2008-W Uncirculated Gold Buffalo
2008-W Uncirculated American Gold Buffalo
The US Mint expanded 2008 offerings for the American Gold Buffalo program to include collectible uncirculated coins minted in a full range of denominations. The 2008-W Uncirculated Gold Buffalo coins are struck on specially burnished blanks and carry the "W" mint mark. These were branded collector versions of the coins, distinct from the regular bullion issues.
The 2008-W Uncirculated Gold Buffalo coins were announced early in 2008 and went on sale July 22, 2008. The coins were to be minted to customer demand and no ordering limitations were imposed. The coins were sold individually or as part of a complete four coin set. The four denominations included the $50 face value one ounce coin, $25 face value one-half ounce coin, $10 face value one-quarter ounce coin, and $5 face value one-tenth ounce coin.
When the coins first went on sale the price of gold was $947.60 per ounce and prices were determined accordingly. Soon after sales began, the price of gold experienced an extended decline, leaving the coins with unusually high premiums. The situation was not rectified until November 13 when prices were finally reduced. By this time, the price of gold had fallen to $726.50 per ounce. At the time the prices were updated the one-tenth ounce coin had already sold out. The table below displays the original offering prices and the adjusted prices.
| July 22 Price | Nov 13 Price | |
| 1 oz Uncirculated | 1,059.95 | 999.95 |
| 1/2 oz Uncirculated | 539.95 | 524.95 |
| 1/4 oz Uncirculated | 289.95 | 297.45 |
| 1/10 oz Uncirculated | 129.95 | N/A |
| 4 Coin Set | 1,959.95 | 1,902.45 |
In late 2008, the US Mint announced that they would be significantly reducing the number of numismatic product offerings. This included eliminating many of the collectible Gold Buffalo coins. After 2008, all of the Gold Buffalo collectible uncirculated or "burnished" coins would be discontinued. This made the 2008-W Uncirculated Gold Buffalo coins a unique, one year only issue.
2008-W Uncirculated Gold Buffalo Mintages
2008-W Uncirculated $50 Gold Buffalo (1 ounce): 9,074
2008-W Uncirculated $25 Gold Buffalo (1/2 ounce): 16,908
2008-W Uncirculated $10 Gold Buffalo (1/4 ounce): 9,949
2008-W Uncirculated $5 Gold Buffalo (1/10 ounce): 17,429
(mintages reflect total from individual, 4 coin set, and Double Prosperity Set sales)
2008-W Uncirculated 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
