2008-W 1/2 oz Burnished Gold Buffalo – SP70, Stephanie Sabin Signed
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Microscopic Population: One of only 24 coins in existence bearing the prestigious signature of PCGS President Stephanie Sabin.
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One-Year-Only Fractional Issue: From the only year the U.S. Mint ever produced fractional 1/2 oz Burnished Gold Buffalos, making it a landmark type coin.
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Perfect SP70 Grade: Graded a flawless Specimen 70 (SP70) by PCGS, representing the highest possible standard for a burnished coin.
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PCGS President's Autograph: Personally hand-signed by Stephanie Sabin, the President of PCGS, the industry-leading grading service.
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Pure 24-Karat Gold: Struck in one-half troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, the purest gold used in U.S. coinage.
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Sought-After Burnished Finish: Features the beautiful, soft matte-like luster unique to the collectible burnished series.
A Numismatic Landmark
Welcome to a pinnacle of modern U.S. coinage—a coin whose rarity is rooted in a unique moment in minting history. This is the 2008-W 1/2 oz Burnished Gold Buffalo, an issue from the one and only year the U.S. Mint ever struck fractional-sized Burnished Gold Buffalos. This historic "one-year-type" status alone makes it a key acquisition for collectors. However, this specific specimen transcends even that rarity. From a total mintage of just 16,908, this coin has achieved a perfect SP70 grade from PCGS and is one of only 24 examples in the world to be hand-signed by PCGS President Stephanie Sabin. This is a monumental opportunity to own a "top pop" treasure whose scarcity is certified, documented, and absolute.
Exquisite Design with a Unique Finish
This coin celebrates the iconic artwork of James Earle Fraser, reviving his designs from the legendary 1913 Buffalo Nickel in pure 24-karat gold. The special burnished finish, created by striking the coin on specially prepared planchets, imparts a soft, satin-like luster that beautifully complements Fraser's classic American imagery.
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Obverse: Features the powerful and stoic composite portrait of three Native American chiefs. The burnished finish enhances the depth and texture of the portrait, from the proud facial features to the intricate feathers in the hair.
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Reverse: Depicts the majestic American Bison, widely believed to be modeled after "Black Diamond" from the Central Park Zoo. The animal's immense strength and rugged hide are rendered with stunning realism, set against the coin's smooth, non-reflective fields.
The perfect SP70 grade from PCGS guarantees that every nuance of Fraser's art and the unique texture of the burnished finish are perfectly preserved with zero imperfections.
Why Collect This Coin?
The investment and collectible case for this coin is built on a trifecta of rarity. First, it is a one-year-only fractional type, a status that ensures it will always be in demand. Second, its perfect SP70 grade places it at the apex of quality. Third, and most critically, the Stephanie Sabin signature creates a microscopic population of just 24 coins. For the serious collector, acquiring a coin with this combination of historical significance, flawless condition, and extreme, verifiable population rarity is the ultimate goal.
Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Coin
The American Gold Buffalo series, launched in 2006, was the U.S. Mint's first-ever 24-karat gold coin. In 2008, for one year only, the Mint experimented by issuing fractional sizes (1/10, 1/4, and 1/2 oz) in both Proof and Burnished finishes. This decision was never repeated, instantly turning the 2008 fractional Gold Buffalos into modern classics. The 1/2 oz Burnished version, with its low mintage and unique story, has remained a key date for collectors ever since.
Artistic and Design Elements
James Earle Fraser's designs are a cornerstone of American identity, capturing the spirit of the American West. The Native American portrait on the obverse is a tribute to the nation's indigenous heritage, while the bison on the reverse is a powerful symbol of American strength and frontier history. The burnished finish gives these familiar designs a sophisticated and elegant character, different from the brilliant shine of their bullion counterparts, allowing for a deep appreciation of the sculptural details.
Unique Collectible Features
This coin’s elite status is undeniable. Its foundational rarity as a One-Year-Only Fractional Issue makes it a historic collectible. Its Perfect SP70 Grade certifies its flawless quality and preservation. The ultimate feature, however, is the Stephanie Sabin Signature, which creates a documented population of only 24 examples. This is not just a coin signed by a prominent figure; it is signed by the President of the very company that guarantees its authenticity and perfect grade, adding a unique layer of industry provenance.
Packaging and Presentation
The coin is sonically sealed in a secure PCGS holder to permanently protect its perfect condition and guarantee its authenticity. The holder features a special label that verifies the SP70 grade and prominently displays the authentic, hand-signed autograph of PCGS President Stephanie Sabin. This professional packaging ensures the coin remains a stable and secure tangible asset, ideal for display in a world-class collection.
