2008 Proof Gold Buffalo
2008 American Gold Buffalo Proof
For 2008, the United States Mint expanded the offerings for American Gold Buffalo collector coins. In prior years, the proof version of the coin was only offered in one ounce size. The 2008 Proof Gold Buffalo was available in three additional fractional sizes in addition to separately offered collectible uncirculated versions. This expanded the scope of the American Gold Buffalo program to match the American Gold Eagle program.
Sales of the 2008 Proof Gold Buffalo coins began on July 22, 2008. Coins were intended to be minted to customer demand. There were no ordering limitations in place. The full product line included $50 face value one ounce coins, $25 face value one-half ounce coins, $10 face value one-quarter ounce coins, $5 face value one-tenth ounce coins, and the 4 Coin Set containing one of each denomination.
When the coins were initially offered for sale, the prices were determined based on a very high price of gold. While the price of gold steadily declined throughout the year, the prices of the coins were not adjusted, resulting in unusually high premiums. The US Mint finally adjusted prices for the coins on November 13, 2008. The table below displays the initial prices and the reduced prices. On July 22, 2009 the price of gold was $946.70 per ounce. On November 13, 2009 the price of gold was $726.50.
| July 22 Price | Nov 13 Price | |
| 1 oz Proof | 1,199.95 | 1,049.95 |
| 1/2 oz Proof | 619.95 | 549.95 |
| 1/4 oz Proof | 329.95 | 312.45 |
| 1/10 oz Proof | 159.95 | 164.95 |
| 4 Coin Set | 2,219.95 | 2,005.45 |
The US Mint announced in late 2008 that they would be discontinuing a large number of products. This included the newly established fractional proof Gold Buffalo coins. This made the fractional proof versions sold during 2008 a one year only issue. The pace of sales following the discontinuation announcement and price reduction increased, and the products sold out shortly thereafter.
2008 Proof Gold Buffalo Mintages
2008-W Proof $50 Gold Buffalo (1 ounce): 18,863
2008-W Proof $25 Gold Buffalo (1/2 ounce): 11,169
2008-W Proof $10 Gold Buffalo (1/4 ounce): 13,125
2008-W Proof $5 Gold Buffalo (1/10 ounce): 28,884
(mintages reflect total from individual and 4 coin set sales)
2008 Proof Gold Buffalo Specifications
Mint Mark: W
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Composition: 24 karat (.9999 ) fine gold
Weight: varies based on denomination
Diameter: varies based on denomination
Thickness: varies based on denomination
