Black Diamond (buffalo) facts for kids
Black Diamond was a famous male North American bison. He lived at the Central Park Menagerie, which is part of the Central Park Zoo in New York City. Many people believe he was the model for the famous United States buffalo nickel coin. This coin was first made in 1913 and was designed by a sculptor named James Earle Fraser.
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Black Diamond's Life at the Zoo
Black Diamond was born in 1893. His parents were a bull and a cow given to the zoo by the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was a very large animal, weighing about 1,550 pounds (around 700 kilograms). Because of his impressive size, he was a very popular attraction at the zoo. Many visitors loved to see him.
His Later Years and Sale
When Black Diamond was 22 years old, he became sick and had health problems. On June 28, 1915, he was put up for auction. However, no one wanted to buy him at the auction.
Later, he was sold privately for $300 to a company called A. Silz, Inc. This company dealt with game and poultry. Even though some people offered $1,000 to save him, their offers were not accepted. Black Diamond was slaughtered on November 17, 1915. His meat was sold, and his head was mounted by a taxidermist named Fred Santer. His hide was even turned into a large, fashionable blanket for cars.
The Buffalo Nickel Mystery
The idea that Black Diamond was the model for the buffalo nickel is a popular story. In 1952, George G. Goodwin, an expert from the American Museum of Natural History, wrote about Black Diamond. He said that the bison was "an excellent object for the artistic brush" and was "quite docile," making him a "perfect model."
However, the sculptor who designed the coin, James Earle Fraser, never actually said that Black Diamond was his specific model. The U.S. Bureau of the Mint, which makes coins, also has doubts. They believe Fraser was already very familiar with bison and might not have needed one specific animal as a model. So, while it's a great story, it remains a bit of a mystery!
Other Famous Appearances
Black Diamond is also believed to have been the model for the front side of the $10 U.S. Banknote from 1901. This shows how famous and recognizable he was during his time.
