Numismatic

2008-W 1/10 oz Proof Gold Buffalo (w/Box & COA)

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The American Buffalo series, first introduced in 2006, represents a notable achievement in modern United States minting. This 2008 issue contains one-tenth of an ounce of extremely pure 0.9999 fine gold. Struck at the West Point Mint, this coin features a proof finish, which gives the design elements a sharp, reflective contrast that highlights the intricate details of the engraving. On the obverse, the coin presents a profile of an American Indian, a design adapted from the famous 1913 Buffalo Nickel by James Earle Fraser. The word LIBERTY is inscribed along the upper right edge, with the year 2008 and the W mint mark positioned on the lower left. This classic portrait captures a powerful sense of dignity and history in a compact gold format. The reverse features a majestic American bison standing in profile. This depiction is based on Black Diamond, a famous live bison who resided in the Central Park Zoo during the early twentieth century. The detailed texture of the animal's coat and its powerful stance are rendered with great care. Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the denomination and purity marked as 1/10 OZ. 0.9999 $5 FINE GOLD. With a mintage of only 18,884 pieces, this fractional gold coin remains a fascinating study in American artistry.