Numismatic

2008-W 1/2 oz Gold Buffalo MS-70 NGC (ER)

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In 2008, the United States Mint produced a special run of the American Buffalo series that would become a unique chapter in modern coinage. This was the only year the sovereign gold coin was struck in fractional sizes, including this half-ounce version containing 0.5000 troy ounces of 0.9999 fine gold. Minted at the West Point facility, this issue had a limited production of just 16,908 pieces, making it a highly notable release for enthusiasts studying modern American minting history. The obverse features a powerful profile of an American Indian, a design directly inspired by the famous 1913 Buffalo Nickel created by James Earle Fraser. The word LIBERTY and the year 2008 are clearly visible on this side, alongside the W mint mark indicating its West Point origin. This classic imagery celebrates indigenous heritage with a design that has remained beloved for over a century. On the reverse, the coin displays a detailed representation of an American bison, modeled after the famous bison named Black Diamond. The inscriptions surrounding the animal include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and IN GOD WE TRUST. The bottom of the coin denotes its weight, purity, and face value, reading 1/2 OZ. 0.9999 FINE GOLD and $25. This coin stands as a beautifully crafted tribute to the American West, backed fully by the United States government.