The History of the Buffalo Nickel - Part II
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The History of the Buffalo Nickel - Part II
An Iconic Coin's Journey
In this continuation of the Buffalo Nickel's history, we delve into its creation and the challenges faced in bringing this iconic coin to life.
The Inspiration Behind the Design
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, features a bison named Black Diamond from the New York Zoological Park as its model. Sculptor James Earle Fraser added his artistic touch, portraying Black Diamond as if he were roaming the Great Plains. Sadly, after the coin’s release, Black Diamond was sold and eventually processed into steaks, despite rescue attempts. His legacy lived on, and his stuffed head was displayed at a major coin convention in the 1980s.
Fraser's fascination with Native American culture is evident in his choice of design. Growing up in the Dakota Territory during the 1880s, he witnessed the tragic decline of the American buffalo and the Native American way of life. Through the Buffalo Nickel, Fraser sought to honor and preserve this significant period in American history.
A Challenging Development Process
The initial sketches impressed Mint Director George E. Roberts, who had previously revamped coinage under President Roosevelt. Secretary MacVeagh quickly approved the designs, but internal disagreements delayed the process. By June 26, 1912, preliminary plaster models were tentatively approved, though Roberts requested some adjustments to the relief.
Just when progress seemed steady, the Hobbs Company, a manufacturer of coin-operated vending machines, raised concerns about the new design's functionality in their machines. A lengthy back-and-forth ensued among Hobbs, Fraser, and MacVeagh, stalling the project.
In December 1912, MacVeagh insisted Fraser complete his work. By early 1913, Chief Engraver Charles Barber prepared the dies, and pattern coins were struck in January. Although Barber was surprisingly cooperative given his minimal input, a pattern coin reached Hobbs, reigniting disputes over the design. Despite making some changes, Hobbs was dissatisfied and demanded further alterations.
After Fraser voiced his frustration to MacVeagh, a conference on February 15, 1913, resolved the conflict. MacVeagh ordered the latest design to be used, and production finally commenced on February 21, 1913, at the Philadelphia Mint, churning out 120 nickels per minute.
Reception and Challenges
Upon its release, the Buffalo Nickel received mixed reactions. Secretary MacVeagh described it as "immensely interesting and beautiful," while critics, including The New York Times, saw it as a "travesty on artistic effect." Concerns were raised about the coin's susceptibility to counterfeiting due to its "rough" texture.
The most enduring complaint was the nickel's inability to withstand wear. Critics predicted that key elements like the date and "FIVE CENTS" inscription would quickly fade. True to prediction, just a month into circulation, issues with wear emerged. The inscription was hard to read as the lettering wore away.
To address this, Barber altered the coin in subsequent versions by straightening and reinforcing the mound under the buffalo to better protect the inscription. However, despite these changes, the date on the coin continued to wear down quickly. In 1916, Barber made additional modifications, enhancing the relief and thickening the word "LIBERTY," yet he never resolved the date-wearing problem.
The End of an Era
By 1937, plans were underway to replace the Buffalo Nickel as its mandatory 25-year run concluded. It gave way to the Jefferson Nickel, which remains in production today. The Buffalo Nickel remains a beloved piece of American numismatic history, recognized for its cultural significance and artistic depth.
This tale of the Buffalo Nickel is not just a story of a coin; it reflects a period of transformation, cultural homage, and the enduring legacy of Fraser’s artistic vision.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The History of the Buffalo Nickel - Part II.
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