How many U.S. gold coins can coin collectors stand? The U.S. Mint may be about to find out.

Starting July 22, proof and uncirculated collector 2008 Buffalo gold coins will go on sale.

This year in addition to the one-ounce size that made its first appearance in 2006, the Mint will also offer fractional sizes of half ounce, quarter ounce and tenth ounce.

For the proofs, the one-ounce coin, which has a $50 face value, is priced at $1,199.95 each. The half ounce with a $25 denomination is $619.95. The quarter ounce with a $10 denomination is $329.95. The tenth ounce with a $5 face value is $159.95.

A four-coin proof set is priced at $2,219.95.

The mintmarked uncirculated collector versions with “W” for West Point start at $1,059.95 for the ounce, $539.95 for the half ounce, $289.95 for the quarter ounce and $129.95 for the tenth ounce.

Price of the four-coin “W” uncirculated Buffalo set is $1,959.95.

The Buffalo gold coins are .9999 fine gold and they are encapsulated and then placed in a hardwood holder.

Sales will begin at noon Eastern Time, July 22. Visit the Mint’s Web site at www.usmint.gov.

It might take a few more government stimulus checks to raise the $4,279,90 cost of the two four-coin sets.