The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 20, May 15, 2005, Article 10

FRASER'S AMERICAN INDIAN MODELS

Roger Burdette writes: "Regarding comments about the models
for the native American on the Buffalo nickel, Fraser's list of
models varied somewhat over the years, as did his recollection
of many events. The earliest directly nickel-related sculpting
was in 1910 when Fraser produced a portrait bust that closely
resembles several versions of the nickel portrait. Nearly all of
Fraser's design work on the nickel was completed in September
1911. Minor refinements led to what was supposed to be the
final models in August 1912. Had it not been for Clarence
Hobbs and associates, the new nickel might have been dated
1912. (However, then we would have no 1913 Liberty nickels
to obsess about!) As with any coinage portrait, Fraser's native
American is a composite of several individuals plus the artist's
idealizations. Readers may also be interested to know that Bela
Pratt's native American on the $5 gold coin of 1908 was done
from a photograph, not a living model, and was significantly
modified by mint Engraver Charles Barber with approval from
Mint Director Leach."

[Hobbs Manufacturing, a producer of slot machines, protested
the proposed nickel's high relief, delaying the introduction of
the coin. -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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