The story of Buffalo Nickel - Part II

Continued from Part I

Bison (buffalo) with the name of Black Diamond, was a stay at the Park Zoo in New York, served as a model. Fraser used a little 'artistic license to portray the buffalo as the Great Plains. A few years after the release of nickel, Black Diamond has been moved to a slaughterhouse, which was then sold in steaks, Black Diamond, despite numerous attempts to sell him to save. The stuffed head of Black Diamond, is displayed in a large conference room1980.

The American Indian fascinates Fraser, so it was no surprise he chose an Indian design for design 5 cent coin. Fraser looked up in the Dakota territory in 1880, the killing of American bison and the destruction of the life of the Indians of the Plains. With the founding of the Buffalo nickel, Fraser was able to honor and an important part of American history preserved.

The sketches are very preliminaryimpressive, and Mint Director George E. Roberts, who also designed new in this post, as President Roosevelt, the coins was very enthusiastic. Although the designs were usually quickly approved by MacVeagh Secretary, a lot of time, while the officials argued, the different ways in which information should be included in the room. Later on June 26, 1912, Roberts had been provisionally approved plaster models of the new five-cent coin, even if it has no application for exemption from the bottom Frasersomething.

In the summer of 1912, everything went well and was a finished product in hand, or so it seemed. The company Hobbs New York, a manufacturer of machinery, automobile parts, got wind of the proposed change to the project by the five hundred and I wanted to revise the model, because they feared the new design does not work in vending machines.

Several months of dispute between changes Hobbs will take place, etc, etc. In December 1912 Fraser MacVeagh MacVeaghtired from the fair and ordered Fraser allowed to complete its work. 1912/early the end of 1913 models have been the death of Chief Engraver Charles Barber, who has supervised the preparation and minting of coins of the structure began in January 1913. And 'know that Barber, in an effort, which was unusual for him, while the part was replaced, the cooperative has become one who had designed and had little or no say in the new design.

Everything seemed fine until, somehow, a model of monetary policyfell into the hands of these people are Hobbs and design of future wars. Changes have been made, and the Mint Bureau agreed. The changes were, without compromising the artistic creativity and everything seemed Hobbs and once again met seemed that people were happy. Again it seemed. Even if the technician on-site should be noted that once seemed all in order, the office of engineer in New York has produced, Hobbs officials made a sudden U-turn. The company is now writtenMint, the latest model which is totally unacceptable and has a long list of other changes that also means that it produces.

Fraser MacVeagh complained to the circus-like atmosphere. MacVeagh more willing to accept and asked Mint Director Roberts, the thing still does, no matter the artist to do something else to pay. Roberts saw differently and ordered Fraser to the latest list of requirements Hobbs work. It was almost mid-February 1913had no end in sight. The artist once complained to the Treasury.

Finally, February 15, represent MacVeagh a final conference with all parties taking place in the final result MacVeagh to put an end to the problem and use the latest designs. Production began February 21, 1913, at a press conference the single currency at the Philadelphia Mint, nickel in an amount of 120 per minute, started to spin.

If the coins into circulation reaches the publicThe reactions are mixed. Although MacVeagh promised the nickel would be "very interesting and beautiful." The New York Times has condemned as a travesty "the artistic effect." Other critics said the play "rough" surfaces would encourage counterfeiters (I think, nickel), has a long way in that time. Unfortunately the biggest complaint is that the nickel-disease nor the Board had never been the inability to withstand the heavy use of nickel. A collector magazineblot provides that the date would bring the minimum, and the inclusion of five cents "incomprehensible". Even today, was found in circulation for only a month that went by the letters of the word "five cents on Buffalo Nickels. Words were the contour of the hill, stood the bison increases the spot. The oldest parts of the state cut of bison on a grassy hill. For the new version, engraver, Charles BarberTo make the base of the hill on a straight line. In addition, the words fell five cents to the circle, to protect them from wear.

Collectors knew immediately that the inscription was clearer. But the changes did not help when the other side of the coin. The excessive wear of the figures have continued to plague Buffalo Nickels. Barber minor changes in 1916, once again lowered the relief of head and strengthening the details, including the nose. In addition, writingFreedom of speech has been increased. Although the problem of time is now well known, in fact with all the amendments, a hairdresser, has never faced the problem of the day to make up quickly. It 'unfortunate that we now see all the games are played with the acid, etc., in order to restore the data. More information on the recovery of acid later. At the end of 1937, planning for the successor of the Buffalo nickel was in full swing, is the call 25 years would be the end of next year. It isreplaced by the third coin to bear a portrait of one of our presidents, Thomas Jefferson. The Jefferson nickel is currently in production.