2008-W 1/10 oz Proof Gold Buffalo PF-70 NGC (ER)

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In 2008, the West Point Mint struck a highly distinctive version of a classic American design. This five dollar sovereign coin contains one tenth of an ounce of extremely pure 0.9999 fine gold. Backed by the United States government, this issue holds a special place in modern coinage as it represents the only year that the American Buffalo series was produced in fractional sizes. The obverse of the coin features a detailed profile portrait of an American Indian, designed by James Earle Fraser. The word LIBERTY and the year 2008 are clearly visible on this side. Fraser's artistry continues on the reverse, which depicts an American Buffalo standing in profile. This reverse illustration is a direct adaptation of the famous artwork originally created for the Buffalo Nickel. With a mintage of just 18,884 pieces, this fractional proof coin showcases inscriptions including UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the weight and purity designation of 1/10 OZ. 0.9999 FINE GOLD alongside the five dollar denomination. It remains a fascinating study in how historic early twentieth-century artwork can be beautifully adapted to modern precious metal coinage.