The American Gold Buffalo is known for its exceptional gold purity and classic design from the United States Mint. First released in 2006, this series brought back the well-known Buffalo Nickel imagery, now struck on 24-karat gold blanks. The Gold Buffalo stands out as the only U.S. Mint coin series issued each year with .9999 pure gold content. Today, collectors can find the 2008-W 1/2 oz American Gold Buffalo Coin available for purchase online at BullionMax.

Coin Highlights:

• Coins arrive in protective plastic capsules!
• 3rd year of issue for Gold Buffalos!
• Only year of issue with fractional-ounce coins!
• Total mintage of only 16,908 coins!
• Contains 1/2 troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
• Issued a face value of $25 (USD) by the United States.
• Obverse features an indigenous figure.
• Reverse includes an American bison.
• Burnished version of the Gold Buffalo.
• Includes a W mint mark from the West Point Mint.

The obverse of the 2008-W 1/2 oz Gold Buffalo Coin displays the famous Native American profile designed by James Earle Fraser. This artwork first appeared on the Buffalo Nickel in 1913 and remains one of the most recognizable designs in American coinage. Fraser created the portrait using features from three Native American leaders—Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree—to form a respectful and unified image. The design highlights braided hair, strong facial details, and a calm, dignified expression.

On the reverse of the 2008-W American Gold Buffalo is Fraser’s depiction of an American bison. The image was inspired by Black Diamond, a buffalo that lived at the New York Central Park Zoo in the early 1900s. Shown standing firmly on a raised mound, the bison symbolizes strength and endurance. This design pays tribute to the animal’s importance in American history and its once-prominent presence across the plains.

The 2008 fractional-ounce Gold Buffalo coins are especially notable because they were only produced for one year. This marks the only time the series included 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz gold options. It was also the sole year the U.S. Mint issued a Burnished Gold Buffalo. The 2008-W 1/2 oz Burnished Gold Buffalo had the second-highest mintage among burnished releases, closely following the 1/10 oz version.

Each 2008-W 1/2 oz American Gold Buffalo Coin is housed in a protective plastic capsule. The burnished finish gives the coin a soft, matte appearance. This look is achieved by polishing the gold blanks before striking, then striking each coin once under high pressure. The result is a smooth finish that sets this coin apart from standard bullion issues.

BullionMax customer service is available to help with your 1/2 oz gold purchase at 800-729-3202. You can also reach us online through our web chat and email support options.