Nickel. In 2008, the mint produced the only fractional-ounce Gold Buffalo Coins ever offered, making these sets a standout in the series. Right now, 2008-W 4-Coin Proof American Buffalo Gold Sets in near-perfect condition are available from Provident Metals.

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!
• Contains 1.85 troy oz of .9999 pure 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.

Each 2008-W 4-Coin Proof American Buffalo Gold Set comes with four proof coins, and each piece is housed in its own protective slab. The coins are graded PF69, meaning they show sharp strike quality, strong eye appeal, and original mint surfaces with only a few tiny imperfections. Any small marks must be minimal and kept away from the primary focal areas of the design. The UCAM designation confirms the strong proof contrast, with frosted design elements rising above mirrored fields. The four coins in this set include the 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz Gold Buffalo.

Obverse

The obverse of the 2008-W Proof American Buffalo Coins showcases Frasers portrait of an indigenous figure. The design is widely believed to draw from three real indigenous leaders from the early 1900s, with Fraser combining their defining facial features into a single, detailed profile. The inscriptions here include LIBERTY, 2008, and the F initial of Fraser.

Reverse

The reverse of the 2008-W Proof American Buffalo Gold Coins depicts the powerful bison known as Black Diamond. Presented in left-profile relief, the bison stands on a small mound, giving the design a grounded, natural look that matches the original Buffalo Nickel theme. Inscriptions here include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, $50, and 1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD.

History

The Buffalo Nickel, introduced in 1913 and officially called the Indian Head nickel, represented a major shift in US coin design. Rather than focusing on heavy ornamentation, sculptor James Earle Fraser created a bold look centered on American subjects. The obverse features a composite portrait based on three Native American chiefs, while the reverse depicts an American bison often associated with Black Diamond of the New York Central Park Zoo. The design has long been recognized as a tribute to the American frontier and a move toward more national imagery in everyday coinage.

Ordering

Please contact Provident Metals with any questions about gold coins for sale. You can call us at 1-800-313-3315, chat with us online, or email us directly.