-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56318
Checkout
The Certified Gold Buffalo 2018-W PR70 PCGS Cleveland Signature Edition represents the pinnacle of modern American numismatics, blending the enduring beauty of James Earle Fraser’s classic design with the precision of 21st-century minting. Struck at the West Point Mint in one full troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, this proof coin bears the "W" mintmark and has been graded PR70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), signifying a flawless proof specimen. Further enhancing its prestige is the inclusion of the signature of Thomas S. Cleveland, a former member of the U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program, on the encapsulation label, making it an especially collectible version of the coin.
The American Gold Buffalo series was authorized by the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 and debuted in 2006 as the first-ever 24-karat gold coin issued by the United States Mint. Prior to this, American gold coins—such as the American Gold Eagle—were struck in 22-karat gold. The Gold Buffalo was intended to provide investors and collectors with a .9999 pure gold option that competed directly with international issues like the Canadian Maple Leaf and Austrian Philharmonic. From the outset, the coin was a tremendous success thanks to its iconic design, guaranteed purity, and government backing.
The obverse of the 2018-W Proof Gold Buffalo features a powerful right-facing profile of a Native American chief, a composite of three individuals from different tribes. This design was originally created by James Earle Fraser for the 1913 Buffalo nickel, and its reappearance on a modern gold coin reinforces its place as one of the most beloved images in American coinage. Inscriptions on the obverse include “LIBERTY” to the upper right, the date “2018” in relief on the shoulder of the profile, and the small “W” mintmark of the West Point Mint just below the date. The mirror-like background and frosted details create exceptional contrast in the proof version, giving the artwork unparalleled clarity and depth.
The reverse displays an imposing image of an American bison standing on a patch of grass, also borrowed from the Buffalo nickel and modeled after a real bison named Black Diamond that resided at the Bronx Zoo in the early 20th century. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are displayed above and around the bison, while the bottom portion of the reverse shows the coin’s denomination and specifications: “$50,” “1 OZ.,” and “.9999 FINE GOLD.” The exceptional sharpness and frosted texture of the design allow the bison’s heavy musculature and shaggy fur to emerge with breathtaking realism against the dark mirrored field.
The proof version of the Gold Buffalo is distinguished from its bullion counterpart by its production process. Proof coins are struck multiple times using specially polished dies and planchets, resulting in the distinctive high-contrast finish between the frosted design elements and deeply mirrored fields. These proof strikes are intended for collectors rather than investors and are sold directly by the U.S. Mint. The 2018-W Proof Buffalo was offered in limited quantities, which adds scarcity to its intrinsic and artistic value.
With a total mintage of just 15,810 pieces, the 2018-W Proof Gold Buffalo is among the lower-mintage entries in the series. While this figure is not the lowest in the Gold Buffalo program, it is low enough to make certified perfect examples especially desirable. The PCGS PR70 designation confirms that this coin is in flawless condition, free from even the smallest imperfections under 5x magnification. As such, it represents the highest achievable standard in numismatics, appealing to collectors who demand perfection and those competing in registry sets.
This particular specimen carries a label signed by Thomas S. Cleveland, a U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer who contributed to numerous U.S. coinage projects. His signature adds a layer of collectibility, connecting the coin to the broader history of U.S. Mint artistry. Signature labels have become increasingly popular in the numismatic community, especially those connected to artists or figures with direct ties to coin design or mint operations. Cleveland’s signature elevates the appeal of the coin beyond its grade and physical attributes, adding artistic and historical context for discerning collectors.
The Gold Buffalo’s specifications remain consistent year to year. It is struck from 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold (24-karat), measures 32.7 mm in diameter, and carries a face value of $50, although its market value is tied to the spot price of gold plus any applicable numismatic premium. The coin’s high gold purity makes it especially attractive to investors, while its artistic significance, low mintage, and perfect PR70 grade make it a centerpiece in any modern gold collection.
PCGS’s encapsulation provides long-term protection and authentication, making the coin easy to store, transport, and sell while retaining its condition and provenance. The inclusion of the Cleveland signature label enhances its visual presentation and adds to its registry set desirability, particularly for collectors building themed or signature-focused sets. Additionally, many collectors value the consistency of the Gold Buffalo series, which has remained unchanged in its design since inception—preserving Fraser’s vision while showcasing the Mint’s ongoing dedication to excellence.
In summary, the Certified Gold Buffalo 2018-W PR70 PCGS Cleveland Signature coin is a modern classic, offering unmatched purity, flawless condition, and deep historical roots. The combination of perfect proof quality, limited mintage, and an artist-signed label results in a coin that appeals to a wide range of collectors and investors. Whether held for its gold content, artistic design, or its impeccable PCGS certification with Cleveland’s signature, this coin stands out as one of the most desirable offerings in contemporary U.S. numismatics.