2008-W 4PC Burnished Gold Buffalo Set – NGC MS70 "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces/Cabral Auto"
Year: 2008
Mint: West Point
Metal: .9999 Fine Gold (24 karat)
Designation: Burnished, 4-Coin Set ($5, $10, $25, $50)
Grade: MS70
Signature: Anna Escobedo Cabral
A pinnacle of modern U.S. coinage, the 2008-W 4PC Burnished Gold Buffalo Set, certified MS70 by NGC with the exclusive "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces/Cabral Auto" label, is a collector’s masterpiece. Struck at the West Point Mint with a mintage of just 8,883 sets, this rare set includes four denominations ($5, $10, $25, $50) in flawless burnished condition, showcasing James Earle Fraser’s iconic Buffalo Nickel designs. The MS70 grade and Anna Escobedo Cabral’s autograph, as the 42nd U.S. Treasurer, elevate its status as a numismatic treasure, blending artistry, scarcity, and historical significance.
A Historic Milestone for the Gold Buffalo Series
Introduced in 2006 as America’s first 24-karat gold coin, the American Gold Buffalo series achieved a landmark with the 2008-W 4PC Burnished Set, the only year the U.S. Mint offered all four fractional denominations ($5, $10, $25, $50) in a burnished finish. Struck at West Point with a “W” mintmark, the set’s low mintage of 8,883 reflects its exclusivity, driven by collector demand for the matte-like, satin finish unique to burnished issues. This set stands out for its comprehensive representation of the Buffalo series, celebrating Fraser’s 1913 design in a year of numismatic innovation, making it a cornerstone for collectors at Global Coin.
The Prestige of the “W” Mint Mark
The “W” mintmark signifies West Point’s reputation for crafting premium collector coins. With its low mintage and burnished finish across all four denominations, this set is a rare achievement, distinguishing it from standard bullion Buffalos and marking it as a collector’s prize.
Iconic American Design
Each coin in the set features Fraser’s timeless designs, originally created for the 1913-1938 Buffalo Nickel, now rendered in 24-karat gold with a refined burnished finish.
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Obverse: Fraser’s Native American portrait, a composite of chiefs Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree, faces right with detailed braids and feathers. “LIBERTY” arcs above, “2008” and Fraser’s “F” initial sit below, with the “W” mintmark to the left. The burnished finish delivers a soft, satin sheen, with MS70 examples showcasing flawless clarity and texture.
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Reverse: Fraser’s American buffalo, modeled after Black Diamond from the Bronx Zoo, stands on a mound. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the respective denominations (“$5,” “$10,” “$25,” “$50”) with “1/10 OZ.,” “1/4 OZ.,” “1/2 OZ.,” or “1 OZ.” and “.9999 FINE GOLD.” The burnished finish highlights the buffalo’s texture, vivid in MS70 condition.
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Edge: Reeded, enhancing the set’s elegant presentation.
The burnished finish transforms Fraser’s designs into a sophisticated showcase, with each denomination in MS70 condition offering museum-quality perfection across the set.
Certified Perfection with “Modern Numismatic Masterpieces” Label Autographed by Anna Cabral
Graded MS70 by NGC, each coin in this set achieves flawless perfection, with no imperfections under magnification. The "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces/Cabral Auto" label, signed by Anna Escobedo Cabral, adds a prestigious pedigree, linking the set to her influential tenure (2004-2009) during the Gold Buffalo’s early years. The 24-karat gold surfaces and impeccable burnished finish make this set a standout for collectors seeking rarity and prestige.
