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Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53041
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 12/21/24 05:47:01 | ||
Gold
 29.19
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$2,622.00 | $2,636.35 |
The Certified 2016-W Proof Gold Buffalo, graded PF70 by NGC with the Castle signature edition, stands as a hallmark of precision and beauty in American numismatics. This coin is part of the U.S. Mint's American Buffalo series, which was first introduced in 2006. The series was notable for being the first U.S. coin struck from .9999 fine 24-karat gold, offering a direct competitor to international gold bullion coins like the Canadian Maple Leaf. The design of the Gold Buffalo draws its inspiration from one of America’s most iconic coin designs, the Buffalo Nickel, originally issued in 1913 and designed by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser. The Proof Gold Buffalo coins, including this 2016-W issue, are struck with extraordinary care, providing collectors with a flawless example of the series’ artistry. The Castle signature adds an additional layer of prestige, making this particular coin a highly sought-after piece for serious numismatists.
The obverse of the 2016-W Proof Gold Buffalo showcases Fraser’s famous design of a Native American chieftain, a composite portrait based on three different tribal leaders from Fraser's experiences in the American West. This design reflects the strength and dignity of the Native American peoples, with the chieftain’s hair tied back, adorned with feathers, and every detail of his facial features rendered in stunning clarity. The high-relief strike on the proof version of the Gold Buffalo allows for an exceptional level of detail, with the raised areas of the portrait contrasting sharply against the mirror-like fields of the coin. Above the profile, the word "LIBERTY" is boldly inscribed, while the year "2016" is located beneath the neck of the Native American portrait. The "W" mintmark, signifying that the coin was struck at the West Point Mint, is positioned next to the date, underscoring the coin’s origin at one of the most prestigious mints in the United States. The proof finish, with its frosted design elements and reflective background, enhances the visual impact of this iconic obverse, making it stand out as a work of art.
The reverse of the 2016-W Proof Gold Buffalo is equally captivating, featuring Fraser’s depiction of an American bison, modeled after the famous buffalo known as Black Diamond, who once resided at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. This powerful image of the buffalo standing atop a small mound has become synonymous with America’s rugged frontier spirit. The texture of the buffalo’s fur, its muscular form, and the sense of weight and power in its stance are all captured in meticulous detail, thanks to the high-relief proof strike. Surrounding the bison are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the top, the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" to the left, and "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the right. The denomination and weight "ONE OUNCE .9999 FINE GOLD" are clearly inscribed at the bottom, underscoring the coin’s gold purity and weight. The reverse design’s balance of artistry and symbolism make it one of the most admired in modern U.S. coinage.
The 2016-W Proof Gold Buffalo was struck at the West Point Mint, one of the most significant minting facilities in the United States. Known for producing high-quality bullion and collector coins, the West Point Mint has been responsible for striking the American Buffalo series since its inception. The "W" mintmark is a symbol of the West Point Mint’s reputation for excellence, particularly in the production of proof coins, which require additional care in preparation and striking. Proof coins, such as this one, are struck multiple times with specially prepared dies, ensuring that every detail of the design is sharp and well-defined, with a polished, mirror-like background that contrasts beautifully with the frosted design elements. This meticulous process results in a coin that is not only beautiful but also highly collectible, with proof versions of the Gold Buffalo often commanding premium prices in the market.
The mintage of the 2016-W Proof Gold Buffalo was limited to just 21,878 pieces, making it one of the scarcer issues in the Gold Buffalo series. This limited mintage, combined with the coin’s perfect PF70 grade from NGC, adds to its desirability among collectors. A PF70 grade signifies that the coin is in absolutely flawless condition, with no visible imperfections even under magnification. Coins that achieve this grade are considered the pinnacle of numismatic quality, and they are highly prized by collectors who seek the finest examples for their collections. The Castle signature edition further enhances the coin’s collectability, as it features the autograph of a prominent numismatic figure, adding an element of historical and personal connection to the coin’s provenance.
The Proof Gold Buffalo coins are composed of 24-karat gold, with a fineness of .9999, making them among the purest gold coins issued by the United States Mint. Each coin contains one troy ounce of pure gold, which not only gives the coin significant intrinsic value but also makes it a popular choice among investors who seek to add physical gold to their portfolios. However, the Proof Gold Buffalo stands out from other bullion coins due to its artistic merit, limited mintage, and flawless proof finish. Collectors who value both the intrinsic worth of gold and the historical significance of the design find the Proof Gold Buffalo to be a must-have addition to their collections.
The Certified 2016-W Proof Gold Buffalo PF70 NGC Castle signature edition is a prime example of modern U.S. coinage at its finest. The combination of flawless craftsmanship, a perfect PF70 grade, and the limited mintage make this coin highly desirable. The historical design, which honors one of America’s most iconic coin images, adds another layer of significance to this already remarkable coin. The Castle signature edition further enhances the coin’s uniqueness, making it a standout piece in any collection. For both collectors and investors, the 2016-W Proof Gold Buffalo offers the perfect blend of artistry, history, and gold content, making it a true treasure of modern American numismatics.