The inspiration for the Buffalo Nickel design

1630Boston

James Earle Fraser
US Coin Designer and Engraver

James Earle Fraser was born on November 4, 1876 in the city of Winona, Minnesota. Thomas Fraser, his father, worked as an engineer during the time when the railroad was expanding through the Western frontier of America. Thomas was also one of the men who helped find and recover the remains of General Custer's 7th Cavalry who had been defeated by the Native Americans in famous Battle of Little Bighorn. James Fraser was raised in the frontier and among the Sioux Indians and other Native Americans. Minnesota at that time was part of the Western Frontier of America where James witnessed the life and fall of the American Bison of the prairies and the Native tribes being forced westward or onto Indian reservations.

Portrait of James Earle Fraser - Designer of the Buffalo Nickel (or Indian Head Nickel).

At a young age, James Fraser began learning the art of sculpting and crafted carvings from rocks of limestone found near his home around Mitchell, South Dakota. Later on in 1890, at the age of 14, Fraser took up classes at the Art Institute of Chicago, which helped him gain more experience. At the age of 18, his first iconic and major work of art turned out to be one of his most famous, now known around the world as the "The End of the Trail" sculpture. The symbolism and meaning of this statue was very deep and powerful. It represented the end of the trail for many proud Indian warriors who fought until exhaustion to protect their people and way of life during the time of Exposition and westward expansion of the United States.

"The End of the Trail" sculpture designed by James Fraser, which propelled him into fame.

Design of James Fraser's original Mount Type I Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel.

The first reviews of the coins by The Numismatist and The New York Times were not that good. They complained that they did not look very good when they were brand new and shiny and would be terrible after they become dull and worn out. The Numismatist recommended that the Indian head be shrunken and that the Buffalo be removed. Charles Barber, the Chief Engraver, reported that the dies were being worn out three times faster than the old nickels. He suggested that the "FIVE CENTS" on the bottom of the coin be enlarged and that the mound or hill be removed. Fraser approved the changes during that first month of production and the new Line Type II Buffalo Nickel was produced, which had the "FIVE CENTS" below the mound on the reverse of the coin. Unfortunately, the dies actually broke down even faster with the new changes. Although, this successful design would be used until 1938, the final year that the Buffalo nickel was minted.

Design of James Fraser's original Line Type II Buffalo Nickel.

The inspiration for the buffalo itself on the coin, came from "Black Diamond", which as an actual buffalo that was displayed at the New York Central Park Zoological Garden. This buffalo would become an American symbol, an animal exclusive to the United States. After the nickel was minted in 1913, the endangered buffalo population began a strong recovery. The Indian head on the obverse was also inspired by real Indian people, but it was not a portrait of one individual. Instead, Fraser said it was a combination of about 3 different Native Americans that produced a "type" image rather than a portrait. The Indians he used were Chief Iron Tail of the Sioux Tribe, Big Tree of Kiowa and Two Moons of Cheyenne. Fraser stated that Chief Iron Tail was the best Indian head for his designs. Chief John Big Tree was known as being the inspiration for James Fraser's "End of the Trail" sculpture, and Chief Two Moons was one of the Chiefs who fought in the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Photo of Chief Iron Tail - Largest inspiration for the Indian head on the Buffalo Nickel.

Photo of Chief Two Moons - Inspiration for the Indian head on the Buffalo Nickel.
more info here from usacoinbook if interested https://www.usacoinbook.com/encyclopedia/coin-designers/james-earle-fraser/

ricko

@1630Boston ... Thanks for a very interesting biopic of James Earl Fraser. I knew parts of this, but nice to read it all together as you presented. Cheers, RickO

BuffaloIronTail

A nicely put together and informative article! I always liked the "End of the Trail" sculpture and it opened my eyes to the plight of the Native American Indian and the American Bison (Buffalo).

The symbolism represented on the coin and the sculpture are outstanding.

Pete

BuffaloIronTail

Pete

1630Boston

@BuffaloIronTail said:
A nicely put together and informative article!

.
I cannot take credit for the article, only for reposting it here
I thought others would like to read it.
boston

johnny9434

thats still a fun thing to read. many thanks for that

nwcoast

Thank you for posting and sharing.
It’s been awhile since I read this material and had it presented all in one place.
A sensitive and great artist, man and design.
One of my very favorite coins of all time.
Those early critics were once again- WRONG.

Type2

Yes just like above it’s nice to see it all together, his work is very nice love the Buffalo nickel pic, they should put the end of the trail Indian on a nickel and do the 4 pice set again in gold and silver. Wow that would be nice.

FlyingAl

Very informative and a good read! Thanks for posting this!

Cakes

Thank you, awesome stuff. I will remember Chief Iron Tail!

oih82w8

Great American classic design! Look out for those backwards nickels!

https://www.coinworld.com/news/precious-metals/coins-star-on-television-like-the-andy-griffith-show.html